Page 74 of After the Vows

There’s a lot I haven’t told my waitress. Starting with how my marriage to Lucas is fake with a capital F and ending withI’m in so much trouble because I’m falling for my fake husband.

Addy hands me the phone. “Please answer it before the ringing sound drives me bonkers.”

“It’s not ring—” The phone rings and cuts me off.

Addy giggles before waving and shutting the door behind her as she leaves.

“What’s up, Natalia?”

“Can you come pick me up?”

I check the time on the phone. “You’re supposed to be at summer camp for another two hours.”

“I need someone to pick me up now.”

I know what those words mean. I’ve said them to my mom enough times in my life. She’s in trouble. But first things first.

“Are you hurt?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“I promise I’m not hurt. Can you come, please?”

“On my way.” Because I will never not come when Natalia calls. Even after my agreement with Lucas ends, she can call me and I’ll come running. Natalia deserves nothing less.

I get to my feet and throw my clipboard on the floor before rushing out the backdoor to my bike. I pedal as fast as I can to the summer camp.

Lucas’s squad car isn’t parked on the street at the entrance when I arrive. Of course, he could have walked. The police station isn’t too far from here.

I drop my bike on the lawn and hightail it to the office building. I burst inside to discover Natalia and Piper sitting on chairs in the hallway.

“You came!” Natalia shouts and rushes to me.

I wrap my arms around her and haul her near. “Of course, I came.” I release her to search for any injuries. “You aren’t hurt?”

“I’m not hurt. Promise.”

“What happened?”

Madison steps into the hallway. “Mrs. Fellows.”

Now is not the time, but a jolt of excitement charges through me at her use of my married name. I’d love to be a Fellows. Shedding the last name of Summers would get rid of another reminder of dear old mom.

But Maddy using my married name is not a good sign. She’s well and pissed. Crap on a mermaid cracker.

“I’ll be right back,” I tell Natalia before following Madison into an office.

Another girl and her mother are waiting there for us.

“No!” I know a set-up when I see one. Don’t ask me how. I blame Sophia and her obsession with Flynn.

“What’s the matter, Mrs. Fellows?” Madison asks.

“We are not having a discussion about whatever this is with one child present. Either all children involved are present or this meeting isn’t happening.”

Madison scowls. Probably because she knows I’m right. “Sheila, can you wait in the hallway?”

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