Page 24 of Pretend for Me

I watched Cassie's eyes water at Charlie’s effortless love. The display of affection forced me to turn my head to give them privacy.

“You good, hot shot?” Charlie quipped, teasing me.

I gave Charlotte a dazzling smile and a wink. “I’m great. Ready to see some art.” I clapped my hands together and gestured for the girls to walk ahead of me.

“Don’t irritate her, or me for that matter. You’re on my list, Adams,” Charlotte called, walking farther into the museum.

13

MATTHEW

“No offense, but what the hell is that supposed to be? It’s ugly. Jesus, you’d think someone in this place would have some taste,” Charlie explained, never one to hold back her opinions.

I couldn’t help but chuckle. Despite the grooming from Wyatt and Liz, I never understood art except for the pieces Cassie had made.

Cassie looked around, embarrassed by Charlotte’s outburst. “Charlie!” she scolded, widening her eyes.

This back and forth had been going on for the past half hour. Charlotte would complain about the art or lack thereof, and Cassie would chastise her. I just stood back and enjoyed the show, admiring Cassie and how self-assured she was.

I could hardly believe this was the same person I knew and loved since we were four years old. Somehow she was more beautiful because of her confidence. She seemed more sure of herself, despite the glimmers of the shy girl she’d been growing up. She held herself taller, and not curled in, as if she were hiding. She spoke animatedly about the pieces she liked the most. She would often reach out to touch Charlie’s arm, showinglittle signs of affection. I studied her every chance I got. I knew I was staring a bit too long, but I was captivated. I wanted to soak up this opportunity as I tried to get reacquainted with her.

Cassie looked in my direction and grumbled, “What?” She gave me a pointed look, just as she had every time my gaze lingered.

Each time, I simply threw my hands up innocently and grinned before I’d force my eyes to focus on something else. As happy as I was to be in the same room as Cassie, I couldn’t help feeling irritated at past wounds. We definitely needed to have that talk because it seemed we both had some things to get off our chests.

The afternoon was going pretty well until Charlie’s phone started ringing loudly, when we were standing in the middle of the quietest area. Cassie gave her a dirty look, huffing for her to answer it or turn it off.

“Do something!” Charlie whisper-yelled at me before walking away to take her phone call.

I put my hands in my pockets, contemplating my words carefully. “Cassie?—"

“What?” She snapped at me, her brown eyes piercing into mine like knives.

“Cass, come on. Let me speak.”

She rolled her eyes and moved farther into a group of people, knowing the old me wouldn’t cause a scene. But she didn’t know this new version of myself. Hell, I barely knew who I was these days.

Making my way through the crowd, I grabbed her arm, gently but firmly enough so I could maneuver her to the exit. I wanted to find a quiet place to talk. Just me and her. Outside forces were one of the main reasons for our demise. We needed a moment to talk without interference.

“Let go of me,” she protested as we made our way out the door.

Without hesitation, I let go of her arm. “Can you please hear me out now?”

She pursed her lips and opened her mouth to speak when Charlie burst through the double doors. Charlie stumbled into me, the girl’s eyes puffy from crying, her lip quivering, and her body shaking. Cassie ran over to her as Charlie tucked her cell phone back in her jeans pocket.

“Charlie, what’s wrong?” Cassie asked, concerned, pressing the hair out of Charlie’s eyes.

That was when Charlie went into full-on hysterics. “Derek … broke up … not pretty …” she spat, snotting everywhere.

“Derek broke up with you?” Cassie asked.

Charlie nodded and began sobbing once more.

“Who the fuck is Derek?” I blurted out. Now it was my turn to make a scene.

Charlie ducked her head with a grimace.

“Do you have a tissue, Matthew?” Cassie cringed and seemingly changed the subject.

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