“Was it fun?” I ask the girls instead.

“Yes! They put bubbles in my water.”

“My feet smell like peaches!” Addy lifts her foot into the air and almost tips over.

I steady her with a hug. “You both looked like princesses sitting there being pampered.”

“They should,” Karma says. “They are my little princesses.”

“And Mommy says someday a prince is going to come take us away to live in a castle!”

“Princesses can build castles of their own too.”

I have no idea where that came from, but as soon as I say it, I realize I mean it. I don’t want these little girls thinking they need a man to give them what they want in life. They can get it for themselves.

“Whatever. Maybe in your fairy tale, but in this town, that’s not how it works.” Karma side-eyes me. “You didn’t save yourself. We’re only here because you’re—” She cuts off what she was going to say, and I’m guessing it’s because it’s not appropriate for children.

“We’re here!” Addy cheers as the door opens.

The girls race out of the elevator when they see Jackie sitting in the lounge, and while they’re distracted, I block Karma.

“I’ve never known what your problem was with me, and at this point, I don’t care. But have you ever thought of checking your attitude around your girls? They don’t need to hear or see that.”

Her eyes narrow on me. “First, don’t tell me how to raise my kids. You don’t have any, and you don’t know jack shit. Second, go fuck yourself.” She knocks into my arm with her sharp elbow, and I step back.

Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything, but her attitude seems to get worse by the day, and it’s not just her mom and sister who have to deal with it anymore. Her kids are learning from her, and I would hate to see such sweet little girls end up as bitter as Karma.

I follow her toward Jackie, who has them both hugged tightly against her.

“You look so pretty! Did you have fun?” she asks as she releases them.

“We did!”

“They’re tired. It’s nap time.” Karma grabs both girls by the hand and drags them back to the suite while Jackie and I stare after her.

When they disappear into the room, Jackie shakes her head. “I just don’t know where I went wrong with her.”

Since I have absolutely nothing helpful to say in response, I change the subject. “How did your first day with the new job go?”

The regret on Jackie’s face fades away.

“Really good. Ms. Riscoff and I had a meeting this morning, and I spent the rest of the day training with my new boss.” She lifts a champagne flute from the bar. “I’m out of the basement and working in the light.”

“Congratulations. You look . . . happy.” And she does. Jackie’s face seems to have lost five years, and the smile she’s wearing is the biggest I’ve seen since I’ve been home.