Page 18 of Pump Fake

She peered at me closely. “You mean, you won’t try to talk me out of my preferences?”

“No. Why would I?” Then my jaw dropped. I narrowed my eyes, fury bubbling to the surface all over again. “Did Mom do that?”

“Sort of. Well, yes.” She shifted from foot to foot. “She thinks it’s just a phase or experimenting. Not… real. But trust me, I’ve been on a few dates with boys, and I’ve never been surer in my life.”

“Ahh, she thinks you’re rebelling.” I understood perfectly.

Veronica lived in her own world, not accepting that her daughters had other goals, likes, and dislikes. We were supposed to be little Stepford wives in training. And the fact that she’d made my sister go on dates that weren’t her choosing, because I was sure that was what had happened, made me sick.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m out of there in a year, and she won’t be able to tell me what to do or think then.”

She just had to make it until then. I understood that all too well. “I had the same mindset my last year in high school. Don’t worry. You’ll survive, and if it gets too bad, you can crash in my room with Mal. She won’t care.”

All the tension drained from Ser, and she fell into my arms. “Thanks, sis.”

I laughed then released her. “You’re welcome.”

We walked the rest of the way while Ser chatted about the tennis team and her friends on it—her real friends, the ones who didn’t judge her because she had no money or because of our parents’ sins.

A bell jingled overhead when I pushed open the door to the coffee shop. The atmosphere inside instantly put me at ease with the subdued lighting and comfortable wood and metal-accented furniture. Then there was the smell. Roasted coffee beans, cinnamon, and sugar. Yes, please.

“Hi, Remi.”

At Ser’s dreamy voice, I jerked my gaze to the pretty brunette at the register. The other girl had a shy smile for my sister.

Interesting.I pressed a twenty into Ser’s hand and leaned in close. “Order my regular. I’m going to find a table.”

Five minutes later, Ser sat opposite me and passed a caramel latte across the table.

“Gimme.” I took my first sip and relaxed against the booth. “Heaven.”

Ser giggled then gulped hers. “Yeah, it really is. I try to come here at least once a week.”

“All right.” I turned my laptop so she could see it. “We need to get to work on your essays and a list of colleges.” Not to mention scholarship applications outside the universities. I would also take her to visit some of the schools, but probably not until after tennis season.

We caffeinated ourselves and dove into what we could get done. Two hours later, after several bakery items had been purchased from Ser’s crush, we had made a dent.

I felt good about our progress and made plans to do more next weekend. “Ready to go?”

Ser worried her lower lip with her teeth before releasing it slowly. “Actually, Remi gets off in ten minutes, and we, um… sort of, made plans.”

I grinned. Ser was being super cute. I wasn’t used to my outgoing sister’s shyness. “Sounds good. I’ll stop to say bye to Mom and see you next weekend, but call me if you need anything.”

“Sure.”

“Promise me, Ser.” It scared me that she lived with Veronica, who was two sheets to the wind on the regular.

Ser grinned. “I promise, big sister. Now go.”

I laughed, taking her not-so-subtle hint. With a wave at Remi—to my sister’s horror—I left. It was for the best, anyway. I wanted to chat with Veronica while Ser wasn’t around.

The walk back to the apartment took less time than I would have liked, but I had to get things off my chest. I trudged up the three flights of stairs and let myself in. Mom emerged from the hallway that led to the single bedroom—hers, Ser had the couch—and frowned at me, the ever-present glass of wine in her hand.

“Why are you back?” Veronica asked. “And where’s Serena?”

“Ser ran into a friend and is hanging out. I’m back because we need to have a chat.”

Veronica waved regally, as if indicating I should continue, and I fought to keep myself from snapping at her.

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