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“Okay,” Winston says, clearly disappointed

He only cheers up when both Stevie and I close in for a big squishy hug

Laughing, we separate

After Winston’s ran outside ahead, Stevie goes to the bathroom My mom pauses at the door

“Clayton?”

There’s a strange look on her face So betorry and fear

“What is it?” I ask

She strides up to me so that I’m the only one who can hear whatever she’s about to say

“That babysitter of yours…”

Her expression twists with uncertainty

“I’m pretty sure that’s Helena’s sister”

I stare at her, her words banging on the outside of my head They just don’t compute

“You’re wrong,” I say quickly, “Helena was estranged fro that she even had a sister”

But my mom shakes her head with more certainty this time

“I saw theether I don’t remember when, and I don’t remember where I just did,” she says firmly

“You must be mistaken,” I say, more forcefully this time, “Stevie responded to an online ad for a babysitter I would have known if she was Helena’s sister”

“I knohat I saw,”with conviction

We stare each other down for a few seconds, before my mom makes for the door She throws a half-hearted s more happily than her smile had been

“See you later”

“Bye,” is all I say

I glare at the door for a few seconds before turning away My o and intrude on an otherwise good day? I should knoell as anyone that Moreatest at re up my favorite color with s And yet, that was so she often admitted freely Why be so certain now?

I frown Maybe she sensed the ches Well, she’s too late Things have already gone much further than they should

“Hey”

It’s Stevie Back fro a nice dress, all flowy and peach She ed into after we’d fucked at her place So I didn’t notice before

“So, I don’t really need your services in the nanny department Sounds like my mom has plans with Winston that will take up most of the day,” I say

As her face falls, I add, “But I have a better idea”

She bites her lip, scratching at her neck