“She won’t hear it from me.”
Mia nodded. “She was only supposed to take the baby for a few days. I’m working doubles this week. Once I get paid, I’ll have enough for the deposit on a room.”
“And after that?”
“I’ll take my daughter back. Sophie wasn’t raising her for me. I just needed somewhere safe until I got paid.”
I looked at her chapped hands and thought of Daniel.
“Mia, two teenagers shouldn’t have to carry this alone. Come home with me.”
“You and your daughter. No conditions.”
Her expression changed immediately. “No.”
“Mia…”
“You don’t understand.” She stood and grabbed her phone from the bed. “If Laura finds out where I am, she’ll come. And if she finds out where my daughter is…”
“She won’t hear it from me.”
Mia gave a short, bitter laugh. “You’re her mother. Of course you’d say that.”
I leave you my number and go home.
