“Yes. When was the last time the Buccaneers were even in a Super Bowl, let alone won one?”

“Ow!” The guy puts his hand to his mouth. “Okay, okay. Fair enough. Well, I guess I can set this phone up for you.”

“Thanks.”

I’m smiling a genuine smile until I turn around and see Paula studying me.

For the brief moment I was bantering and trash-talking with the sales guy, I had felt normal.

One look at Paula and I’m reminded of why I’m here.

“We really need to start talking about schools,” Paula says. “We have some time but best to start looking now. I’ll come up with a list, but University of Florida should be at the top—Florida State, too.”

And then things get even worse.

“I’ve already applied to the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay—my top choice,” I state. Although I don’t add it’s all in limbo until everything gets straightened out with my social security number. Not to mention how I’m going to pay for it.

Paula ignores my comment. “I’ll make up a map and we can road-trip! Florida State is where I went to college. You’d love it there.”

She conveniently leaves out that’s where Dad also went.

She continues, “It would be good for me to know what you want to major in so we can really focus on the places with the best programs.”

The guy raises his eyebrow knowing this is a really weird conversation for a mother and daughter to have. I wonder if he’ll figure it out. Amanda Linsley is coming back to Tampa. I mentioned I’m from Wisconsin. And the biggest red flag, Paula and I do not act like a mother and daughter.

“A road trip sounds fun,” I say only to change the topic so we don’t give the sales guy any other reason to alert the press.

I’m given a demo of all the bells and whistles of my new phone. Even though I’ve never owned a smartphone, all my friends have them, so I know the basics. I plan to FaceTime with Marian as soon as I get back to the house. It would also be nice to see Neil’s face.

“Want a coffee or treat?” Paula asks as we walk out of the store. “We’re going to meet Sarah at Starbucks.”

“Sure.” It’s crazy that they can get Starbucks whenever. I saw like four of them on the drive over.

Sarah is sitting outside, sunglasses on, as she’s drinking one of those delicious frozen drinks.

“Want anything else?” Paula asks her.

“I’m going to head over to Forever 21,” she states coldly as she gets up and starts walking, not bothering to wait for a response.

“We’ll meet you there. Stay in the store,” Paula calls out after her.