Page 94 of Breaking Point
GRAYSON
Kieran ate all my food so I had to order takeout. Can confirm that it’s horrible compared toyour cooking.
Before I can judge myself or think about it, I quickly save the image he sent.
BELLA
I’m sure it’s not THAT bad
His response is instant. Any lingering worries I had about upsetting this giant golden retriever of a man fade away as I read the text.
GRAYSON
I put it outside. Even the ants are running in the other direction
BELLA
Making offerings to your people?
GRAYSON
are you saying I’m small?
BELLA
You know you’re not small
GRAYSON
do I though?
you’ve given me a complex now
you have to fix what you broke
“Bella?”
My head snaps up at my mother’s voice. “Hmm?” I ask.
Her eyes feel like they’re peering into my soul. “Who’s got you smiling like that?”
Layla rounds the corner with wide eyes at hearing my mom’s question.
I stutter, “O-oh nothing! Just a funny meme.” Speedwalking past them, I throw over my shoulder, “Let’s get this documentary started!”
The one thing my mom always knew growing up was when I liked someone. It was as if she were a sniffer dog at an airport and I was a grenade. She would know before I knew, and that’s why when she keeps looking at me out of the corner of her eye and smiling to herself, I find myself panicking.
The end credits roll for the second documentary we’ve watched tonight, and I can feel Layla’s gaze searing a hole into the side of my head. Along with my buzzing phone from the dozens of text messages she’s no doubt furiously typed away at me to hurry up and tell my mom before she explodes.
My mom has always had a pull over Layla. She’s never been able to keep things from her for long. My mom is like her second mother, and vice versa.
“Is someone going to talk?” my mom suddenly asks.
I sit upright. “Talk about what?”
“Whatever it is Layla is texting you to tell me.”
My brows furrow. “How?” My head snaps to Layla. “Did you tell her?”
