Through my dark sunglasses, I see she’s wearing a dress of some sort, presumably the one we ordered from Free People online, but I cannot be sure. Her stomach is bare, as if a piece of fabric is missing, but it must be the style. I’ve fallen behind on young adult trends. I’m assuming she is fashionable. David gives her the allowance to be able to afford it.

“Mom? Hello?” Betsy stares at me, waves a hand in front of my face.

“Hello, honey. You look beautiful. Are those army boots hard to walk in on the sand?” A caring, nonjudgmental question. I’m proud of myself.

“Really?” Betsy shakes her head. “Hi, Mrs. Murphy. Thanks for babysitting my mom.”

“Good to see you, dear. Your mom told me your college news. Saddleback is wonderful and everyone transfers to impressive schools from there.” Sarah keeps speaking even though I wish she wouldn’t.

I just want to sit down. Did Mary have a big party and tell every single person she knew about Elizabeth James? How could she humiliate me like this? Betray me? I need to think. I should be one step ahead of developments in my family, not perpetually behind. This is all David’s fault. And Betsy’s.

“Thanks, Mrs. Murphy. I’m stoked.”

What? She is?

“I’ll take it from here,” Betsy says.

Did she just call me “it”?

Betsy leans in and says, “I asked Dad if it was true. If he was Mary’s real dad. He looked like he was going to have a heart attack.”

“Yes, that’s what happens to liars. Cheaters. And did he admit it?”

“He wants to talk tomorrow. So yes. It’s official. You’re right. So weird,” Betsy whispers as she slips her arm into mine and gives me a little nudge. “This way. I’ll take care of you today, Mom.”

Validation helps my neck and shoulders relax. Betsy is being nice to me. I whisper to Betsy, “Thank you. But you don’t seem mad at your father.” I unhook my arm from Sarah’s as she drifts away mumbling something about Liz wanting to say hello and catch up.