Page 79 of Sins of Innocence

Wraith: Lily thinks Neeve should come.

Áine: You talked to Lily?! 😮

Wraith: Yes.

Áine: Without a parent present? 😧 You can't do that!

Wraith: Her dad was there.

Áine: Oh. Good. 👍🙃

Wraith: Have you ever met an emoji you didn't like?

Áine: Until this morning I wasn't so keen on 🍆 but since you made me 💦 I'm changing my 🎶

Wraith: We didn't get to the 🍆 part of show and tell.

Áine: Can't wait!

Wraith: Tease me at your peril, baby girl.

Áine: Who says I'm teasing?

Wraith: Tonight 🔥🛏️🍆🍑💦

Left on read.

Wraith's thoughts: 😈

Chapter fifteen

Million Dollar Shoppers

ÁINE

"What's wrong?" Ellie demands. "You dropped your phone into your purse like it's a hot potato and you're about to lose your seat in the party circle."

"I'm the mom. Shouldn't I be the one using children's party similes?" I tease, trying get my breath back after reading Kieran's last text.

"Maybe if I hadn't spent last weekend playing hot potato with Joy so she could, and I kid you not, train for her friend's upcoming birthday party." Ellie grabs a pair of Joy-sized bright yellow overalls from the rack beside the children's changing rooms.

All three girls want to try on every single outfit and get their aunt and mom's opinion, not to mention each other's. They're so excited about this trip.

When we arrived at the first store, Ellie brandished a black credit card and said, "The boss wants you all outfitted like the princesses he thinks you are. The only limit is how much you can fit in the new suitcases we're buying today."

The girls overrode my objections with squeals of delight and even my mom got a certain gleam in her eye when Ellie said, "You too, Mama Mo."

"Joy will love those." I indicate the yellow overalls.

"She sure will. Now spill. What's got you looking so discombobulated and blushing like a virgin on her wedding night?"

I choke on my own breath and start coughing. That simile way too on point.

Ellie hangs the overalls back on the rack and makes a quick grab for my purse. "I need to see what's thrown you so badly."

I squawk and try to yank it away from her, but Ellie isn't just good on computers. She's got all sorts of questionable skills she diligently learned in our teens. Like pickpocketing.

My phone is in her hand even though I've now got my purse tucked protectively against my chest.