Page 162 of Pretend You Love Me
James makes an appearance as soon as we are about to finish eating.
“We saved you a plate. Do you want the kitchen to heat it up for you?” Elizabeth says as she walks over to him. She gives him a quick kiss and a hug.
“That sounds great. Thanks.” He rubs his eyes and stretches out his neck.
“Never ends, huh?” Will asks.
James smiles tightly. “Don’t feel bad for me. I knew what I was getting into. Kip, good to see you.”
“Thank you...Mr. President.” We all turn and look at Kip. James lowers his brows. Will starts laughing.
“Call me James. Please.” He’s shaking his head.
“We aren’t that formal around here.” Will says.
Kip nods. “Didn’t want to offend anyone.”
“He won’t make you bow if you’re nice,” Liv says with a wink.
“I’ll be on my best behavior,” Kip quips.
James leans his hand on the back of one of the chairs and then says, “Brooklyn, I need to tell you something.”
My stomach sinks, and my heart starts to pound. Kip grabs my hand.
“We found your mom and sister.” I cover my mouth with my hand. Kip squeezes my hand harder.
“Are they alive?”I ask.
“I think so. I have a team going in for them now.”
I stand up. “Now?”
He nods.
I’m looking around the room frantically like that will help. “Do you think they are in trouble?”
“I honestly don’t know.”
We follow him back to the office. My heart pounds the entire time. He motions for me to sit on the couch but in view of a television screen.
“We can watch everything from here if you want,” he says, looking nervously at me.
I nod.
“You don’t have to. I can let you know when it’s done,” he continues.
“No, I want to watch.” I take Kip’s hand again.
I don’t think I breathe for a full five minutes while we watch the team surround the building and then go up to the door. They knock.
“Breathe,” Kip whispers.
I let out a shaky breath just as the door cracks open. I barely process anything else – nothing that anyone is saying because I see her, and I know.
It’s my mom.
She’s alive.
