LILA.

“She’s going to puke on your shoes if you don’t get her off that counter.”

Mia’s laugh cracked across the kitchen. Vodka ran down her chin and into the cheap sash. I had her hair in one fist and a wet paper towel in the other.

Adrian’s voice came from the doorway, low and even.

“I’ll take her.”

I looked up.

He filled the frame like the party had been waiting for him. Charcoal suit, no tie, watch face catching the overhead light. Forty-something and ice-cold. He didn’t look at his daughter first. He looked at me.

Mia sagged against my shoulder.

“Daddy, you’re the best. Take Lila too....