SHOW ME HOW

Chapter 13

Mom sent me a message reminding me about the birthday dinner at Mrs. Butera's. I'd secretly hoped she might forget—or come up with an excuse so I wouldn't have to go.

I soaked in the bath for about half an hour before getting dressed in a pair of black cotton pants and a long-sleeved top to cover the bruises on my legs. I slipped on some black sandals. Thankfully, Mrs. Butera had made it clear it was just a casual dinner—no fancy outfits required. I was grateful for that.

To kill time while waiting for Mom, I tidied up my room. When I heard the front door close, I headed downstairs.

I caught sight of her in the kitchen, sipping a glass of water. She looked thinner than usual. She'd never been overweight, but now she seemed almost too slim—enough to make me worry.

"Hi, Mom," I said, leaning casually against the doorframe.

"Hey, baby. How was your day?" she asked, her face lighting up with a genuine smile.

"It was good. Yours looks like it was even better?" I replied, raising an eyebrow.

"It was," she said, grinning. "I get to spend the whole afternoon with you after school tomorrow."

"You're not working?" I asked, surprised.

"Nope. I've got a few things to take care of in the morning after I drop you off, but after that, I'm all yours. We could grab something to eat, maybe even get our nails done," she said, her smile so wide it reached her eyes.

I loved seeing her like this—so vibrant and full of energy—but a part of me couldn't shake the quiet curiosity creeping in. Her sudden cheerfulness felt... different. I simply nodded, deciding to keep a close eye on her. Something was definitely going on, and if she wasn't going to tell me, I'd just have to figure it out myself—unless the truth revealed itself first.

"Come on, let's get going," she said, grabbing her purse. "I still need to head back to work and finish up a few hours, but I won't be home too late. Mrs. Butera said they'll drop you off after dinner."

We pulled up in front of a stunning, brightly lit mansion.

"Wow... these people are rich-rich," I muttered under my breath, eyes wide as we passed through the towering gates and cruised down the long driveway past security who was dressed in all black.

"Mhmm," mom murmured, as if she already knew how rich they were while I take in the grandeur with quiet awe.

"Honey, enjoy the dinner—I'll see you in a few hours," Mom said as I stepped out of the car. "Oh! Before I forget, here's a little something for Mrs. Butera. It's a brooch," she added, handing me a neatly wrapped gift and pressing a kiss to my temple.

I'd completely forgotten about bringing a gift—thankfully, Mom always had my back.

I waved as she drove off, just as the massive front door swung open to reveal a man in his mid-forties who introduced himself as Sal, the butler.

A butler. Seriously?

Sal guided me through the grand entrance and into a stunning dining room where a few people were already seated. From what I could tell, it was just Mrs. Butera and her children hosting tonight.

"Devin's here!" Mrs. Butera announced with delight, rising from her chair. The entire table turned to look at her, almost like they were seeing her this animated for the first time.

"Happy birthday, Mrs. B," I said, meeting her halfway for a warm hug.

"Thank you, Devin. Please, make yourself comfortable," she replied, beaming.