Chapter 20

She says, her shoulders swaying, "Busted." Compared to Steve, she has a more ethnic voice. His voice has a Hispanic lilt, while hers is deeper. "Is there a possibility we can keep this under wraps?" Her cigarette is raised.

I can tell it's the same Edwarde as Steve's when she smiles.They appear lighthearted, joyful, and carefree. It makes me want to perform the Edwarde for some reason. “Umm…sure? In any case, I'm not sure who I would inform. Talk about a strange request coming from a mother.

“Shh. Steve has the back room and is a light sleeper. My son dislikes tobacco use.

Steve, go! Even so, it's odd that she's keeping it from him. I mumble, "Sorry," half intending to giggle at the way she checks behind her to see if Steve is approaching.

"Don't worry, Mija. You are not at blame. I'm too old to be sneaking cigarettes around, but I'm only smoking one now a day. Not too awful, in my opinion. But my son is a harsh critic.

When I look back to that day in the hallway, I want to say, "Yeah