Page 125 of Vain

“No. He’s not. But don’t let who he became undo all those memories you have with that man he once was. “

“I’m not sure that’s possible.”

“I know.” I look around as people mill about and say their goodbyes before I look down into Tilly’s bloodshot eyes. “Are you ready to get out of here?”

“So ready.”

Epilogue

MATILDA

“Do you think you’ll need anything else?” I ask Zoe as I stare into our overflowing basket.

“Milk Duds. I don’t think you can have a movie sleepover without Milk Duds, right?”

“I didn’t go to any sleepovers when I was a kid,” I tell her, crouching in front of her.

“This is my first one,” she admits.

“I know. That makes it special. I can see you’re nervous. But I bet Mia is even more nervous than you are.”

“Really? Why?”

“Because you’re older than she is. You’re funny and smart and she looks up to you. She gets to brag to all her friends that she has an awesome friend in the fourth grade.”

“You think?”

“Zoe, you’re the coolest kid I know.”

“You have to say that. You’re my next-gen mom.”

My stomach flutters when she calls me that. There isn’t a single second I’ll ever take it for granted.

“Next-gen?” I laugh.

“My other mom was the OG. She was pretty awesome. She’d have really liked you. She loved your movies.”

“I’d have liked her too. She had to be pretty spectacular to make someone as wonderful as you.”

She grins shyly, ducking her head. “Maybe we could have a sleepover when you get back? I’ll know how it all works then,” she suggests, sounding so grown up that it gives me a lump in my throat.

“I’d love that. We can camp out in the front room and have pizza and snacks. And you can invite whoever you want.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“What’s this? I see a princess and a movie star in their natural habitat, which, of course, is the candy aisle.” I look behind me and spot Banner and Felix heading our way.

“You’re so silly, Uncle Felix.”

He winks at her before scooping her into his arms and snatching the basket off me. “I am a professional sleepover…er.”

I snort at that as Banner murmurs under his breath, “No lies detected there.”

“I’ve gotta leave to get ready soon, Felix,” I call out, knowing what these guys are like when they get their hands on my kid.

“Is your bag all packed?” he asks Zoe, who nods. “I just have to add my snacks.”