Page 63 of Tell Me All Your Lies

“Then you’ll fit right in. Either you fit into the Rippling River community, or you don’t. I hate to be frank about that, but it is what it is.”

“Hopefully we will,” Cara says while keeping her smile firmly intact.

It’s almost disturbing how Cara is able to keep this fake smile in place. If she weren’t a practiced spy, I would be alarmed at how well she’s playing this role.

“Ace, I hear you and Bradley go way back.”

“We do.”

Cordelia studies me once again.

“Good. A friend of Bradley’s is always a friend of mine.”

“I hope I won’t let you down.”

“I have a feeling you won’t. I tend to be right about people.”

Drew appears and hands Cordelia her drink first before handing the rest of ours out. Cara, Brad, and I all share our thanks.

“To new and old friends,” Cordelia says with a raised glass in the air.

“Cheers.”

We all down the whiskey as if they were shots. Cordelia notices that we fell in line, and a pleased expression takes over.

“Good. Now, who wants to challenge me in a little cornhole game? I absolutely love it,” she says.

“Then we should be on a team because I always beat Ace,” Cara says with a giggle.

“Cara’s on my team! Ace, Bradley, you can be our challengers.”

We all laugh and start to head out back. Cordelia has Cara’s arm in hers and begins telling her details about the architecture of the house as they walk through it. The sea of people naturally parts as they do. Another sign that Cordelia holds an important role here.

I look over to Brad, who has a light sheen covering his skin.

“Everything okay?” I ask.

“I’m glad that went well.”

“Me too,” I add, pretending to feign confusion. “Were you worried it wouldn’t?”

“Another time, Ace.”

“Why won’t you tell me what’s going on?”

“Not everything is what it seems.”

“Whatever you say.”

Catching up to Cara, I pull her aside.

“Are you really good at cornhole?” I ask.

“Another special talent,” Cara whispers.

“You’re full of hidden talents.”

“I did grow up in a small town. It’s not hard to fathom that I would know how to bake or play some yard games.”

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