“Adeline...” I let out a sigh of relief. “How are you?”
“I’m really good, Miss Jane!” She beams. “Well, kinda...”
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m getting ready for the season opening recital at my new school,” she says. “And I have to practice way longer than usual.”
New school?“Have you talked to your dad?” I can’t help but ask.
“Yeah, I just got off the phone with him.”
“You were able to talk to him on his real cell phone?”
“Yeah…”
“So, he’s at home?”
“He’s on another business trip.” She pauses.
“You’re being really weird, Miss Jane. Are you alright?”
No.“I’m glad to hear your dad’s okay and you’re okay. I need to go.”
“Wait, please. I need a favor. You said I could ask for it anytime after helping you with your gala dress.”
“I did say that.” I nod. “What is it?”
“Can you come to my new school for my recital tomorrow?”
“What?”
“Please,” she says. “I really want you to come.”
“Adeline, that’s…” I hold back a sigh. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m sure your dad?—”
“I can’t tell him about this one, and he wouldn’t understand.”
“Why not?”
“It’s the symposium for mothers and daughters,” she says.
“I see…”
“I never participated in them in London—since I’d just fly home to get out of it, but I want to this time… I’ll be the only one there without a mom, and…” Her voice trails off. “Please. You can go right after my solo, but please. I’ll never ask you for anything else.”
“I’m not sure I could even get to you on time if it’s tomorrow,” I say. “I’m not even in Seattle anymore—I’d have to leave tonight.”
“I know.” There’s sadness in her voice.
“You’re back with your parents.”
“Your dad told you that?”
She doesn’t answer.
Her silence is an answer.
Just like that, the dread comes rushing back.
