Page 62 of The Pretender

Mom #2: Why the fuck not?

Mom #2: Sebastian!

Mom #2: I will call Maverick. Do not test me.

Her last textsends a groan through me. I open the message thread and quickly tap out a reply.

Me: Calm down, Cujo. I happen to have plans that don’t include sitting around Mom’s house and getting drilled with a million questions.

I takea breath then tap out one more message, just in case my last text hurts her feelings.

Me: If I’m going to get drilled, it’s going to be by someone a little less chatty and will help me pass my chemistry final.

My sister,considered the no bullshitter in our family, quickly catches on.

Mom #2: What’s her name?

I feelmy blood pressure rising as my head falls back against the sofa.

Me: Come on, Cal. Let a man live a little.

It’s a cheap shot.Playing on Calista’s guilt is a low blow, but I need her to let this whole visiting for spring break thing go.

Mom #2: I think you’re avoiding us again.

Me: Not true. I miss you all. Especially, Little Bit. I miss her more than all of you put together.

Bringing Emmy,my niece, into the mix is always the way to my sister’s heart.

Mom #2: Promise you aren’t just avoiding us?

I can’t lieto my sister.

Me: I’ll come see you soon. Promise.

“What’s wrong?”

My head pops up at Vee’s soft voice.

I shake my head and give her a once-over. She’s in another one of my shirts. This time, it isn’t flannel. Not that it isn’t sexy on her, but flannel is her trademark.

“Nothing,” I lie. “Why?”

She shrugs and comes to sit down beside me. “You just look sad.”

“I’m definitely not sad,” I assure her with a grin. Although, that might not be the case for my sister.

Vee nods at my phone. “Someone bothering you?”

I forget how well Vee knows me from before this whole fake girlfriend thing. “My sister is disappointed I’m not coming home for spring break.”

I don’t know why I tell her. Maybe I wanted to feel better about breaking my mom and sister’s hearts. Or maybe I just wanted to talk to Vee and see where her head is after I came in my pants while dry humping her.

“Oh,” she says, “I’m not going home either.”

I’m pretty sure she isn’t avoiding her family like I am mine. “Any particular reason?”

She tips her chin and takes a sip of my water, like we’re a real couple and share things like clothes and drinks. “They’re doing some fundraiser this week. A car wash or something for the school my dad works for.”

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