When I returned, I saw them from across the food court: Sebastian and Livia, two figures laughing too loudly, leaning into each other as though they were old lovers. Livia’s arm looped through his, her posture effortless, as if she belonged there.
“Where’s Adrian?” I demanded.
Sebastian spun, startled. “Isn’t he with you?”
“What? No! He was with you!” My stomach lurched.
He frowned, irritation flaring. “He got tired of the rides. I thought he followed you when you stepped away for that call.”
“I was gone for two minutes!” I snapped. “Do you honestly think a five-year-old could navigate this crowd alone? You were supposed to watch him!”
Livia’s hand shook as she raised it. “He was right here! I swear! He wanted to play the ring toss, so I let him… and then he was gone. I thought he went to you!”
“You let him?” I hissed. “With strangers everywhere?”
Sebastian’s face darkened. “Don’t blame me, Veronica! You’re always distracted! Probably scared him off yourself!”
I stepped closer, fury bubbling through my veins. “Don’t you dare pin this on me! You’re his father!”
“And you’re his mother!” he shot back. “Maybe if you weren’t glued to your phone all the time—”