Page 68 of Pretend for Me

Instead of my adoptive father screaming profanities at me, I was met with Rowena’s hushed whisper. “Mr. Matthew, I’m so sorry.”

“Rowena, what are you sorry about?” I questioned, sitting up in bed.

Cassie took a seat in front of me on top of the blanket, wearing a puzzled look on her face.

“I’m sorry to be the one to tell you, but Ms. Liz passed away last night. Mr. Wyatt said not to call but I couldn’t do that. I had to tell you. It’s only right,” she said, her voice coming out garbled as if her hand was covering the phone in an effort to keep the conversation quiet.

“Thank you for telling me. Take care of yourself,” I said, sincerely. Taking a deep breath, I set the phone down in front of me. My gaze remained unfixed on it as I tried to process my feelings at the news. I was stunned. I knew Liz was not faring well and it was a matter of time, but it still felt sudden and I couldn’t help feeling conflicted about it.

Cassie broke me out of his reverie. “Matty?” she called, waving her hand in front of my face.

My eyes met her wide brown ones, and my shoulders slumped. “Liz died late last night.” I exhaled the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

Silence filled the room. Cassie gulped but refused to move despite needing to meet Charlie.

“Are you okay?” she asked, playing with the threads of the blankets.

I nodded solemnly. “Yes, it’s been a long time coming, and I’ve come to terms with it.” I grabbed her hand in mine. “After what they stole from you, I can’t bring myself to feel sorry,” I stated, earnestly.

Cassie shook her head, furiously. “Don’t talk like that. She was still a mother figure to you. Please don’t compartmentalize your grief for me.” She looked down, biting her lip.

“Cass, look at me,” I said, and her eyes raised to meet mine. “Nobody is as important to me as you. Nobody. I can’t get pastany of it. I won’t. It’s true she may have been something to me in the past. Now she is just a stranger,” I confessed, giving her a kiss on the lips.

She leaned in farther, trying to deepen the kiss, but we were interrupted by the incessant buzzing of her phone. With a sigh, she pulled back and looked down at the caller ID. “Charlie,” she announced. “I better go. I’ll see you in a little bit.” She kissed me once more on the lips before standing and walking to the elevator.

“I love you, baby,” I called out to the foyer as she slipped on her shoes.

“Love you more.”

“Impossible,” I whispered to the empty room.

35

MATTHEW

Rising out of bed, I ran my fingers through my hair. It was always wild, but I could tell it was also a bit matted. Better shower before Charlie complained about my untidiness. Cassie was too kind to comment on stuff like that, but Charlie never failed to seize any opportunity she had to torment.

I started the shower, filling Rocky’s food bowl while the water came to the proper temperature. I quickly showered, taking time to wash my hair. I got out, tying a towel around my waist and using another one to dry my hair. I hoped Cassie would bring me back one of the specialty French toast bagels. I loved those with extra powdered sugar.

Charlie reaching out and remembering her foster siblings existed was a much-needed distraction from the chaos of everything happening at Adams Point and with my adoptive parents. In fact, Charlotte’s silliness was probably exactly what we needed.

I did wonder why she suddenly reached out, but I chalked it up to teenage mood swings. I was certain we would hear anearful of whatever drama was going on in her neck of the woods. Once Charlie got talking, she never shut up.

I exited the bathroom, towel around my waist. Rocky lay on the rumpled sheets, resting. Not wanting to disturb him, I decided that making the bed would have to wait.

Stepping into my walk-in closet, I looked around and picked out casual clothes. Seeing my business wear, all neatly lined up, I toyed with the idea of donating it. I dismissed the idea since I may need the clothes for future job interviews. If I wasn’t blackballed from every company from here to California that was.

One day at a time.

I turned in the closet to see the section that held Cassie’s clothes. It was just a few staple pieces, but it made my heart warm when she agreed to leave a few things at the apartment.

Wherever she was would always be my home.

It made me emotional to think I had almost lost this.

Lucky bastard.I shook my head.

Once dressed in dark blue jeans and a white t-shirt, I left the room and closed the bedroom door, hoping to give Rocky a fair chance to rest. I just knew Charlie would waltz in like she owned the place, and any peace and quiet would come to an end.

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