“Alicia, can I talk to you?”
I look up from the book I’ve been reading. Kayla’s standing in the door to my room, and the expression on her face immediately clues me in to the fact that this is going to be a serious talk. My always carefree, fun-loving sister looks like she’s just been given terrible news.
Obviously, I’m alarmed. “What’s wrong?” I demand. “Is it Dad? Is he okay?”
“No, no,” she says quickly. “Dad’s fine. Everything’s fine. It’s just… well, I had a question about… about Emmy.”
“Is she okay?” My heart races. I’ve been expecting Emmy’s first shift any day now. If it happened last night while I was out getting laid, I’m going to feel like a shit mother.
I get to my feet and go over to the playpen, crouching down beside it to examine her.
Emmy stares back at me. “Hi, Mama.”
“Hey, baby.” I do my best to keep my voice even, but I don’t think I’m that successful. I pick her up and carry her back over to the bed. I always feel better when I have her close.