Page 89 of The Troublemaker
Once we’re away from everyone and standing outside my condo, Dad places his hand on my shoulder.“I like her.She’s good for you.”
“Thanks.”I punch the security code into the lock, and we walk into my condo to put their bags in the spare room.
My dad goes into the second bedroom and walks right back out.“Are you sure it’s okay if we stay here?”He gestures toward the room.
Shit.He’s probably seen so much of Hadley’s things in there.I’m not even sure if she made the bed.
“Sometimes we stay in there if Tanner isn’t sleeping well and we want to… you know.”
My dad stares at me for a long beat.Just like the time I got caught stealing when I was thirteen.I want to confess my lie, but I don’t want to put them in a bad situation—or Hadley.
“Okay.We should get downstairs.”He walks past me and opens the door.
“I’ll be right behind you.I’m just going to grab a change of clothes for Tanner.”
The door shuts, and my head rocks back.I can do this.
I pull out my phone to text my sister.
Thanks for the heads up.
What?No congratulations?
Congratulations, but you couldn’t have told me they were coming?
I was busy pushing a baby out of my vagina, sorry.
I shut off my screen and pocket my phone.
I can do this.I’ve had to put on an act before.Like the time Kenzie told me she picked my cousin, Lance, over me.I’m used to acting like everything is okay, and this is no different.
Except this affects Hadley too, and I refuse to let her down.
ChapterThirty-Three
Easton
After the food truck festival, we all Uber back to the condo.We have an afternoon game tomorrow, but I love having my parents here.And they’re so hands-on with Tanner that Hadley and I can spend a lot of time with our friends.
We climb the stairs, and when we get inside the condo, the big red flag waves in my mind as Hadley goes to put her stuff in her room.
“Had.”I nod toward my room.
She throws her hands in the air, seeing my parents’ questioning gaze.“You know I keep a lot of my stuff in the second bedroom since Easton has so many clothes.No room for me.”
My mom looks at me, frowning.“Easton, make room for her.”
My dad glances over then turns away.I know he knows—or at least suspects—that something isn’t as it seems.Eventually, he’ll call me out on my fake marriage.
“It’s fine.”Hadley goes into my bedroom.
“You guys should move into a bigger place now that you have Tanner,” my mom says.
“Yeah, for sure.”I’m not leaving this condo.After Hadley leaves, I need Tanner to be part of a community with my friends.“Can you watch Tanner for a second?”
I follow Hadley into my bedroom, slowly shutting the door behind me.
She’s already pacing on the other side of the bed.She stops when she sees me.“What are we going to do?”
