RIVER
Mrs. Wilson’s question hung in the air, and my lips parted, but no words came out. I stared at her, caught between silence and confession, my heart racing with every second that passed as I couldn’t decide whether to admit to having slept at my place or not.
She spoke again, her voice softer this time, almost like she was pleading with me. “Lexi, please. Tell me the truth. I promise I won’t be angry. Just… be honest with me.”
My stomach twisted, and she leaned forward, her eyes still fixed on me.
“You told me you spent the night at Paige’s, only for me to find out that you and Paige aren’t even talking. You didn’t even tell me about that. You didn’t tell me she said those awful things about you. Please stop this, whatever it is. I’m your mother, and I’m worried about you. Just
