Shaniqua counted out the bills and handed it to her. "See you tomorrow," she said.
"Thanks, Mrs. Johnson," Jennifer said, gathering the college books.
Tim tried not to stare. He didn't know what was going on, but somehow, but his wife thought she was the babysitter and vice versa. And the two were even looking and acting the parts. He was covering his reaction enough that neither of the women noticed anything, except maybe he was oddly quiet.
Jennifer loaded the books into a bookbag, and suddenly, Tim realized if he didn't do something quick, his wife was going to leave. He started to speak, but was interrupted by a loud, "Mommy!"
Melissa hurried in and hugged Shaniqua. Tim instantly forgot what he was about to do. This definitely wasn't a joke or a trick. Melissa was entirely too innocent to be in on it.
Shaniqua returned the embrace. She'd always loved Melissa and treated her like a little sister...only now, she seemed to be treating her like her own child. Something really had swapped his babysitter and his wife...and so far, he was the only one who knew. But...Shaniqua was black...and Melissa obviously wasn't...what if he pointed that out to...
The sound of the door slamming jolted him out of his thoughts again. Jennifer had left. He cursed.