Chapter 22

Chloe awoke to the persistent ringing of her phone, squinting at the bright screen. It was her mother calling. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she answered.

“Mom? Is everything okay?” Chloe’s voice was groggy with sleep.

“Chloe, darling,” her mother’s voice sounded urgent, “I need to see you. It’s important.”

Chloe sat up, suddenly wide awake. “What’s wrong, Mom?”

“It’s not something I can discuss over the phone,” her mother replied cryptically. “But I have something for you. It’s a secret, and your father does not need to know.”

“Okay, Mom. When do you want to meet?”

“Today, if possible,” her mother insisted. “I’ll come to you.”

Chloe thought for a moment. “I’ll arrange for us to have some privacy in the living room when you come.”

“Alright, dear. I’ll see you there.” Her mother’s voice softened.

Chloe hung up, her mind racing with questions. What could her mother possibly have to give her that required such secrecy?

As s