Page 20 of Faking Ties

“Maybe I should wear it while walking around as Stella,” I say with a grin. “It could jump-start your career.”

“Don’t you dare. You need to focus on not getting caught.”

“True. But I wouldn’t mind wearing something of yours.”

Nina brushes off my comment, even though I was serious. “You ready for this?”

“Totally,” I lie. “Can you do me a favor and check in on Mom regularly?” When I went to college, she rarely messaged, wanting me to have fun and enjoy my time there. Then, a year in, she got into the accident, and everything changed. I moved back home to help her, and a week later, we found out Dad was cheating on her. Had been for months, and she had no idea.

“Of course.” Nina checks her phone. “I’ve got to run to make my shift at the hotel. But I demand a regular update from you.”

“No problem, and I’ll find a way to fly you out and come visit me.”

“I’d love that.” Nina stands and pulls me into a hug. “Don’t forget me.”

“That’s impossible.” I hug her harder. We’ve been inseparable since we were five and this is the first time I’m going to be away from her for any length of time. “It’s only for like four months.”

“But a lot can change in that time.”

“Not us.”

Nina pulls away and grins. “Just know, if you ditch me, I’m going to stalk your ass.”

“Deal.” I laugh.

Once Nina leaves, I pack the essentials as quickly as possible. Thanks to Rachel, I already have some new clothes from when the stylists arrived, but I don’t want to spend any of the money I’m earning on something so frivolous, especially when fancy outfits aren’t going to do me any good when it all ends.

The suitcase is only half full when I finish, and that’s just depressing. I bring it into Mom’s house since I still have a few hours before the car will pick me up.

“Mom?” I yell when I enter. “I’m home.”

“In the living room,” she calls.

I head there and am shocked to see a nurse helping her stretch. Mom’s never wanted to do it, even though it’s supposed to help with the pain. The nurse is wearing light blue scrubs, with her blonde hair tied back in a ponytail. I’m not sure when Rachel organized for someone to come, but I’m grateful she followed through.

“We’ll continue later,” the nurse says, helping Mom into her ergonomic chair, before coming to me and sticking her hand out. “Hi, I’m Lilly.”

“Elodie.” I take her hand and shake it. “Thanks for helping my mom.”

“No problem. Rose is a dream patient. I’ll give you two some privacy.”

Once she leaves, I ask Mom, “How is Lilly, really?”

“Amazing.” She doesn’t elaborate, but the strain that normally brackets her mouth is gone. She looks relaxed for the first time in years. “Come here and give me a hug.”

I do as she asks, and Mom laughs. “What’s this awful thing on your head?”

I pull away and grin, touching my hair. “A wig.”

“And why are you wearing it?”

“So…I have something to tell you.”

“Are you dating a guy from the mafia?” she asks with far too much excitement.

“What? No! We’ve already established that I’m not doing anything with the mafia.”

“Shame. But if it’s not mafia, then who’s your employer? Someone like Lilly isn’t cheap.”

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