Page 36 of The Spy Who Ghosted Me

Sabrina stepped off the platform after the seamstress had deemed her dress a perfect fit. She wasn’t wrong. Playing the part of girlfriend, Sabrina made her way to me.

I used the opportunity to take her hand and spin her around, admiring her in the dress. “You’re stunning.”

She blushed but smiled. “Thank you.”

“Go get your man dressed. Nana needs a little eye candy this morning.”

“Nana,” Sabrina faux scolded.

“What? I’m still alive and have eyes. Now go on.”

Sabrina shook her head at Nana’s antics. “Follow me, Cash.”

Don’t mind if I do. Did she ever look good. It made me regret never taking her anywhere in Bordeaux that required her to wear an evening gown.

Sabrina led me down a hall, her heels clicking against the wood floor.

I paused to look at some of the family photos lining the walls. Family photos seemed like such a novel concept to me, never having had a family to take pictures with. “How old were you here?” I pointed at a picture of Sabrina proudly displaying a blue ribbon at what looked like a county fair.

“Twelve.” She smiled. “Look at those braces. My teeth needed a lot of work.”

Her orthodontist had done an excellent job, based on her now-dazzling smile.

“It was my first blue ribbon. I made a peach crumble Bundt cake that I was told made one of the judges cry for being so overcome by happiness.”

“I have no doubt.” I had been the recipient of her desserts, and though they were amazing—as was she—I learned very early in my life there was no use in crying. Crying only meant a harsher punishment. I took my time looking at more photos of the happy family. They showcased beach vacations, graduations, and holidays. I got lost in them, and for the first time in years, a sense of loss washed over me. When I was a child, I used to look at other kids at school and wish for what they had, but as I grew older, I convinced myself families were nothing but people faking love for each other. The entire concept was based on a lie, as far as I was concerned. But looking at the photos on the wall and watching Sabrina sacrifice for her sister put a large crack in my theory. A theory I was too afraid to test out—that families weren’t just a charade.

Sabrina tilted her head. “Is this hard for you?” She was maddeningly intuitive. “I mean, I can’t imagine growing up without a family. You never talked about it much. You know, when we were together, or whatever we were,” she whispered.

“We were together.”

“Hmm.” She seemed to disagree.

“Sabrina, I told you earlier that those two months were real. I meant that.”

“Okay. We should get you changed,” she said, flustered. “I wouldn’t want to deprive Nana of checking you out and possibly groping you.”

I chuckled, thankful for the change of subject. The last thing I needed was to open the door to my childhood. My feelings for Sabrina were already clouding my judgment.

Izan unexpectedly came out of one of the bedroom doors down the hall. He looked as surprised to see us as we were to see him.

Sabrina took my hand. I wasn’t sure if she was playing her part or if his presence just scared her. Either way, I gladly interlaced my fingers with hers.

“Soren,” Sabrina said breathily. “Hello.”

Izan’s eyes fixed on our clasped hands. “You’re together again?” he questioned.

“Yes,” Sabrina said convincingly.

I kissed the top of her head to reinforce her declaration.

Izan’s brow creased, as if this didn’t please him. How odd.

Thankfully, Sabrina did exactly the right thing. “Listen, I feel like we got off on the wrong foot. It’s just that I worry about my baby sister. She’s dated the biggest losers over the years, so I’m automatically suspicious of anyone she brings home. And I wasn’t expecting this guy to be here.” She patted my arm. “So, I think I came off a little coldly. I apologize. But I can see you and my sister are happy and in love, and Cash and I would really love to get to know you better. I mean, we are all going to be family, after all.”

“You two are getting married?” he said in his phony accent.

“No,” Sabrina nervously laughed. “I was speaking hypothetically.”

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