Talk Back

VIVIENNE

I couldn’t help myself anymore and as I stood in the corner of the living room, I quickly tapped out a message to Ezekiel, making sure no one noticed.

‘Your parents are here. At my house. Please come ASAP,’ I typed, my fingers moving fast over the screen. I hit send, then tucked my phone away and took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.

What a way to have your day ruined!

I focused my attention back on the kids being bothered by their grandparents.

Emily and Leonardo were sitting with the kids, trying their best to be friendly, but it felt forced—at least to me. Vince was sitting quietly, keeping a bit of distance, as usual. Vera, however, was happily playing with the new doll Piper had given her, obviously unaware of the tension steaming in the room.

“Isn’t she pretty, Grandma?” Vera said, holding up the doll to show Emily. Her face was lit up with excitement, and I could see how much she loved the gift from Piper.

Emily glanced at the doll, her nose wrinkling slight