Page 29 of Exposed

“What happened?”

“Opened my laptop and fell asleep.” He lays down on his stomach next to Simon and opens the book to a picture of a black and white smiling panda holding bright green bamboo. “Okay, buddy. Look at this.” Simon gurgles and coos, then goes back to whining.

Matt tosses the book to the side and runs a hand down his face. His back and shoulder muscles flex impressively as he reaches to rub his son’s back, and I’m free to ogle Matt without him noticing.

“My mom said you have to do this. It’ll make you strong so you can sit up,” Matt explains lovingly to Simon.

My chest stings with the painful reminder that my dad never looked at me the way Matt looks at his son. Simon is such a lucky duck. I’m slightly jealous, but also thankful Simon will grow up with a dad who cherishes him.

A car honks and doors slam shut outside, and I jump. My first thought is that I’ve been found, my hands ball into fists and my heartbeat quickens.

“You’re okay.” Matt soothes, and I think he’s talking to Simon. “You’re okay, Pepper,” he repeats as he stands. “That’s my parents.”

My ears warm with embarrassment. I can’t wait til I can live my life without fear again.

Matt scoops Simon up into his arms. “You ready to meet your grandma and grandpa, little buddy?” He looks at me. “Fair warning, they’re huggers.”

That statement makes me want to fly out of here.

I have very few good memories of my mom and dad, so seeing other people’s parents makes me nervous. Since my own parents didn’t like me, how can I expect anyone else’s mom and dad to accept me?

Matt smiles and waves as he opens the front door for them. He really is a golden child. I bet he’s the apple of his parents’ eyes.

Matt is supremely attractive.

Family-oriented.

Successful.

Wealthy.

We’re from completely opposite sides of the track.

My shoulders tense, and with my breath caught in my lungs, I shrink back into the living room as they approach us.

They look as happy and wealthy as him. His mom is dressed in a navy blue and white striped blouse and white flowy pants, and his dad is incredibly fit for his age and has on a white linen button up shirt and khakis.

“Damn, I’m glad you guys are here,” Matt says.

“We have a grandson,” his mom cheers excitedly and immediately reaches out for Simon.

“We’re proud of you for taking responsibility, son.” His dad claps him on the shoulder.

“Guys, this is Pepper,” Matt introduces me.

He doesn’t call me Lucy, because he knows that’s not my real name. His nickname makes me feel special.

“This is my mom Madilyn and my dad Henry.”

“Nice to meet you,” I say to both of them and dip my chin shyly.

“Pepper, so nice to meet you,” Madilyn hands Simon to Matt and envelopes me in a hug.

Matt warned me, but I’m still taken by surprise at her open affection. I squeak and awkwardly pat her back. She smells like expensive floral perfume. After a full day of catering a golf tournament, I’m sure I stink.

When she’s satisfied with her hug, she doesn’t give any indication that she’s repulsed by my smell. Instead, she pulls back and says, “Matt, dear, you didn’t tell us how pretty your friend is.”

“Did I not mention how beautiful she is? Figured you’d see for yourself soon enough.” Matt winks at me.

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