Page 13 of A Lie so Dangerous and Fragile

“You what?”

“If he asks, please tell him it’s true. Also, I told him I have a son.”

“Oh my God, Chloe.”

“I know. Please just help me, okay?”

“Do you think he bought it?”

“I think so. I don’t know.”

“But why?”

“I want him to stay away from me. Making that up seemed like the only—”

“Mommy!” Kayden screamed from his booster at the back.

I knew he was calling me for no reason. He always did that. If I answered him, he was just going to keep screaming for me.

“Where are you?” Adrian asked.

“I’m driving.”

“But you don’t have a car.”

“I rented one.”

“Mommy!”

I sent a pleading look to Kayden, as if he could understand.

“Someone just screamed—”

“It’s a commercial on the radio,” I said quickly.

“Ohh, okay.”

“Ugh, Adrian, I’ll call you when I get home. I’m on the highway,” I lied.

“Okay. Drive safely.”

I released a loud breath immediately after I ended the call. This was not me. I didn’t want to be anything like Tristan, but I was desperate.

Mrs. Porter was surprised to see us back early. I gave Kayden his iPad and put him down.

“Is everything okay, honey?” Mrs. Porter asked.

“No. He is back, and he … he saw Kayden. I’m scared. What if he knows Kayden is his? Shit, I have to leave.” I panicked as I paced around the living room, chewing on my nails.

“Are the Sanchesters back?”

“Yes. I didn’t expect to run into him so soon. You should have seen the way he was staring at Kayden, as if he knew I was lying.” I buried my face in my palms, cursing nonstop.

“What did you tell him?”

“I told him I was married, but I’m not sure he bought it.” I groaned in aggravation. “I should tell him the truth. I mean, he might find out everything I said was a lie. I don’t want him back in my life, so I freaked out, and it just slipped,” I explained.

“It’s okay; you did the right thing,” she said, placing her hand on my shoulder.

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