Page 103 of The Roommate Lie

My mother asks Charlie to take us to “the best tourist spot in town,” and he doesn’t go for the obvious choice: Four Pines Peak. He takes us to the Old Ponderosa Museum instead, my favorite spot. As if he knows I could see it a thousand times without ever getting bored–and he’s right.This place is heaven.

After we head around back to enter the Ruby Lakes Hotel, we pause at the first exhibit plaque, the one about the widow who founded this place. Nicki pauses there with the rest of us, waiting patiently until we’re ready to move on. Before my brain can kick in, before I can even register that she probably can’t read stuff like that anymore, Charlie glances over.

“I can read it out loud, if you want.”

He’s offering direct help, obvious help. To Nicki. Every single Kilpatrick winces, but Nicki only smiles.

“Sure, if you want. Thanks.”

Sure?

Thanks?

It’s magic, pure impossible magic. As we move to the next plaque, my mother leans toward me, her voice the barest whisper.

“A kindergarten teacheranda magician? Where did you find such a unicorn?”

Chapter Fifty-Four

CHARLIE

I’ve already showered for my interview when there’s a knock at the door. Edna is standing on my front stoop, wearing her visor and tracksuit like she’s ready for one of her neighborhood walks. Except I don’t have time.

“Whatever you’re up to—I can’t. I’ve got places to go and principals to see.”

“Your interview isn’t for half an hour—you’ve got time. This won’t take long.”

I’m not sure how she knows when my interview is, but Edna looks nervous. That’s a rare emotion for her, and the feeling is contagious.Is something wrong?

I step outside.

The other Old Birds aren’t with her, but Edna rolls her eyes when I ask if they’re okay. Like I’m being an idiot instead of a concerned neighbor. I assume we’ll just stand in my yard to talk—I’ve got somewhere to be—but Edna has other plans. Before I know it, we’re power walking down the sidewalk, sweat prickling my brow, and I’m going to need to take another shower before my interview.

If I have time…

“Listen, kid.” Edna clears her throat. “I’ve got stuff I need to say—that’s why I’m here. Heartfelt stuff.”

Heartfelt stuff?

She says that word like it might kill us both, and she’s probably right. But she keeps going. “The kind of stuff I hate to say and you hate to hear—but it’s happening. And when I’m done, we’re going to pretend I never said a word. Got it?”

“Got it.”

Edna ups her pace as she gets down to business, careful not to look over at me while we walk. Her gaze fixed straight ahead like I’m not even here.

“This thing with Alice is probably my fault.”

“Edna, it isn’t your?—”

“I meddled. I could tell you liked her, so I gave you a nudge. But if I knew she still had feelings for her ex, I wouldn’t have. That’s on me.”

Jason.

How do I keep forgetting he exists? That man shows up at the worst times—even when he doesn’t technically show up at all. Edna mentions him, and it’s like he’s walking with us down the block. I try not to wince.

Edna clears her throat again. “We’ve been through a lot together, and you’ve always been my favorite Roscoe—don’t tell your brother.”

I stifle a laugh. “Can I tell my sister?” I tease, and she chuckles.

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