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But she understood Auntie’s concern.

“Of course. I promise.”

“You’ll protect your heart?”

After a moment of reflection, Tessa said, “I promise.”

She wanted to cry and didn’t fully understand why.

But it sure felt like she was lying to Auntie.

Chapter Fifteen

Tessa was happy to meet up with Iris, Cami, Lana, Samantha, and Annika.

Along the way, they found Charley, a woman Iris and the girls were already friends with. They introduced Tessa.

“I like your name,” Tessa told her as they sat up in the tower, on one of the platforms near the top.

From up there, they had a great view of the playground and the surrounding area.

Tessa could see Damon sitting on one of the benches at the edge of the playground, trapped next to Max Arden, who appeared to be talking to him nonstop.

That’s just what every man wants, Tessa thought. Their ex’s new boyfriend sitting right by them, chatting away like nothing is weird about the situation.

“Thanks,” Charley said, snapping Tessa from her thoughts. “I was named after Charlie Chaplin. My parents are both huge old-time comedy fans.”

Tessa remembered what she’d said about her name and added, “That’s cool! Were you raised around here?”

“Yeah. My parents both wanted jobs in the movies. My dad is a film archivist and my mom edits a film journal. So, I guess they’re kind of working in the industry.”

“Hey, that’s awesome!” Tessa told her. “I’m going to work in a studio. I love that behind-the-scenes stuff.”

“You okay today, Charley? You seem kind of down,” Iris said.

“Yeah. Sorry. I just had a weird encounter with a guy down there who was kind of rude to me.”

“Rude? Who was that?” Cami asked.

“He’s right there. Talking to Damon Drake.” Charley pointed down.

“Max Arden!” Tessa said. “What did he do?”

Charley looked a bit embarrassed as she explained. “Times are sort of lean right now, but I’ve been putting five dollars back from every paycheck, saving for a new dart gun. Some of the local Littles have a gunfight every month. I’ve been going because people bring extras and are always happy to share.

“Anyway, I had to count out change to get the last little bit, and that guy walked by and made some rude comment about, ‘Don’t they have an income level to get into this place’ or something like that.” She frowned. “It really hurt my feelings.”

Tessa was angry now. She placed her hand on Charley’s. “I’m sorry you went through that, friend. That’s not okay.”

“It sure isn’t!” Cami said.

“Makes my blood boil,” Lana added.

“I’m sensitive to that stuff,” Annika said. “And I know firsthand how much it hurts. I’m sorry, Charley.”

The group sat in silence for a moment. Tessa reflected on what she’d just heard. Some people could just be plain mean.

She scanned the scene below and her eyes landed on Max as he still talked to Damon.