Page 73 of Playing Pretend

WE’D JUST STOPPED outside the warehouse when my phone rang. It was my mother, so I decided to steal an extra five minutes before I faced the press waiting outside.

“Hi Mom.”

“Hi sweetheart. How are you?”

“I’m great.” I swallowed, and pasted on a smile as if my mother could see me. “I just arrived at the party.”

“Oh, well in that case I won’t keep you long. I wanted to wish you luck for tonight.”

“Thank you,” I replied. I dropped my head against the back seat, and stared up at the roof of the car. Alfie had already climbed out, and I was glad for the privacy.

“Are you okay? You sound tired, sweetheart.”

She had no idea.

“I’m fine,” I lied. “Just a little nervous.”

“Why do I get the feeling you’re not being completely honest with me?”

My mother was a little too perceptive, and as much as I needed to talk to her, now wasn’t the time.

“I’m fine, Mom, really. I have to go, but I will call you tomorrow, okay?”

My mother paused, and I knew that she wasn’t pleased. She hated it when I kept things from her. “I think you should come here for a few days. We can catch up, and you can get away from the city.”

And away from Caleb, I thought, mentally saying the words I knew my Mother wanted to. I’d called her several times after my date with Caleb, and she had no qualms at all about airing her concerns that I was going to get hurt, that I had possibly gotten in over my head. I was afraid she wasn’t wrong.

But I couldn’t think about that now.

I did however like the idea of seeing her again.

“I’ll book you a flight,” she added. “I think it will do you the world of good.”

“I agree,” I sighed. “I really have to go, Mom. I’ll speak to you in the morning.”

“Good luck, sweetheart. I love you.”

Alfie rapped his knuckles on the window, letting me know my time was up.

“I love you too, Mom.”

I slid my phone across the screen just as another call came in. Caleb. Without much thought, I silenced it, and let it go to voicemail. I tucked it into my purse, and opened the car door. Lights flashed, and I tried not to think about the first time Caleb and I stepped out as a ‘couple’. It was a night not much different to this one – clear skies lit up by city lights, warm air, beautiful, perfect – except I knew this time it was different. Everything had changed. I was alone, while Caleb was at his penthouse doing God knows what with his ex, and I hated how keenly I felt his absence at my side. I wanted to be brave, and courageous, and more importantly, I wanted to feel in control.

Alfie helped me out of the car. “Ready, Ms. Kavanagh?”

I nodded. Show time, kiddo.

I stepped up to the press gauntlet with a smile on my face, standing tall and facing the cameras with as much confidence as I could. The paparazzi yelled their questions, asking where Caleb was, and if we were still happy. I kept quiet, and gave them a few pictures before having Alfie escort me inside. A few of the guests had already arrived, and the servers were all circling the room. So far, everything was going according to plan, which allowed me to relax just enough to focus. I saw Aaliyah, and Annabelle, and they waved me over. I greeted my colleagues while winding through the crowd, sure to engage with the guests as well.

“You look like a million bucks,” said Aaliyah. “And this place looks amazing.” She too was a vision on her royal blue chiffon V-neck, sleeveless gown, her black hair curled, and clipped to the side in a classic style that suited her to perfection.

“Thank you,” I replied. I had to admit, rubbing my hand down the smooth material of my red lace dress. It was backless, with a scalloped neckline and a Watteau train. Impeccable, and classy.

Caleb picked it out.

“Where’s Caleb?” asked Annabelle. I looked away for a moment, and when I looked back, both her and Aaliyah gave me expressions of worry, and confusion.

“We decided to come separately. He was having some trouble with Braelynn.”