My fingertips burned, tending to the scratches on Emma's arms. The sense of déjà vu filled my chest with an uncomfortableness I liked. Focused on my task, I felt afraid to look into the green irises inches away. Fear had never been a problem for me. As a daredevil on skis, I liked anything fast. I looked over the edge of tall buildings and high cliffs without a quiver. How could a pair of eyes increase my heart rate and cause my neck to sweat?

My mother's voice startled me like I'd been caught with my hand in the cookie jar before dinner.

"You didn't like those designs either?"

My response was uncensored. "I'd rather keep the wallpaper."

Emma giggled, forcing me to look at her. I felt like I had taken a strike to my chest.

"I was asking Ms. Joslin. Darling, your reaction was obvious to everyone except Amanda. Tell me, dear, what would you have done differently."

Emma had a deer in headlights look as she looked at my mother. Releasing her arm, my brain function returned.

"You won't get in trouble. We'll make sure."

Slowly, she took out an iPad and scrolled through designs for every room in my house. The kitchen drew me in.

"I've created a home for your poster. Honestly, you don't seem the folk music type."

I wasn't but Ace got free tickets and said picking up girls would be a sure shot. Unfortunately, the one who attracted my eye was too young. Why did girls mature so young?

Again, my mother brought me back to reality. "This is what I had expected. I love your use of furniture to divide up the large living room."

Emma looked at me. "Is the kitchen a room you could make waffles in?"

My jaw dropped.

"Kudos dear for doing your homework."

"Homework?" I felt ten steps behind.

Pink spread across Emma's porcelain cheeks. "Newport Magazine."

"I mention our Saturday mornings. How can we arrange for this and not that?" My mother pointed from the iPad to Amanda's presentation. She waved her hand. "Oh, I'll call Carol myself."

Emma groaned. "I'll be fired."

Feeling responsible, I panicked. "Mom, make sure she knows I want Emma as my point of contact."

Emma shook her head. "She's her niece."

"Tell her. Tell her it's because of my baby. Oreo doesn't like Amanda and..."

"You sound like a crazy pet owner." Emma immediately covered her mouth.

"Exactly, my cat is very important to me." My mother smirked as she shook her head. "Seriously, it's true. She's not even a year. She's my baby."

My mother looked at Emma. "Don't worry, dear. I have too many friends, Carol Keene would never cross me." She leaned in to kiss my cheek. "Darling, your father will wonder what's keeping me. I'll see you at Bea's on Saturday night. You should bring a date."

It was my turn for red cheeks; my dating prospects were nil. With my mother gone, Emma stood to collect the proposals.

"I have recycling."

Her cunning grin lit up her eyes. "Amanda can use them for another client."

She surprised me with her sense of humor. As soon as she left, the house felt empty. In the kitchen, I popped a top on a can of cat food. Oreo came running. She looked around. The coast was clear.

"I know baby, the mean lady's gone."

She looked at me with her green eyes. Meow. She sounded sad.

"Don't worry. The beautiful one will be back."