The Party

Chapter 19- The Party

Tyler's POV

I turned to my mom, blinking in confusion. "Next-door neighbor?"

Since when did we have a next-door neighbor?

I glanced at Amara, taking her in properly for the first time. She sat comfortably on the couch, looking completely at ease, her long dark hair falling over her shoulders, and her deep hazel eyes watching me with mild amusement. She wore a fitted beige sweater and ripped jeans, her nails painted a dark shade of red.

How did my mom even know her? And why was she sitting in our house like she belonged here?

I looked back at my mom. "Since when do we have a next-door neighbor?"

My mom gave me a look, as if I'd just asked whether the sky was blue. "Since last week," she said matter-of-factly. "You'd know that if you ever paid attention to anything other than your phone."

I frowned. "I do pay attention."