I Hate the Way...

Part 8: "I Can't Stand You."

After work, Josie bids MG a goodnight and heads directly for the Tribrid's house to discuss details regarding their fake relationship.

Even the slightest screw up or missed detail, and they both risk federal punishment.

So every detail has to be ironed out perfectly.

Their lies have to be so intricate that others can't possibly believe they are anything other than the truth.

There's no room for doubt.

She walks to the door of the beach house, knocking lightly before receiving a 'come in' from the other side of the door.

She's puzzled when she hears laughter coming from the kitchen, sounding very familiar.

She walks over to see her sister sitting on a high top chair at the counter, with Hope taking plates and moving them into the sink with dishwater.

"What's going on?"

She skeptically looks between the two.

Hope turns to look at the brunette, "Hey Jo. You hungry? There's plenty of food left."

"Yeah, and Hope's a surprisingly great cook."

Hope turns to Lizzie, "How is that surprising?"

"It's 11:30 at night," Josie is still wondering what her sister is even doing with the Tribrid.

Hope picks up on it, "Well, I thought Lizzie could use a nice day on the beach, so after you left for work, we came here, and then we were hungry, so..." Her words fade as she shrugs.

"Josie, you seriously have to try this dessert Hope made."
She slides the extra plate of beignets toward her brunette twin.

Josie shoots the Tribrid a puzzled look, "Where'd you learn to make beignets?"

She notices slight hesitation before Hope simply shrugs, "Not sure. I can't really remember. Must've picked it up on a trip or something."

Hope finishes the dishes before finally addressing why she invited Josie in the first place.

"Oh, Lizzie and I came up with answers to any questions people might ask us about our relationship."

"I wrote everything down for you," Lizzie slides a sheet of paper over to her.

"And I already handled the arrangements for us to get married. One week, save the date babe."

Josie rolls her eyes at the nickname.

"Also I think it might be helpful if you moved in with me."

Josie looks to Hope with nothing in her eyes but disbelief, "Huh?"

"Well, Lizzie and I just thought it might be easier for you—"

"What about Raf?"

"He's been staying with Ethan for a while now." Josie still seems hesitant so Hope explains, "Listen, I'm deploying in less than 2 weeks anyway. You both can stay downstairs, and I'll stay in the loft until I leave. You won't have to worry about rent, and there will be plenty of room for the both of you. Plus you'll have great beach access."

"I'll give you two a minute to talk it over," Lizzie excuses herself before exiting the kitchen.

Josie crosses her arms, "I thought I told you to lay off my sister."

Hope smirks and jokes, "I'm just preparing for post-divorce."

"So that's why you're offering for us to stay here? So you can get closer to Lizzie?"