Vera went rigid. She turned to Wyatt, her eyes brimming with wounded innocence. "Honey, after all these years, Mildred still thinks I stole her—"
"Isn't it?" I shot back without mercy. "Didn't you steal what was mine?"
Vera stared at me in disbelief, her grip tightening around Wyatt's hand.
But Wyatt looked down and snapped at her, his voice low and barely restrained. "Mildred's right. Keep your mouth shut."
Vera's expression soured for a flash, but she quickly recovered, wrapping herself around Wyatt's arm with practiced ease. "I was just joking around!"
"Honey, running into her like this must be fate. Why don't we help Mildred out?" She nuzzled closer, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Come on, just let me help her. Please?"
Wyatt had no defense against her wheedling. He turned to me. "Mildred, Vera's thought about you all these years. She says you were her role model. She means well."
When I said nothing, Vera smiled. "I've got a piano variety show coming up—Rhythm. If you don't mind, I could get you a spot as a contestant."
"And since I'm one of the judges, I'd take good care of you!"
I couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.