Page 62 of The Wife Deception
"Why not?"
We were on our way when a high school friend stopped Ivy and their conversation devolved into reminiscing about the old times. The high school friend told her there were other women who would like to meet her. "I'm sorry. I have to leave you alone."
"It's fine." I waved her off. "I'll go check out the boat."
I watched as she wandered off to a group of women who all screamed and cheered when they saw her. I was about to make a step towards the yacht when I heard a voice that sent a chill down my spine.
"Hi cousin."
31
Aire
The restaurant was sparsely populated, but I still wasn't comfortable speaking to her where people could see us. I found a table for two in a secluded corner and sat down. Aelin followed suit. She was unhurried as she sank into the chair opposite mine. Her wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses covered her face enough for me to feel a little comfortable, but not too much.
"What are you doing here?" I whisper-shouted.
"Can't a girl say hi to her cousin? There's only three of us Burgesses, and the third one is on the way to the grave."
"You ignore me my whole life and now is when you decide to get in touch! Color me suspicious."
"Come on. I was here watching the match and happened to bump into you, that's all. What did you think? That I was stalking you?"
"Why didn't you answer my calls?"
She took off her glasses and placed them next to the menu on the table. "I wanted to call you, but you know how granddad is. He didn't want me talking to you."
"You're the reason I'm even in this position! You disappeared—" my voice echoed in the empty room and I caught myself, "you disappeared and I had to marry your husband in your place!"
"And it looks like you've been doing the job quite well. You seem to be enjoying it."
My eyes narrowed.
"I saw you humping dear husband in that little grove."My cheeks flushed and she cackled. "You should see your face. Honestly, I didn't think you had it in you to be so scandalous." She laughed again, her white teeth flashing. She looked skinnier than I remembered her being. If the rehab story was true, it seemed like she needed a refund because the place didn't take care of her well. Her eyes were hollow and her cheeks a little less plump. But then again, the weight loss could be deliberate. Her chipped nails desperately needed a manicure, yet her dress was asimmaculate as always. It looked like mine, but only in a different color. Blue instead of yellow. I gave myself an A plus for being able to mimic her in that department.
"Are you back? Is that it?"
She removed dirt from her nails and said, "You seem to be enjoying yourself."
"You can't just replace yourself, he will know."
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure he loves your boring pussy, but don't worry, I am not here to steal your man."
I took a deep breath. "Then why are you endangering me and ruining grandfather's plan?"
She frowned. "Since when did you care? Anyway, I'm not going to ruin things unless..."
"Unless what!"
She opened her mouth, only to shut it immediately and glance at her side. I followed her gaze and saw the server who had materialized beside us. With a bright smile, she asked, "Afternoon. How was the match?"
"We don't want anything, thanks," Aelin said.
The woman's mouth turned into an 'o' and for a moment I was afraid she had recognized Aelin, but she said, "Are you two twins?"
"Yes. Long lost and would rather be left alone," Aelin replied, her tone dismissive. The woman caught on quickly and said with a smile plastered on her face. "Great. I'll be by the bar if you need me."
As she walked away, Aelin said, "Don't worry, we won't need your fat ass."The server was hardly fat. She was more on the plump side, but I guess Aelin considered that overweight. She and Jacqueline would get along swimmingly.
