Chapter 77
I watched the direction Adam's car had driven off, then turned my head. "You brought Amy back to the estate?"
"Yeah." There was a hint of amusement in Adam's voice. "Amy's with my grandmother. She's crazy about her—spoiling her like some precious treasure. I'm basically chopped liver now."
He paused, continuing, "When I first got there, Nana saw Amy and just froze. She stared at her, hands shaking, eyes getting all red. I thought she was having some kind of episode, asked if she needed to go to the hospital."
Adam let out a short laugh. "You know what she did? Shoved me out of the way, told me to stop blocking her view. The force of it—nearly knocked me off balance. I figured, okay, she's fine."
My fingers twisted together on my lap.
"Amy called her 'Great-grandma,'" Adam went on. "Nana's voice broke when she answered. Then she just swept Amy into the kitchen, asking what she liked to eat, arranging this whole feast."
He glanced at me. "I think Nana's been desperate for a great-grandchild. And she likes you so much, so she's just… treating Amy like her own."
I said nothing.
She knows.
Mrs. Sterling knows Amy is Adam's child.
But she's still covering for me.
My throat tightened.
---
The car rolled into Beacon Hill, passing through Louisburg Square's ancient red brick facades.
Sunlight filtered through century-old trees, casting dappled shadows. It was so quiet here, like the world had been sealed off—just the occasional luxury car gliding past and impeccably dressed pedestrians.
The car stopped in front of the Sterling estate.
Before I could even unbuckle, Amy burst through the front door.
"Auntie!" She ran over, grabbing my hand.
I crouched down, smiling. "Did you have fun at Great-grandma's house?"
"Yes!" Amy's eyes sparkled. "Great-grandma is so nice."
I heard footsteps and looked up.
Mrs. Sterling emerged from the doorway, wearing a soft lavender cardigan, her silver hair perfectly coiffed. She looked vibrant.
My eyes flickered.
Awkward.
I've been hiding her great-granddaughter from her this whole time.
But Mrs. Sterling just smiled warmly, walking over and patting my head with her hand.
"Maya," she said gently. "You're here."
There was something tender—almost pitying—in her gaze.
I didn't know what to say.
"Mrs. Sterling," I stood up, forcing my voice to sound normal, "thank you so much for watching Amy. I'll take her home now."
Mrs. Sterling looked at Amy with clear reluctance.
"Maya," she said, "I adore Amy. Bring her to visit whenever you're free."
"I will, Mrs. Sterling." I took Amy's hand, turning to leave.
"Maya."
Mrs. Sterling's voice stopped me in my tracks.
"You work so hard," she said. "Why don't I help pick up Amy from daycare? I have nothing but time anyway."
I froze.
It wasn't that I didn't want help—honestly, having someone pick up Amy on time would be a massive relief. Sunny Days closed at six. I never made it in time—always half an hour late, always another late fee tacked onto my account.
But…
"Grandma," I said, "you're too far from the daycare. It wouldn't be convenient."
And I really didn't want her exhausting herself driving back and forth.
Mrs. Sterling waved her hand dismissively. "It's fine. I have a private car and security. I'll pick her up."
Her tone left no room for argument.
I bit my lip.
"Alright," I said. "Thank you so much. I'll let the teachers know. You can drop Amy off at my apartment after—it's right near the daycare."
I paused. "Also, Amy doesn't go on Mondays and Tuesdays. You won't need to pick her up those days."
Mrs. Sterling frowned. "Amy doesn't go to daycare on Mondays and Tuesdays? Who watches her?"
"She stays home by herself."
"But she's so young!"
My cheeks burned.
She must think I'm a terrible mother.
"Amy's very good," I said quietly. "She's fine on her own."
Mrs. Sterling didn't scold me.
Instead, her expression grew even more sympathetic.
"Here's what we'll do," she said. "On Mondays and Tuesdays, I'll pick Amy up and bring her here. When you finish work, I'll drive her back home."
I looked at Amy.
"Would you like that?" I asked.
Amy nodded. "I can go to Great-grandma's house."
I took a deep breath.
"Mrs. Sterling," I said, "I really appreciate this."
"It's no trouble at all." Mrs. Sterling's smile widened. "I couldn't be happier."
---
Adam suddenly cut in.
"Nana," he drawled, "you're such a generous soul. Beautiful inside and out."
Mrs. Sterling shot him a withering look.
"Hmph!" She snorted. "If it weren't for you, I—"
She stopped abruptly, leaving the sentence unfinished.
Adam looked genuinely confused. "What did I do? Nana, you've been glaring at me for two days straight."
Mrs. Sterling ignored him.
Her gaze stayed fixed on me and Amy, full of longing.
Adam sighed in exasperation.
"I'll drive you home," he said, turning to me.
I nodded, taking Amy's hand as we headed to the car.
I was aiming for the backseat.
But Adam grabbed my arm and steered me into the passenger seat.
"Sit here," he said.
I glared at him.
He was utterly unmoved, sliding into the driver's seat and buckling up.
I glared at him for another few seconds, then decided it wasn't worth the effort. I turned my head, staring out the window instead.
---
The car pulled out of Beacon Hill, weaving through crowded streets.
I watched red brick buildings and autumn maples blur past the window.
Mrs. Sterling knows.
She's always known.
But she hasn't told Adam.
Why?
Does she want me to tell him myself?
Or is she waiting for something?
My fingers gripped the purse on my lap.
The car stopped in front of my Somerville apartment building.
Adam didn't turn off the engine. Didn't get out.
I unbuckled my seatbelt, reaching for the door handle.
"Maya."
His voice stopped me.
I turned my head.
"What are you looking at me for?" He raised an eyebrow, mouth curving into a smirk. "Miss me already? Come here and give me a—"
Before he could finish, I shoved the door open and bolted.
Behind me, I heard Amy's bright laughter.
I glanced back. Amy was standing on her tiptoes, wrapping her arms around Adam's leg.
"Bye, Uncle Adam!" she giggled.
Then she let go and sprinted toward me.