Page 20 of Pretend for Me

Nancy attempted to be pleasant. “Hello. Nice to meet you.”

“Did you know that I kissed—” Mrs. Baker covered his mouth with the folder in her hand and shooed him toward Helen.

Logan stood there, quietly waiting with his hands folded. Nancy turned her head sideways.

Hespoke first. The quiet little boy spoke. “I’m on the honor roll,” Logan said in a whisper, smiling softly.

“NOOOOO.Please, please take me with you.” Lana cried, grasping Logan’s legs in an iron grip.

“Lana, it’s going to be okay. I got adopted.” Logan gave her a small smile, attempting to help her off the floor, but she was too hysterical.

“You can’t leave me. We’re twins. You’re my brother. I can’t be without you. How am I… How can I…” She hiccupped, not making sense.

Logan crouched down to Lana’s level and hugged her. All he could do was hug her. He was expected to leave soon anyway. Expected to leave behind his twin.

Cassie watched the entire exchange. Before this, she didn’t really understand the repercussions of adoption and what Mrs. Baker’s visits meant. Now she got a bird’s-eye view of the pain and hurt that could happen.

She looked at Matthew, realizing how much she had to lose. This time it was Cassie’s turn to be hysterical.

11

CASSIE

It was a little before ten when I finally made it through the door of my apartment. I turned the knob and said a silent prayer that Audrey was either still working or fast asleep. But luck was never on my side. Audrey sat in the armchair with Oreo in her lap, her free hand strumming the side table beside her.

“Where have you been, young lady?” Audrey interrogated, standing up and lifting Oreo into her arms. “I’ll have you know I was this close to filing a missing person’s report. You had me worried sick. You didn’t call me back!”

I set down my bags and stretched the stiff muscles in my arms. I’d been carrying all that crap all day.

“I’m sorry, Audrey. I only just realized the damn thing was on airplane mode. I must have hit something,” I apologized as I gnawed at my bottom lip.

“What’s wrong?” Audrey questioned, her eyes narrowing. She always knew when something was wrong.

“Nothing’s wrong, per se. I just had an interesting day.” I tested the waters, seeing how Audrey would take all this news.

“Oh, did you and Aiden finally do the deed? If getting to third base was as hot as you said it was, I’m sure the sex was mind-blowing, right? If he didn’t make you come, you tell me and I’ll loan you myKama Sutrabook. It’s been a lifesaver for me.” Audrey winked, setting Oreo down in front of her.

I went into the kitchen, looking for a snack and hoping to avoid answering Audrey’s questions. I pulled out a bag of crackers and shoveled a handful into my mouth. I had to just tell her.

“So remember my friend Beau that I told you about?” I asked, taking more crackers.

“Yes, the one Matthew said passed away? Homeless and he had a dog?” Audrey inquired, walking over to the counter to grab some crackers for herself.

“Yes, so I went to Jersey to ‘pay my respects’ where he used to stay. It was just something I needed to do. I figured I could be there and back before you were home from work, but then I ran into Charlie. Do you remember me talking about her? My crazy foster sister?”

Audrey nodded repeatedly. “Yes, the ball of energy, real pain in the butt.”

I gave Audrey a knowing look. “It’s like having her around when I’m with you.”

This set her off and we began to bicker, both of us talking over one another.

“Oh, while you were on your little trip down memory lane, Bridget called for you. She refused to give me your check today, and she was acting so strange. I would call her back if I were you. She called twice and even said please. I almost pissed myself and wanted to ask her to repeat it to make sure I was hearing her correctly. I’m sure she probably tried your cell also, but apparently Ms. Airplane Mode wasn’t taking calls today,” Audrey joked.

I couldn’t imagine what Bridget wanted or why she wouldn’t give Audrey the check. If she was going to withhold my money, I’d have to get a lawyer. Oh wait, lawyers cost money I didn’t have lying around.

“I’ll give her a call tomorrow,” I resounded, putting the crackers away and walking to my room.

Audrey followed behind me, hot on my tail with Oreo trailing behind her. “No, here, call her now!” She nudged her cell phone to my chest.

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