I look across the aisle at the oil painting, but can’t muster even a smile. “That is single-handedly ruining my already ruined childhood.”
Noelle groans. “You’ve been a sad sack since you called me. You have got to tell me what is going on. Is everything okay? Is it Ashley? I’ve been busy, so I haven’t heard much from her, but—”
Noelle’s eyes widen. “She’s what?”
“She and Gram are in Mexico.” I sigh. “I bought them tickets and gave them some money to get started. I wanted them to be safe from Timofey.”
How bizarre is it that I was sending my loved ones to other countries to escape Timofey, and now, I’m mourning the loss of him myself? The world is too weird sometimes.
I take a bite of my sandwich and chew while Noelle gawks at me, too shocked to speak.
“You’re right,” I tell her, dab
