Page 35 of The Version You Hide

She. Fucking. Winks.

My jaw goes slack as I realise her diabolical plan. This is her revenge. For the ‘incident’ with the shark yesterday. She raises her eyebrows expectantly, daring me to go along with this insanity.

“I didn’t,” I admit to my mother. This is my chance to shut this down. To tell my parents she’s only kidding. That I’m as single as I’ve ever been and I’m not looking to be tied down. But instead, I find my face mirroring hers, my gaze lingering on her bottom lip. “But that’s just because it’s so new.”

“Super new,” Mackenzie agrees with an exaggerated nod, her arm still draped around my shoulder.

“This is Mackenzie,” I tell them.

“How did you two meet?” my father asks.

“Funny story,” Mackenzie says. “Dylan saved me from being eaten by a shark. I knew right away that he was the one for me.”

I stifle a laugh. “Ha. That might be a slight exaggeration.”

“Which part?” My mother mumbles.

“I don’t think so,” she says sweetly, tapping me comically on the nose. She turns to my parents, her grin growing wider. “He’s being modest.”

“Well, you weren’t actually in any real danger.”

“It had huge teeth,” she interrupts. “And it was massive.” She stretches her arms out wide as if demonstrating the size of said shark.

“Really?” My father seems unconvinced.

“Yeah, it was really scary. It was staring me down with its beady little black eyes.” Mackenzie squints her eyes comically in an over-the-top impersonation.

My hand goes up to my forehead, then I drag it back down over my mouth to stifle a groan.

“I thought I was going to die,” Mackenzie continues melodramatically, slapping a hand over her heart. “But this amazing man right here, your son, he swooped in and pulled me to safety. He’s my hero and …”

“Yep,” I cut in, desperate to stop her from saying anything else. “And she’s been my girl ever since.”

“Your very best girl.” Mackenzie tilts her head to the side and pretends to gaze at me lovingly.

My father clears his throat. “And just how serious is this thing between the two of you?”

“Well…” I begin to explain as the tavern door swings open.

Jade and her girlfriend, Jaclyn stroll past, Jaclyn laughing at something Jade has said before Jade’s eyes find us. She does a double take, noticing our entwined embrace.

“Really serious,” Mackenzie interrupts.

“So, then I guess we’ll be seeing you on Saturday night then, Madison?” My mother’s tone is friendly enough, but her stiff posture and pursed lips say otherwise.

“It’s Mackenzie, Mum,” I correct her.

Mackenzie looks at me, uncertainty in her features. “Saturday night?”

“That’s right. You remember, don’t you, Kenzie? My parent’s big anniversary party?” I say with a teasing smile, curling my arm around her back and squeezing her a little too tightly.

“Of course.” She grunts softly at my abrupt touch but barely skips a beat. “We’ll be there.”

“Right,” my father clears his throat again. “Well, with that settled, I think it’s time we made our journey home. Faith? Are you ready?”

“Yes. This drink is inedible anyway.” Mum pushes the cocktail into the centre of the table and clutches her handbag.

My parents stand, and I follow suit, ready for this uncomfortable event to be done with. My mother places a steady hand on my forearm. “Please reconsider your options, Dylan.”

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