Page 11 of The Cousins and the Brunette

“Good eye, kid.”

We made our way over and Marla looked up as we approached. Her curly silver hair was pulled back in a loose bun, strands escaping here and there. She wore her usual well-worn sweater cardigan over a simple cotton shirt and cargo pants. Despite the lines of fatigue etched on her face, her brown eyes shone with warmth.

“Brynn! Kay!” she exclaimed, rising to greet us with open arms.

“Hey, Marla,” I said, accepting her hug. “How’s it going?”

“Busy as always, but you know how it is.” She turned to Kay, enveloping her in a tight embrace. “And how’s my favorite girl doing?”

Marla’s warmth never failed to surprise me. In a world of sharp edges and cold shoulders, her hugs were like finding a cozy blanket in the middle of winter. Not that I’d ever admit it out loud.

“Better now that I’m here.” Kay wore a bright smile.

“Well, it’s good to see both of you,” Marla said, stepping back. “What brings you by?”

I cleared my throat. “Got a job offer. An Elite wants me to pretend to be his daughter for a few weeks. Pays real money.”

The words felt strange coming out of my mouth. Like I was trying on someone else’s life for size. But hey, if the shoe fits and comes with a paycheck...

Marla frowned. “You sure about this, Brynn?”

I hesitated, then swallowed hard. “Not really, but we need the cash. Thought maybe Kay could stay with you while I’m gone.”

“Of course, sweetheart,” Marla said, her voice soft. “You know I’d do anything for you two. But you also know my situation. It’s not ideal for a permanent home. But I’m glad you two found a safe place to stay in that old maintenance room.”

My stomach twisted as I said it. Leaving Kay behind felt like sawing off my own arm. But I knew that sometimes you’ve gotta lose a limb to save the body.

I nodded. “Yeah, I get it. This is just for a few weeks. Can you manage?”

“Actually, things have changed a bit around here,” Marla said. “We’ve had some donations come in, so I can offer Kay a proper bed with me in my apartment upstairs while you’re away. It won’t be luxurious, but it’ll be safe.”

A proper bed? For my little sister? It sounded too good to be true. Then again, so did this whole ridiculous job offer.

“Thank you, Marla,” I said, genuinely relieved. “I owe you one.”

“Don’t mention it, Brynn. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

I shrugged with a smirk. “You know me.”

“That’s what worries me,” she replied, shaking her head with a soft laugh.

“Marla, can I help you with anything?” Kay asked, as if already eager to pitch in.

“Sure thing, darling,” Marla said, her expression shiny with affection. “Let’s get you settled first. Then we’ll see what needs doing.”

I nudged my sister gently. “See? Told you everything would be fine.”

Kay rolled her eyes, smiling. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t get yourself killed, okay?”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I said, ruffling her hair. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

For the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe this crazy plan would work out after all.

As I watched Kay follow Marla, a bittersweet ache struck my chest. This was for her, I reminded myself. A chance at something better than scraping by in a rusty maintenance room. And if that meant playing dress-up for some rich asshole, well...I’d done worse for less.

Chapter Four

BRYNN AND THE ALIEN SPACE

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