Page 14 of Play Pretend

A deep breath filled my lungs as I checked the locks again, then flipped the light on, bathing my house in a stark white light. The layout was totally open, the living room, dining room, and kitchen all viewable from the front door. Every inch of my space was practical—nothing was there for comfort or decoration.

A chair because I needed somewhere to sit, a couch beside it for visitors. A lamp so I could see. A dining table to work and eat at. No barstools, because I had a dining table. Appliances, but just the necessities—fridge, stove, microwave, toaster, washer, dryer.

I had a bed of course, as well as a dresser and shoe rack—I wasn’t a savage. My guest room was just as plain as the rest of the house with nothing on the white walls, no rugs on the floor.

Maybe that’s what was missing?

Life.

As I made my way across the small space, I unbuttoned my uniform shirt and dropped it on the back of the couch, leaving me in my black undershirt. Sinking onto the chair at the head of the table, I unwrapped my burger and took a bite, cringing at the blandness of it. The fries were cold, so I had a few and tossed the rest. Maple Street Diner was delicious—or it used to be. Lola Carter, the new owner, was doing her best. But damn, it had gone downhill since her mother passed.

For years, I’d stopped there on the way home for dinner and it was always amazing. But as I ate the hockey puck between two buns, I seriously contemplated cooking classes. Thankfully, the meal was over quickly, and after tossing my trash, I checked that the microwave was unplugged and the stove was off.

Logically, I knew they hadn’t magically plugged in or turned on, but my mind told me I had to check—otherwise something bad would happen. I’d tried fighting against the impulses for years, but they always won.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, and with a sigh, I pulled it out. The only texts I ever got were from the family group chat Trinity insisted we be a part of—all of us, including Adam. No matter how many times he left, Trinity always added him back. I didn’t know if it was from her own guilt over everything, or because she felt bad for excluding him. But she wouldn’t give up, even if it annoyed the shit out of him.

THEO:

*Attachment: 1 image*

Wish all of you were here!

My heart twisted at the sight of the glittering lights of the New York City skyline. My older brother, Theo, was likely at some high-profile rooftop party surrounded by New York’s elite. How we came from the same cloth, I’d never understand.

I was content with simplicity, buying things at the local general store or thrifting the few pieces of furniture I needed. Theo wanted name-brand everything. He always had. Luxury pumped through his veins like wealth was his birthright. Hefitthe mold, but somehow, impossibly, kept a reasonable-sized head about his money.

But the need for the things he had, everything he wanted, never occurred to me. I’d never wanted anything more than what I had—I glanced around the small house and cringed.

Okay, maybe I wanted a bit more thanthis, but I didn’t want a penthouse in the city or a new girl in my bed every night.

ME:

Don’t get into too much trouble.

THEO:

It’s fine. I know a sheriff who can bail me out.

BRYNNE:

Can your sheriff hookup bail me out, too?

ME:

What did you do now?

TRIN:

Let’s just say Toby is gonna have SUCH a clean car tomorrow.

ME:

You have to stop fucking with Toby, Trin.

TRIN:

It was Brynne!!!!!!

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