Page 43 of The Pretender
Their banter amuses me as I slide onto the seat next to Deo. It’s the type of familial relationship I spent years longing for, but the age gap between me and my sister was too vast, and after the fire, she couldn’t bear to face me anymore. Fair, really, all things considered.
When Vin entered my life, there was a sliver of hope that maybe I could find the family I was missing, but I quickly realized his affection came with some dangerous strings attached. That knowledge didn’t keep me from trying though, and now, well, now I’m living vicariously through a man I hardly know and his cousin.
When we arrive at our destination, Brogan finds street parking, and while we exit the vehicle, I take in the city around me. First off, the very thought of finding street parking where I came from, even at midday, is laughable, but Brogan manages it without too much hassle.
Madison is missing the cacophony I’ve grown used to—of too many vehicles clogging the road, citizens filling the sidewalks, street vendors hawking their wares, and so many voices mixingtogether in an urban symphony. It’s quiet here in comparison. Calm. There’s still a nice energy, but everything feels so organized and clean. There’s breathing room here.
Brogan is talking nonstop about something that seems to keep Deo enthralled while I lose myself in the ambience of the city, imagining what it would be like to live in a place like this all the time. I could get a job as a regular accountant, doing taxes and documents and nothing else. I would need a way to get Vin to let me go though, and that is an impossible task.
“Here we go,” Deo says, gripping my wrist to lead me into the shop.
I didn’t catch the name of it coming in, but as I glance around, it brings a smile to my face. These kinds of casual clothes I can handle. Fine fabrics, interesting colors, and modern cuts. It beats constantly recycling a jogging suit.
Brogan excitedly runs to a rack of what looks like jumpsuits. “You would look so good in this, Deo.” Brogan holds up a silky item in a soft blue. “Try it on.”
Deo scrunches his nose. “A jumpsuit, Brog? I don’t know.”
“Just try it on. I think it suits you, pun absolutely intended.”
Deo chuckles, taking the item. “Okay, why not.” He turns to me. “See anything you might like?”
“I think so. Have fun. I’ll look around.”
Deo nods with a pretty smile on his face before allowing Brogan to drag him off to another rack of clothes. I saunter over to a display with a mannequin wearing silky looking trousers, but when I touch the material, I’m surprised by its texture.
“Performance fabric,” a man beside me says. He’s wearing a name tag that says Nick on it. “The look is silk, but it’s wrinkle free and water repellent. Very good choice for an active man.”
“Hmm. These might work.”
“I can start a dressing room for you.”
I nod, still surveying the slacks. “Thank you.”
Nick eyes me up and down, nodding before choosing a pair off the rack. “Are you looking for the full outfit?”
“I could use some shirts, yes. Do you have casual footwear?”
“We sure do. In the back.” He gestures for me to follow him to another section behind the one we were at. “You’ll find a variety of shirts here. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Will do.”
Nick walks off, and when I glance up, Brogan is fawning all over Deo and holding up clothes against his frame. A smile tugs at my lips. This is… nice. No pressure. No fear. Just enjoying life.
I grab several shirts and a pair of jeans—who am I?—and then find the back of the store where the shoes are. Brogan and Deo are already there trying things on. Brogan is wearing a sneaker with a thick sole.
“These are fire,” they say, twisting their foot back and forth in front of the mirror. “I didn’t think I’d find anything I like here.”
“That’s why I said to stay open-minded,” Deo says, tugging on a pair of the same sneakers in a different color. He chose a baby blue pair with a yellow stripe across the side and top. “These are adorable.” He meets my gaze. “Do you like them?”
“For you, yes. Is there something more basic?”
Deo nods happily, twisting around and then back, holding out a pair of stylish tan sneakers. “These would look great with just about anything.”
“I like them.” I check the size and smile when they actually match my desired choice.
Nick is back, taking the rest of my clothes from me and walking off again. That’s when I notice Deo checking the price on the bottom of the shoe and biting his bottom lip. Brogan and Deo whisper together, and when Brogan frowns, I insert myself into their conversation.
“What’s going on, Deo?”
