Every conversation nearby softened.
“There she is,” Jordan called with a grin. “The birthday boy’s mother.”
I inhaled slowly.
Clark’s hand rested lightly against my back, grounding me.
“Jordan,” I said calmly. “Percy.”
Percy acknowledged me with a polite nod while casually surveying the backyard.
Then Jordan noticed Clark.
He looked him over once.
Then again.
Suddenly he laughed.
Loudly.
Cruelly.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he said, wiping imaginary tears away. “Him? With you?”



