“I figured I’d send Ryan out of the room so I could talk to you in private, Leah,” Gina said, walking over to the door and closing it. Leah’s mouth fell open. Gina caught the pacifier as it fell out and popped it back into Leah’s mouth. “I’m surprised you got this young. What happened?”
“Gaga boogoo,” Leah tried. Gina laughed.
“Right. You can’t say anything. And I bet you couldn’t write anything, either. Not with those chubby hands!” Gina playfully poked Leah’s tummy. “If you’re wondering how I knew who you were, well, it was pretty obvious. I know every single person at the party, and the only baby here is Riley’s, and she’s black. Not to mention, you sort of vanished from the party while you were wearing that magical swimsuit.”
“Baga booboo?” Leah babbled around her pacifier.
“I sent you the link to the website you bought the swimsuit from, remember? I’ve been a patron of that store for ages. Why do you think I still look like I’m in my twenties, despite having a teenage son as an adult?” Gina looked Leah over thoughtfully. “You’re lucky I was the one who found you. I know how to fix your situation.”
“Ga?” Leah said eagerly. Gina picked the swimsuit off the changing table and redressed Leah in it. “Googa?”
“I sort of want to keep you young to play with you for a bit,” Gina said slowly. She pinched Leah’s cheek. “You’re so cute!”
“Ba!”
“Don’t worry, even if I do that, I’ll make sure to return you to normal before you have to go to work.” A dangerous glint appeared in Gina’s eyes. “That gives me plenty of time, of course, since you have an entire week off of work right now.”
Leah swallowed nervously. All she could do was hope Gina would be merciful.