The Harper Family (Wattpad Version)

Charade

Sofie

Ricardo helped me keep up the charade for my sperm donor. He reported to my dad my every movement even though it was a lie. I asked God for forgiveness. I'm sure God forgave me for following my heart.

Odin and I met at the youth group but only stayed an hour before we left. Ricardo would drive me to an undisclosed location and drop me off so Odin and I could spend time together. He would return to pick me up and report to my dad a false account.

My friends and Odin's family went along with the charade. When my dad called Harper and Harper construction for an update, Owen and Elias created elaborated stories with issues about the house.

There was an issue with the wood. The drywall had a late arrival. They had to rewire the electrical because someone placed it next to the plumbing—the house inspector for additional issues. Everything was complete bullshit.

*****
Odin

The plus side of summer was the days were longer. It gave Sofie and me more time together.

I was laying framework when Dad whistled at me. I stopped and looked at him.

"Shouldn't you leave for your youth group?" Dad asked.

"Yep."

Kyler took over for me and helped Val. I removed my tool belt and placed it on a table, then headed to my car. After climbing inside, I drove home to shower and change.

Once I got ready, I left to meet Sofie at the church. We stayed an hour, then snuck out. Ricardo drove Sofie while I stopped to grab food for us.

I walked into the restaurant. Ryden set a bag on the bar top. I left some cash, grabbed a bag, and left to meet Sofie. I pulled up to an abandoned house, parked, and got out.

"I'll be back in a few hours," Ricardo told us.

I nodded.

Ricardo climbed into his car and drove away. I unlocked the door. We entered. I closed the door and flipped on a light switch. We walked over to the living room floor and sat down.

"Where are we?" Sofie asked.

"My dad bought the property for my brother when he graduated college."

Sofie pulled out a styrofoam container. "Really?"

"It's one of the houses we're remodeling for a family member." I opened a container and dug in.

"Your dad and Elias enjoy what they do, don't they?"

I chuckled. "Remodels are easier than a brand new built. Less bullshit with the city inspectors."

Sofie giggled. "So, what about you?"

"I have a house."

Sofie's brows lifted in surprise.

"I bought it a few years ago and remodeled it with my dad's help. To offset the costs, my cousins moved in with me. Eventually, they will move into their places."

"Why?"

"Kyler is in school. Jordin is stashing money. Roman and Ryden wanted to get out of their dad's place. I charge them cheap rent until they have enough money saved to buy a place."

We finished our food, cleaned up our mess, and left the house to walk around. Since the weather was decent, it was better to be outside than inside.

"You surprise me," Sofie said.

"Why?"

"I figure a guy like you would have had a girlfriend."

"I dated a few girls, but nothing serious. Then I met this one girl."