Page 46 of Pretend for Me

Sure, I yearned to believe my adoptive parents were stand-up individuals who did no wrong, but I knew that was naive, and I had to be logical. They were only human after all. They were bound to make mistakes. However, this was far outside of the typical blunders a parent makes over time. This was messing with people’s lives and freedom. This was potentially them ruining the only real family I’d ever had—which was Cassie. She was the only “real” family I ever had. The only real family I everneeded. I was just too cowardly to accept that. I allowed my weakness to ruin us, but I wouldn’t be powerless again.

“I want everything you can find on Wyatt and his business dealings. Find out all the ins and outs of Nardini Industries. Try to see if you can track down the broker he uses in the Caymans.” I solidified my decision. Justice would be served if Wyatt was as shady as we deduced.

“Look who finally got some balls!” Holden boasted, slapping my back.

“Speaking of balls, I’m thinking of making meatballs for the engagement party next week. Should I put you down for a plus one, Matthew?” Bridget asked sweetly, tying her hair into a tighter bun.

“Bee, I didn’t get to tell him about the party yet. And you know he’s only obsessed with Cassie. Are you going to have her working that night? Oh why don’t you give her the night off and invite her?” Holden volunteered, going on and on.

I sucked in a breath, finding myself unable to answer, so instead shook my head. I didn’t want to take away Cassie’s choice. If she wanted to see me, she would. She should be free to attend places she wanted to without any ulterior motives attached.

Excusing myself to the bathroom, I cursed how unsettled I had become while trying to compose myself. I was haunted byher.No matter how I tried to distract myself, it always came full circle to Cassie.

In my haste, I wasn’t looking where I was going and knocked into someone as I rounded the corner.

“Fuck!” she yelped, holding her hands out steady herself. “I’m so sorry.”

Cassie.

She shuddered and her face fell in her hands. “I’m definitely getting fired now.”

“I can promise you aren’t,” I said, with a smirk.

Cassie’s head whipped up to face me but she quickly dropped her gaze from my expectant gaze.

“It’s fine. I’m fine.” I hoped the double meaning wasn’t lost on her.

I nodded when Cassie muttered her apologies again, her eyes cast down, before I walked around her. There was nothing more to say. She knew where I stood.

“I’m not here to bother you,” I called over my shoulder. “I had a business lunch.”

“I don’t own the restaurant, Matty.”

She called me Matty. I couldn’t fight a smile as I entered the men’s room.

I speddown the tree-lined highway, feeling exhilarated by being in control of something for a change. It had been a long time since I’d driven my car. Living in the city, I never really needed to. Besides, having a driver really solidified not needing to drive myself anywhere. I forgot how therapeutic driving had been for me. The freedom I felt. The memories attached, both good and bad.

Jersey would always be a place filled with a mix of happiness and sadness for me. Cassie and I forged our connection there. We fell in love, and ultimately we fell apart there. I shook my head, trying to rid my thoughts of her and the past. This trip wasn’t about her. It was about Charlie.

She texted me earlier as I was leaving lunch with Holden and Bridget.

“SOS. Please come to Jersey. Hurry.”

I texted her a few times then tried calling but got no response. I jumped in the car and headed to her house. I was growing more and more concerned. I couldn’t fail another person.

I turned onto the main road, knowing this part of town all too well. I could probably drive around blindfolded.

Pulling up to the small house, I parked in front and cut the engine, growing confused as I noticed Nia’s car in the driveway. She was never home during the day. Nia had been working night shifts before Charlie was placed under her care, but she had switched so that she could be home in the evenings. Though lately, her schedule was much less consistent. Charlie had told me that Nia had agreed to work doubles, leaving the girl on her own more often than not.

I adjusted my Ray-Bans and marched to the door, hoping to get some answers as to Charlie’s strange behavior lately and her sudden decision to dodge my calls.

“What are you doing here?” a voice from behind me called. “Did she put you up to this?”

“Twice in one day, lucky me.” I pursed my lips and shook my head. “Charlie and her fucking games.”

“She texted you?” Cassie asked, looking up at me from beneath her long eyelashes.

I nodded. I assessed the area and didn’t spot another car nearby. “How did you get here?”

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