Page 45 of The Perils of Pretending
“I’m not quite ready for that yet.”
“Ready for what?” Michelle says, poking her head in between me and Sadie. “I’m teasing. You don’t have to answer that. I came to say hello. I didn’t realize you were coming to Homer.”
I look at Sadie. “It was a surprise.”
Brody nods. “Yep. Max likes to do that to people.”
I like to show up and help those who need me. I don’t plan surprises.
Michelle pats my shoulder. “Well, it’s good to see you. When you’re done, we’ll show you the cabin we’re staying in. Oh—” Michelle taps her bottom lip. “Are you boys going to share the queen bed or is Brody bunking with Sadie or is Sadie moving to the queen and you two taking the bunks?”
This sounds like musical beds. I didn’t even think about where I’d be staying. Nowhere in my panic to come rescue Sadie did I stop to think about where I’d be sleeping.
I shrug. “I’ll do whatever Sadie and Brody want.” If it weirds Sadie out to share a room with me, I don’t mind sleeping with Brody or on the couch.
“Do you snore?” Sadie asks in a judgy tone.
I live alone. How would I know? “I don’t think so?”
Sadie puts her hand on my forearm. “Tell you what, you can take the extra bunk in my room. But the second you snore, Brody and I are switching.”
“Fine by me,” I say to the group. I lean over to whisper in Sadie’s ear. “I knew you’d want me to yourself at night.”
Sadie dramatically puts a hand on her chest, acting shocked. “How did you guess my secret?”
“You’re no different than my other girlfriends.” I wink, letting her know I’m joking. I haven’t had a girlfriend spend the night at my house before.
Brody laughs.
Michelle raises her brows.
Sadie rolls her eyes.
There’s the reaction I know and like from Sadie. I take another bite of food, wiggling my brows as I chew.
Brody stands, “I’m going to get some dessert. Mom, do you want anything?”
Michelle pats her stomach. “I ate too much lunch. I’m going to get a power nap before we head out this afternoon. See you all in a bit.”
“Bye.” I wave to Michelle. “So, when do I get to officially meet ding-dong?” I whisper to Sadie.
“Right after I get some chocolate cake.”
I raise my fork in a toast. “Solid plan.”
“I know you’re not a sweets person, but do you want some?”
Not really. But Sadie’s being nice and I don’t want to turn down her offer and make her feel bad. “Yeah, I’ll give it a try.” A few bites won’t kill me.
“You got it, babe.”
I smile as she walks to the dessert table at the front of the room.
A chair behind me scrapes against the tile floor. Turning over my shoulder, I see that Dorian’s getting up. If he thinks he’s going after Sadie, he’s sorely mistaken.
I quickly stand, moving in front of him. “Hey. I’m Max. Sadie’s boyfriend. Are you a cousin?”
He puts his hand out for a shake. “Dorian. I’m a friend of the family.”
