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I pace on the grass circling a fenced in play area. A few kids dig in the sand, the girls making castles with buckets and water, love and care. The boys race around like their hair is on fire. I check my texts.

Madame M: Are you feeling better?

Evie: Getting there TY.

Evie: Chicken soup and Vit C.

Madame M: Glad you took my recommendations.

Evie: Of course.

Madame M: I have a new client for you.

Madame M: You’re not contagious anymore -- right?

My throat dries up and I hack. Um…

Evie: Still coughing…

Madame: I’ll send him to someone else. Heal up.

Evie: TY.

Madame: How much longer do you think?

Evie: Soon.

I sigh and scroll.

Amelia: Victoria and I are hitting a club tonight.

Amelia: Join us.

Evie: Sorry. Can’t.

Amelia: Mom?

Evie: No.

Amelia: A date?

A door slams and I startle. Dylan exits our motel room. He’s wearing a white shirt, open a few buttons and charcoal dress trousers. He’s a panty melter for sure and I bite my lip.

Evie: Nope. I’ve fighting off a cold.

Amelia: You need anything?

He moves toward me like a guy appearing out of a mirage in a desert in a cheesy movie. Inside my ribcage my heart rattles about and my knees go a little weak.

“Happy?” He asks.

“You’re super hot when you’re pumped, Rocky.”

I text back while I’m still able to feel my fingers.

Evie: Thanks for the offer but I’m good.

Amelia: Change your mind and we can drop it off on the way out.

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