With Love, from Cold World by Alicia Thompson

Author:Alicia Thompson [Thompson, Alicia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2023-08-02T00:00:00+00:00

Miss Bianca probably bought the cards in a hundred-pack and sent one to each of the many kids who’d passed through her home over the years, even the angry twelve-year-old who’d lived there for a few months, who’d been removed after threatening Lauren with a knife. Eddie reminded her of that boy a little bit, although as far as she knew he was adjusting much better to his placement. It was something around the eyes, a toughness barely masking an almost desperate fear.

After advocating for Eddie to have more visits with his mom, she was supposed to meet the woman for the first time next week. Eddie’s caregiver was dropping him off at Cold World, and then his mom and the caseworker would arrive for one of the biweekly visits. It had seemed like a good idea when Lauren had set it all up—she was able to get them all in for free after using the complimentary employee guest passes she’d never taken Dolores up on before. She’d get to see Eddie and his mom interact, would hopefully get to strengthen her relationships with both Eddie and his caseworker.

But now, when all she wanted to do was sleep, the prospect seemed daunting.

Lauren placed Miss Bianca’s card on the bookshelf in her bedroom, the only nod to any Christmas decor in her entire apartment.

She’d just collapsed back on her bed, trying to find the energy to do anything, when her phone buzzed from her purse. She thought about letting it go, but it wasn’t like she got that many texts—for all she knew, it could be important.

It was Kiki. Is the date tonight?

Asa had filled Kiki in on the stakes for the gift-wrapping contest after she’d declared Lauren the winner. It was clear that Kiki was psyched to have had a role in helping Lauren along whatever burgeoning thing was happening with Daniel, and if she was a little confused because she’d thought they already had a date, at least she didn’t say anything that would make it awkward.

But Lauren had left work with no definitive plans, which was fine. She didn’t have it in her to even think about getting all dressed up, having to smile and try not to be her usual awkward self all night at some nice restaurant with Daniel. A date with him had been her fantasy for so long, but tonight she’d rather have a date with her bed.

No, Lauren typed back to Kiki, but the single word looked plain all by itself, so she added a crying emoji afterward. A little overdramatic, but oh well. There wasn’t really an emoji that properly conveyed ambivalence.

Kiki’s message popped up a few seconds later. We’re about to watch the best Christmas movie ever made. Wanna come over?

It’s been a long—Lauren started to type, then deleted it. What movie? she typed, but then deleted before sending that one, too. Finally she just typed Sounds fun. See you soon!

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