Page 116 of Trust Me

“Your brilliant mind is going to take you far, one day. But it’s not just your math skills that will be the reason for your success. It’s also that big, giant heart of yours.”

“I’m too sensitive,” she murmurs, her head laying against my shoulder. “Some of the girls at school say that’s why I cry all of the time. Because I’m too sensitive.” She sniffles.

“You are perfect,” I reassure. “You’re my Ladybug. There’s no such thing as being too sensitive. You just have to find the right people who you can share your true feelings with. Those girls weren’t it.”

Those pompous bitches. I swear I’m going to find out every single one of their names and sue their asses. Or find some way to bury them.

“But I’m so scatterbrained all of the time.” She pulls back and peers up at me. “I lied to you about my history exam. I only got a B- on it because I couldn’t focus long enough while studying.”

I start to let out a laugh but hold it in. “Ladybug, only you would think a B- is a terrible grade. You should see the grades your aunt used to get in school.” Granted, my poor grades were due to the fact that I moved around constantly and I had a father who didn’t give a shit about my education.

“You’re close to a straight A student at one of the most prestigious schools in the country.” I cup her face. “And you don’t have to earn another A to ever prove to me that you’re worthy of being loved. Okay?”

I hold her face until she slowly nods.

“Okay.” Her answer comes out in a whisper but I hear it. “I don’t have to go back there, do I?”

“To Bowen?”

“Yeah. I know how much you pay for me to go and you’ll lose a lot of money if I don’t return. If you want me to, I’ll go back …”

“Hey, you let me worry about the money. That’s not your job. We’ll find a school here in Williamsport for you to attend.”

For the past few days since Eve returned, I’ve been trying to get her to open up to me about why she came back all by herself. She just kept telling me that she missed me, that was all. I knew it was more than that.

I hold my niece for some time, the both of us silent as we hug. I start to murmur all of the things that I love about her. Eve giggles when I bring up that I love how much she sings off-key when she gets really into one of her favorite musicals.

We’re in her bedroom for at least a half an hour before I say, “Come on, we can probably find some leftovers to have for dinner. If not, I’ll order something.”

It’s been quiet up the hall. I’ve almost forgotten about Kyle. He probably went down to the bedroom, or more likely, back to his own place while I dealt with what I imagine someone like him would deemthe drama.

People like him wouldn’t stick around for anything too emotional. They might say nice things here and there, and get your hopes up, but they aren’t the type to be relied on. Not that I should be even thinking of relying on my fake husband for anything.

He’ll get what he wants out of this marriage and then leave.

I shake those thoughts off as I follow Eve out of her bedroom.

“Kyle,” Eve calls out as we re-enter the living room.

I look over to find him standing over the dishwasher, loading it. Scanning the kitchen, I find that it’s immaculate.

Did he clean up?

“Are you feeling better?” he asks Eve.

“Yes,” she says shyly. “I’m sorry for ruining dinner.”

I start to tell her that she hasn’t ruined anything but Kyle cuts me off.

“Ruined?” he scoffs. “Who doesn’t enjoy crunchy lasagna?”

Eve actually giggles.

I’m blown away because right now my husband’s voice sounds … playful and comforting.

“We never got to finish dinner,” he continues. He takes Eve by the shoulders and guides her to the dining table. There’s an entirely new setup. He must’ve cleared away the plates and dishes of lasagna. In their place are bowls and plates of …

Grilled cheese and tomato soup.

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