Page 141 of The Fake Out Flex

"Yeah, and it's two o'clock," I say.

"Exactly. I'm glad to see you've improved your punctuality. Come in."

I step into the house biting my tongue—literally. I've been late twice in the past year, once because I got held up at work, and once because I was hanging out with Hannah and the alarm I'd set to remind me to come here didn't go off.

Don't engage, Evie. You're here for a reason. Focus on that. Focus only on that. Hey, defensemen, you're awake today, Great. Something tells me I'm going to need you.

I follow her into the formal living room.

There's a tray laid out on the coffee table with a kettle, two tea cups, and a plate with an assortment of pastries.

"I wasn't sure if you'd be hungry," Mom says, taking a seat. "Two o'clock is such a strange time to meet. Have you eaten? I can get Louisa to make you something if you like."

"That won't be necessary, Mom," I say, sitting opposite her and helping myself to a mini cinnamon roll.

"Tea?"

"Yes, please."

Mom pours the tea, the aroma of citrus and spice wafting in the air. She hands me a cup and saucer adorned with a pretty floral pattern. "Here you go."

"Thanks."

She sits down and lifts the porcelain mug to her lips, her eyes never leaving me. "So, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? I assume you need something."

"Mom. Geez. Can't a daughter just visit her mother and hang out?"

She quirks a brow. "You want to hang out with me, Evelyn?"

"Sure. Why not? How is everything?"

"Fine."

"Dad?"

"He's fine."

"The ladies at the country club?"

"Also fine. Evelyn." The cup clinks against the saucer with a sharp ding. "You did not come here to make small talk. If you have a point, please just get to it."

"Okay, okay. Just promise me you won't get all Mom about it." She looks about as unimpressed as I expected that comment to make her look. "I came here today to talk to you about your contact in Washington."

She perks up. "Really?"

"Yes. Work isn't going very well."

A puzzled expression crosses her face. "Why not?"

"For a number of reasons I'd rather not get into, but mainly because my segments aren't attracting viewers."

She makes a quiet sound I can't decipher, then says, "Well, that's odd."

"Why would that be odd?"

"Because I think your segments are lovely, Evelyn."

"You…watch my segments?"

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