Page 122 of The Rules of Dating

“They’re very loving toward each other. But given that I’m mainly here with Saylor, I can’t say I spend a lot of time with them.”

Richard scratched his chin. “I suppose that’s a good point.”

“Their lives aren’t really any of my business,” I added.

He wrote something down. “Where did they go today?”

“I don’t typically ask them where they’re going. But it was a day-date…for leisure.”

He arched a brow. “You said it’s okay if I wait for them to return?”

“Sure. I don’t mind,” I said, feigning a lax attitude. “Can I get you anything to drink? A juice box? Some Goldfish?”

He laughed. “I’m good, thanks. Although if my ten-year-old were here, he’d be champing at the bit for some Goldfish.”

Richard began wandering the space. There weren’t any photos out. Nothing incriminating one way or the other that I could see. I prayed he didn’t ask to go into Colby’s bedroom. When he finally stopped walking around and took a seat on the couch, I used the opportunity to go check on Saylor.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’m just going to check on her again—make sure she’s okay and doesn’t need anything.”

“Go right on ahead.” He smiled.

I slowly opened her bedroom door and closed it behind me. “How’s it going, Saylor?”

She waved her little hand. “Hi.”

She was being so good, with her dolls seated at the little table. I wanted to cry. Such an innocent scene in the midst of this horrid drama.

She looked so proud. “We’re having a tea party.”

“Wow. I can see that. What a nice spread you have set up.”

“Can I come out now?”

My heart felt like it was breaking. “No, honey. Not yet. I just wanted to check on you and let you know I really appreciate you being such a good girl. If you need anything, just yell for me, okay?”

Her tone was morose. “Okay.”

I fucking hate this.

A few seconds after I returned to the living room, the front door opened and Colby walked in—with Maya. As much as I hated having to see her, I breathed out a sigh of relief.

Maya promptly put her arm around him. And now I felt like I was going to be sick.

“What’s going on here? Can I help you?” Colby asked the guy, playing dumb.

I answered before Richard could get the words out. “Mr. Lennon, this is Officer Richard Weber with Immigration? I told him he could wait here for you guys.”

“I’m just here for a routine visit,” the officer said. “I was hoping we could talk for a bit.”

“Of course.” Maya put on her best fake smile. She then turned to me. “How’s Saylor feeling?”

“She’s still not feeling great. But no worse than when you left.”

She pouted. “Poor baby.”

I shot quick daggers at Maya. Hopefully the man didn’t notice.

“Where were you two coming from?” he asked them.