“Well, I’m hoping we never run into each other again.”
“Speaking of running into someone…”
I suck in a breath. “What happened?”
“I ran into your mother.”
“No. When?”
“Yes. She stopped by our apartment again this morning. I didn’t see her when I ran out the door, so I ended up spilling my coffee all over my favorite blouse when our bodies collided.”
I wince, mentally noting that I need to cover Brooke’s dry-cleaning bill. “You’re joking.”
Brooke sighs. “Sadly not. While I stood there, soaked with burning hot coffee, she had the audacity to ask me if you were there. I told her you were in Europe.”
“You what?!”
“Fuck. I knew it was the wrong thing to say.” She groans. “I’m sorry. My bad. But to be fair, I wasn’t thinking straight. All my coffee had landed on my shirt rather than in my mouth.”
I sigh. “You don’t need to apologize to me. She’s not your problem.”
“But I still feel guilty.”
I hate putting Brooke in this position. She shouldn’t have to act as a buffer between my mother and myself, especially when I’m not there to help. “Don’t. Please. She’s the one who was in the wrong. What did she say when you told her I was out of the country?”
“She asked if you were now working as a flight attendant because that’s the only way you could afford to travel.”
“What a bitch.”
“I agree. I told her to fuck off and have a nice day.”
I lean against the counter, brushing my loose hair out of my face. “Should I call her and tell her to stop coming to our place? I don’t want her to bother you while I’m not there.”
“No. Don’t give her any attention. If there is anything I’ve learned from my creepy ex-boyfriends, it’s that attention only reinforces their behavior.”
“Really?”
“Yup. I tested it time and time again. First, they get upset because you aren’t giving them what they want, but eventually they give up and find someone else to harass.”
“And it works?”
“Eventually. It’s not like she can get money from you if you’re not even here.”
“You’re right.”
She laughs. “As per usual.”
“Thank you for dealing with her and putting up with me. How will I ever make it up to you?”
“Find me a husband. All I ask is for someone with a big—”
“Brooke!”
“Heart! A big heart.”
I giggle, erasing any anxiety about my mother. She can’t bother me when I’m thousands of miles away. And in the end, I’m the one who gives people permission to hurt me. Finally, I’m taking my stand against her and leaving that part of my life behind me.
My cell phone rings, startling me awake. I groan as I sit up and grab the phone from its holder. “Hello?”
“Chloe. Thank God you answered. I need your help. Please.” Santiago’s voice comes out as a half growl.
I haven’t bothered answering any of his texts since yesterday’s lake incident. Instead, I ignored his apology like it never happened. Giving him a chance in the first place was a mistake. I should’ve known better with how easily he lied to everyone else in his life. If someone can lie to their own sister, they can lie to anyone.
I hate to admit I enjoyed faking our relationship in front of Maya and Noah. It was fun and I felt like I was part of a family for a solid thirty seconds. But in the end, lying isn’t right and it’s something I avoid at all costs.
Well, lying isn’t something I usually do with anyone but Matteo. But that situation is acceptable. I can’t exactly storm the castle and confess who I am without him knowing me.
Marko cries on the other side of the line, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“Shit.” Santiago groans.
“What’s going on? Is Marko okay?” I throw the covers off my body and stand.
“I need your help because Marko is actually sick this time. I swear I’m not lying. He’s puking his guts up and I don’t know what to do and I desperately need your help. He’s crying for his mom and she’s halfway around the world right now, so you’re the next best thing I can think of right now.”
“Did you give him any fluids?”
“Just water, but he can’t keep anything down.”
Marko’s wails carry through the speaker.