Facade of Love

Chapter 297 Digging for Answers

“What’s on your mind?” my mom asked, eyeing me with concern. “You always look so weighed down with worries. I’m afraid you’ll burn out soon.”

I managed a weak grin and met her gaze. “Mom, are you hexing me?”

She clicked her tongue in disapproval and replied, “Of course not! Why would I curse you? I am just worried you are thinking too hard and wearing yourself out.”

I offered a small smile but could not hide my curiosity. “What’s there to think about?”

She let out a sigh of relief. “That’s my girl. You should take a page out of Alice’s book, you know. She’s in her thirties and still looks so fresh and lively. You’re way younger, yet you two could pass for the same age.”

Her comment caught me off guard, and I did not know whether to laugh or cry. “Mom, are you saying I look ugly or just old?”

She

you a nudge. You’ve been a looker since you were a kid. I just hope that when you’re Alice’s age, you’ll still be

for words at her logic. After a moment, I ventured, “Has Alice

her head, sharing the latest gossip. “She had a husband once, but they split up. Not too long after they called it quits, her ex kicked the bucket.”

paused, taken aback. “He died?”

on it before, but I didn’t pry. It’s not exactly cheerful stuff to dig into, you know? What’s up with you? Since when did you care about digging into other people’s business? You’ve got enough chaos in

pressed a hand to my forehead. Mom always knew how to push my buttons. “You’ve got a point. I was just being a little nosy. I noticed she seemed to hit

probably just sees him as a little brother she needs to look after. Little Sanchez has not been back long and doesn’t have many friends here. Him finding someone to chat with is a good thing. Don’t stir

trying to dance on quicksand. I managed a sheepish grin.” Mom, I say one little thing, and you come back at me with a whole lecture.

sound that meant trouble. “As if I

face. “Feels like, I am on the verge, the way you are shutting me down. I just wanted to catch up on what has been going on with you

that exasperated mom look. “Is this why you

297 Digging for

with me?”