I take one last steadying breath and walk through the door leading me to my parents. They are all walking to the couch, obviously having had pleasantries in the foyer, and my mother smiles widely at me and then turns and squints at Arrick.

“Interesting shade of lipstick you’re wearing.” She smiles. I glance at her, wondering why she would think my coral lipstick was odd as she bought it for me. I then realize she’s rubbing a thumb on Arrick’s neck, and I die a little. Heart ...