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As I get into my car she throws a business card at me that lands on my lap.

She is precisely the kind of woman I was hoping to avoid by having the masquerade balls.

I pick up the card and see it has her name and a bank’s routing and account numbers. Who gets a preprinted card to make their blackmail easier?

How dare she try to blackmail me because I’m dating her daughter.

I don’t know why I haven’t told Carina the truth about what I do. Or why I’ve continued the ruse for so long. The last thing I want is to hurt Carina, but when we’re together, I don’t think about who I am or who I’m supposed to be. My only thought is that I found my spark, and I’ll do anything to make her happy.

I need to buy time with Carina to keep her away from her mother. A weekend away where I tell her the truth sounds like the perfect idea.

CHAPTER 19

Carina

“I’m so glad you’re home, even if it is just for a couple of days.”

I bring an extra blanket to Grandma, who is sitting on the couch, and place it over her lap because she’s always getting cold.

“It’s good to be home, sweetie. I’ve been wanting to talk to you, though. It’s never the right time at the rehab, though.”

“Is something wrong?” I ask.

“Has your mother been around much? She visited me and was asking all kinds of questions about you, Ryan, and Alex.”

I snort. “I don’t even want to talk about her. She came over recently, first thing in the morning, and was asking for money. She said I could ask Ryan as if he’s rich or something. Then she started asking if this was a long game with the two of them or something.”

“That sounds about right,” Grandma said. “I kept hoping she had changed, but I guess not. Be careful with her. I know she’s your mom, but a lot is going on there.”

I nod. “I know what you mean. She’s only been my mother in name only though. You’ve always been my mom. And you’ve always been the best mom.”

I kiss the top of Grandma’s head, and she grabs my arm and pulls me down for a hug, patting my back and then rubbing it as she always has done since I was little.

“How’s that boyfriend of yours?” she asks.

“He’s good. We’re going to go away for the weekend when you go back for testing.”

“And what about Alex?”

“What about him?” I ask.

“I still think there’s something there, Carina. Even if you don’t. Be careful with that one.”

“We’re just friends, Grandma. He’s like a big brother to me.”

“Alright, if you say so. I haven’t met him, so I really don’t know. It’s just my gut telling me something, and it’s always right.”

I walk to the kitchen to get her a fresh bottle of water. When I hand it to her she reaches for my hand again.

“Sweetie, what’s wrong? I can see it all over your face.”

I let out a long breath, and my shoulders slump.

“I’m worried about things with Ryan. I think I’m in too deep. I tried to do what you said and protect myself, but whenever I’m with him everything feels so right. I can’t imagine ever leaving him. It feels like that’s where I belong.”

“But you still need to end things with him. That’s the agreement.”

“Yes. I know. And whether it breaks his heart or not, I don’t know. But I do know ending things with him is going to break mine.”

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