Page 92 of The Broken Note

A yawn cracks my jaw and makes my words mush together. “With what money?”

“I have some money.”

My eyebrows jump.

“Natasha Bombarch threw a party, so I got a few more makeup gigs than usual.” Viola raises both hands in a placating motion. “I saved one-third of the money like you told me, but there’s enough left over to do something fun.”

“Why don’t you go and do something fun with your own friends?”

“Because I want to do something with you.” She goes still and pulls her knees up to her chest. “Ever since mom came back, it feels like I’m living in a different world.”

My heart tugs guiltily. “I know. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry.” She sighs. “I’m the one who’s sorry. You were right about everything. I don’t think I could have lived with those secrets mom forced you to keep.” Viola looks contemplative. “I think I forgot what she was like. Or maybe I wanted her to be different this time? But nothing’s changed. She came back to us for a day, probably to steal something, and we haven’t seen her again. It’s been almost three days and she hasn’t even called.”

My eyes fall to the mattress. I tug at one of the threads that came undone.

“I was wrong about mom, but I still don’t think you should do everything on your own. I really do want to help.” Viola shuffles toward me. “Not just today. With everything.”

“Why don’t you help by letting me sleep, missy?” I tap her nose.

“I’m serious, Cadey. I can do more to pitch in. That video I posted with The Kings is going viral. I qualify for monetization now. That means I’ll get paid for views in the future.”

“That’s great, Vi.” I feel awful for not noticing that her channel was improving. My life has been such a tornado of setbacks that, in the chaos, my sister got left behind.

I lift my chin. “You know what? You’re right. Just because mom disappeared and our lives are in this weird limbo, it doesn’t mean we should stop living.”

Viola brightens. “You’re coming with me?”

“Sure. Just let me get dressed.”

Viola pumps a fist, looking way too excited for, what will probably be, a one hour trip to the bowling alley and maybe some fried onion rings. But if she’s happy, so am I.

After my shower, I feel a little brighter.

“I’m ready,” I say, sliding my purse over my head and stepping into the living room.

My sister pulls a disgusted face. “Cadey, what are you wearing?”

“My bowling outfit,” I say, pointing to my oversized T-shirt, jeans and scuffed sneakers. “It’s comfortable.”

Viola’s eyes look panicked. “I don’t want comfortable! I said ‘cozy chic’!”

“This is cozy.” I tug on the large grey sleeve. At her horrified response, I get a little sheepish. “Isn’t it?”

“Come with me.” Viola grabs my hand and marches into her room.

After tossing almost twenty dresses on the bed, she finally decides on a short, flowy dress with flower patterns. “Here. Pair it with this jacket.” She slaps a cream-colored jean jacket at me. “It’ll be super cute.”

“Isn’t this a little much for—”

“Wear. It!”

“Okay. Okay. Calm down.” I scrunch my nose at her. Her intensity is starting to remind me of Dutch. Maybe I shouldn’t let her hang around The Kings anymore. She’s getting pushy.

“This way.” Viola motions to me.

I frown at her. “What are you doing?”