Easier to Lie

Chapter Seven

My dad used to let me go on the road with him when I was younger. I didn't mind missing the condo because Leah's cousin, Dawson, tagged along. I didn't get along with Dawson at all. She was mean and would put her chewed gum in my hair. She would hold my head under the water until one of the adults made her stop. Sometimes she would spit in my food or "accidentally" cause me to drop the plate.

I loved those trips with my dad. He bought me a pair of purple Timberland boots to wear because if any of the boxes fell on me, my feet would be protected. He teased me about purple because my favorite color changed every other week. I love those boots; I wore them all the time, even if they didn't match my outfit. My mom hated those boots, which made me love them even more.

My favorite memory of those trips is when we would arrive in Highlands, South Carolina, right on the Georgia border. My dad lived in Highlands when he was a teenager and kept in touch with his friends there. His best friend was Jonah Bryant.

Jonah had a step-daughter named Betty—she was ten years older than me. During our visits, usually overnight, Betty would play with me. "I want a daughter someday," she would tell me as she brushed my hair before bed.

She had four bookcases in her room, each one filled with books and dolls. Betty was obsessed with unicorns and wouldn't let me touch her figurines. The dolls, though, were all mine. I remember sitting on the floor learning to braid the doll's hair while Betty braided mine. My mom didn't do things like that with me. All I know about being a girly-girl, I learned from Betty. Leah, too, as we grew up.

"Reggie, your dad is on the phone," I had fallen asleep on the couch, so I know I sounded grumpy when I took the phone from Leah.

"Hey, Dad, how's your trip going?"

The service was spotty, I caught every other word through static. Mom and I had smart phones, but Dad wanted to kill his early 2000s flip phone.

"Betty's here," was all I heard, then she was on the phone.

"Regina! It's been forever! Why are you not here?" Always cheery and happy. I used to tell her she must have been a cheerleader in her past life.

"I'm at the beach with a friend! How are you doing? I got the invite to the baby shower, but I couldn't miss school."

"It's totally fine. I got the gift your mom sent. My due date is Christmas Eve, can you believe it? How amazing is that?"

"That's so awesome! I want to be there when you have her. It is a her, right?"

That contagious laugh would be in my head all day. "Yeah, we're having a girl. Sam is super excited. He agreed with you about the mermaid theme for the nursery. I'll have to send you a picture."

"Yes, please do that! I want to see that room!"

She was saying something, but it was muffled. Then my dad was on the phone. "Still there, Reggie?" His voice was tired and raspy.

"Yeah, I'm here."

"I was passing through Highlands and thought I'd surprise you."

"Thank you! I wish I was there, I want to see her baby bump."

"I'll have her send you some pictures. Listen, Kiddo, I gotta go. Time to hit the road again."

We said our goodbyes and I lost all control of my excitement. Leah knew about Betty, but they had never met. I had this awfully strong feeling that they wouldn't get along too well. I loved both and didn't want to risk losing either one.

"Was that the famous Betty Acker?" Leah tried her best to not sound sarcastic. She failed.

"Betty Cole now. She got married three years ago. Remember the pink bridesmaid dress that I had to wear?"