Desperate to maintain distance between us, I withdrew. But I knew she was right. I glanced up at the people all around us, then focused back on Aislin. “I don’t want to talk about it here.”

“Okay. Let’s go back inside then,” said Aislin.

I stalled, untrusting.

“I promise we’re not going to pull something shady on you. Like, shit. You’re Muriel’s daughter. We love Muriel. We want the best for her—and for you.”

Narrowing my eyes, I gauged the sincerity in her voice. I ...