Page 126 of Flawed

"Okay, you two are freaking me out," Zara blurts out.

Pina turns to me. "You can't even see anything. It's just all legs."

I laugh uncomfortably. "Just all legs?" The thought of anybody looking at my daughter worries me.

To my surprise, Zara stays quiet. In the past, she'd argue with me. But it's another sign that some things have changed. I'm unsure how long they'll stay like this, but I'll take it as a win.

And I need to give her a win, too.

Zara tilts her head. "Mom, why am I doing this when you're not going to let me get this?"

I cave. "You can get it."

Zara's eyes widen in disbelief. "Really?"

"Yes, this one time. Don't get used to it or throw it in my face during future shopping trips," I warn.

"I won't!" Zara jumps up and throws her arms around me. "Thanks, Mom. I love it."

I squeeze her tight. "You look really nice. But seriously, Zara. I don't want you wearing a ton of dresses like this. This is a one-off, okay?"

"Okay, thanks!" Zara's phone buzzes. She pulls it out of her jeans pocket and glances at it. She bites her lip and looks at me.

"What?"

"Grace and her cousin Amy are here," Zara declares.

"And?" I ask.

"They're going to the movies. Can I go with them? They're a block away," she informs.

"And leave us cool people?" Pina teases in an offended voice.

Zara winces. "I'm sorry. Are you going to be mad at me?"

"No, of course not, darling." Pina hugs her.

"So can I go, Mom?" Zara questions again.

"You can, but I'll text my driver. He takes you there and back home. No exceptions," I state. Since Pina's abduction, I feel I need an extra layer of security on Zara. I never did in the past, but everything feels more heightened. And I think she feels more comfortable, too.

She doesn't argue. "Okay. Thanks!" She texts her friends and declares, "They're two stores away."

"You stay inside the shop until the driver comes," I order.

"I will!" Zara hugs me. I unzip her. She throws her jeans and T-shirt on then bounces out of the dressing room.

Pina smiles. "Good decision on the dress and letting her go hang out with her friends."

"No thanks to you on the dress," I reply, but I'm not angry.

Pina smirks. "It was a good decision. Are you going to try those on?" She points to my dresses.

"Yes." I try on the black dress and love it. I put my clothes back on, and Pina and I pay for our items.

We finish checking out, and she asks, "Want to get some coffee?"

"That would be great," I state. We wait for my driver with Zara and her friends. Once they're safely inside the car, Pina and I walk down the street to the coffee shop.

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