I nodded mutely, unable to continue the lie. I knew it was up, but I couldn't quite let it go...

"What were you talking about?"

"Lots of stuff," Hailey said, trying to help me out when I didn't answer, but Eliza's grin only grew.

"Were you talking about whatever disaster befell your bed?"

Mama Aira groaned. She, too, was used to Eliza seeing through her attempts at lying. "Look, Mama, I'm sorry," she started to say, but Mama Eliza lifted her arm and waved away the apology.

"Oh, hush. Y'all don't need to lie to me, you know. I really don't care what you get up to; I'm just frustrated...