Izzy pursed her lips. “Does this have something to do with that bitch trying to take Millie away from her?”
It wasn’t my place to spill Kate’s secrets. She could tell her family if, or when, she was ready.
“All I can tell you is, your sister means a lot to me. Is it sudden? I don’t think so. Somewhere deep down, I’ve always known I had feelings for her. I was too lost to recognize it for what it was.”
Izzy made a noise again as she closed the distance between us. Tilting her head, she pinned me with another mighty glare. “Don’t hurt them. If my sister not only allowed you to touch her, but she trusts you with Millie too, her feelings are involved. So if you don’t feel the same, please walk away before she’s in too deep.”
I held her stare. “I’m not going anywhere.”
After studying me for a few moments, she nodded once then marched into the school. I silently followed and stood to the side when she talked to the teacher and signed Millie out.
The instant Millie spotted me, her little face lit up with a smile. So big, so beautiful, the warmth of it slipped between my ribs and curled tightly around my heart.
I wiggled my fingers in a wave. “Hey, princess.”
She didn’t wave back. When she reached me, she wrapped her arms around my legs. An unfamiliar sting worked its way up my throat. I tried to push it down but the more I swallowed, the hotter it burned. Finally, when I couldn’t take it anymore, I dropped to one knee and held her against my chest.
“Where’s Kate?” she asked. Her voice wobbled, and I couldn’t even imagine what terrors ran through her mind.
“She’s a bit sick, so she asked me to come get you.” I pulled out of the hug to look at her. “How do you feel about having a sleepover at my place?”
Millie’s brow wrinkled as she thought about my question. “Kate’s okay?”
“Yeah, princess.”
“Promise?”
“Promise,” I reassured her once more.
Eyes trained on me, she stared with a scary intensity for a six-year-old. I was certain she was going to ask me if Kate was all right again.
“Do you have a TV?”
“I do.” I leaned in to whisper, “It’s bigger than the one at Kate’s apartment.”
Her eyes widened. “It is?” When I nodded, she eagerly added, “Can I watch anything I like on it?”
“You sure can.”
If it were any other kid, I probably wouldn’t have agreed so easily. But I knew the only thing Millie was interested in watching was seven Korean guys jumping and dancing to upbeat music I had no hope of understanding.
“Okay.” She clapped excitedly. “I like sleepovers.”
I hadn’t noticed Izzy watching us until I straightened and took Millie’s hand. The look she gave me reminded me a lot of her father’s expression when I’d taken Millie for a swing.
The same discomfort I’d felt then crawled over my skin.
“Izzy, we’re having a sleepover,” Millie squealed from beside me.
“How fun,” Izzy said, ruffling Millie’s hair as she fell into step beside us. “I hope you have the best time.” To me, she said, “Kate likes Korean chicken soup. Especially when she’s not feeling well.”
Did the scary one just turn into an ally? I sure as shit hoped so.
“Thank you,” I told her when we were on the sidewalk. “You’re welcome to join us for dinner, even if it’s just to see for yourself how Kate’s doing.”
Izzy watched a car pass by before shifting her attention to me. “It’s okay. I trust you’ll take good care of them.” Bending down, she kissed Millie’s cheek. “Love you.”
With that she straightened and headed to her car.
