I opened the oven, warm air washing over my face, and carefully placed the cake inside. The rack slid in smoothly, the door closing with a soft thump.
"That's it," Jasmine said. "Now we wait."
The oven light glowed softly, the cake just beginning its slow rise. And for the first time all day, everything felt calm. Huh… never thought baking a simple cake would be this… fun.
My phone buzzed in my pocket.
I pulled it out and checked the screen—Ivy. Shit. My chest tightened immediately. She was calling again. And this early? It had to be about her mother. About Delilah.
I exhaled slowly and turned the phone so Delilah could see the name. She mirrored my reaction, dragging a hand down her face before pressing her palm to her forehead. Yeah, this sucked. A lot.
"What should I say to her?" I asked quietly.
"Just…" Delilah sighed, eyes drifting away. "Tell her you don't know anything. If she asks about me. If not—zip it."
"Alright." I nodded. "Excuse me."
"Mm."
