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I slam into her, and she squeezes me hard. I ask, "What are you doing here?"

"Coming to the races with you." She releases me and looks me over. "Also checking whether you've completely lost your mind over your baby daddy."

"I have not lost my mind."

"Mm-hmm."

"Why does everybody keep making that sound?"

"Because you're clearly lying to yourself. You disappeared on me."

I wince. "Crap. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. Although I should kill you for leaving me alone with two douchebags and a drunk floozy. But sounds like things are good between you two again?" she cautiously asks.

Once again, the flush on my cheeks gives me away. "Yeah."

"Oh jeez. You're glowing. I need details."

"Carla?" Mama shouts.

Carla spins. "Lorraine!"

They meet each other halfway in a big hug.

Mason steps out carrying one end of a folded crib. He stops dead.

Carla catches him in the corner of her eye and stiffens.

Great.

His entire expression changes. "Carla."

She holds up one hand before he can take another step. "I'm here to see my bestie. Not you."

His jaw tightens.

Mama narrows her eyes on him.

"Carla, can I just⁠—"

"No."

"She doesn't seem to want to talk to you," Mama interjects.

"I just⁠—"

"Save it! And let me save you some more time. I'll never be here to see you, Mason. So back off," Carla firmly declares.

For a second, I almost feel bad for him. His expression explodes into a mix of regret and hurt. But then he quickly recovers. He mutters, "Whatever." He turns and carries the crib toward Jagger's house.

Mama asks, "What was that about?"

Carla watches Mason go and turns to Mama with a smile. She swats her hand like it's no big deal and chirps, "Nothing. You know how annoying he is. Anyway, I'm glad I got to see you."

Mama doesn't look like she believes her, but she lets it slide. They talk for a few minutes, then I tear Carla away and lead her to Jagger's house.

As soon as we're out of Mama's earshot, I ask, "You okay?"