Page 18 of Hard to Fake

I twist a strand of my hair, tied in two pig tails, around a finger. “You know who I am?”

“French maid.”

“Nice try.”

There are at least fifty people here, mostly Kodiaks players and staff and plus-ones. I checked in with the guy Jay hired to run the gate.

Normally, I’d get ready with Nova, but since she and Clay are doing a couple’s costume, she said she was needed at home. So, I put mine together myself, right down to the sparkly red Louboutins.

Tonight, my goal is to win the costume contest so I can buy a new phone. Jay didn’t tell me who’s judging, so I need to make sure I’m seen everywhere.

“Sexy nurse?” Rookie tries again.

"I'm Dorothy. From The Wizard of Oz."

“Is that like Real Housewives?”

"Back off my sister." Jay appears from nowhere. "You hit on her, you’ll be riding the bench for the rest of the year.”

Rookie grins. “Might be worth it.”

“Keep dreaming,” I counter sweetly.

The front of Jay’s place is decorated like a haunted house. Music pulses from inside, the party beckoning.

"You boys enjoy your pissing contest. I'm going in,” I say.

I start in through the haunted house, but Jay follows.

My brother’s house is a historic property. When I saw it from a realtor I follow online over the summer, I knew someone had to buy it and put their love—and money—into it.

Jay’s been watching home renovation shows in his downtime and decided he’s going to do an overhaul this season.

“You shouldn’t worry about me,” I remind him as I walk beneath fake cobwebs.

He's six inches taller and has to duck to avoid getting them across the face.“Can’t help it. You’re my little sis.”

Spooky laughter streams from the corner, and Jay jumps.

“You’re scared of your own party?” I tease him. “Save that worry for your season.”

“Thought you wanted us to stop worrying.”

“Atlas is still out, right?” I ask.

“He’s day to day. He’ll be back in no time.”

We make our way through a hall of mirrors. A plastic bat swings from the ceiling, and my brother hollers, jumping onto my foot.

"Hey! These shoes are expensive,” I protest.

We trip out of the hallway and into the great room where the music is pounding.

Lights swirl from a corner, casting the room in blue.

There’s a solid crowd and everyone is in costume. Attractive people grace the couches, stand in the kitchen, and laugh in groups in the corners.

My gaze lands on Nova standing next to the massive marble island. She waves, and Istart for her, but my ankle rolls.I bend to check my shoes. Dammit. The heel on my Louboutins cracked when Jay tripped over me.It’s still attached but barely, and I can’t put all my weight on it.

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