TRYKOWSKI greeted them with a smile that faded as soon as she saw Sean’s face. “What’s wrong?” “Thank you for tonight,” he said, ignoring her question. He pulled some money out of his pocket, but the older woman shook her head, refusing to take it. “I don’t want money for watching your darling niece.” Slowly, she divided a glance between Sean and Carlyne, who wanted to die of mortification because she knew exactly how she looked. Like a circus performer. “Oh, dear,” Mrs. Trykowski said with a sigh. “The jig is up, huh, dear?” Carlyne gaped at her. “You knew?” “I have eyes in my head, don’t I?” Turning to Sean, she lifted a finger and wagged it in his face. “And if you search your heart, you’ll realize it doesn’t matter, Seany, my boy. She’s still a ten, and she’s still the one for you. So don’t you go doing something stupid now.” “Wait. She’s the one who lied, and you’re getting mad at me?” “You’re the male, aren’t you?”
