FORTY TWO

MAY

There was barely a moment to catch my breath when another message appeared on my screen, causing my stomach to plummet as I quickly scanned its contents. "Was this the work of that crazy app?" My mother was not one to leave things in the dark. I had unknowingly given her a clue that connected to my current predicament. I knew she would dig into it, especially if it involved Snuggle. If she could associate Snuggle with the app, it meant she already knew a lot about them.

Edmond noticed the change in my reaction and inquired, "Is that Snuggle?"

"No," I replied, showing Edmond my phone. "It's even worse. My mom is in town."

"Oh, she sounds angry," Edmond mused. "I can drive you."

"No," I refused. "I think I should handle this alone. I don't want my mom to cause a scene in my neighborhood. I may not be popular, but I don't want to become the subject of gossip once all of this is over and I return home."

"Okay then," Edmond gave me a wry smile before planting a kiss on my cheek and lea