Buried secrets, two girls with the same face, and a boy who loved too much.
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When Travis and Nicole meet on a bus for the first time, he thinks she's his ex, Rachel, who broke his heart two years ago. But he doesn't understand why she's pretendin...
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MRS. ABBOTT WAS apologizing for attacking me as we walked to the front door. "I got so scared when I heard that scream for help," she said. "I'm really sorry."
"It's fine, really," I assured her. "You did the right thing by looking out for her. She could've been in serious danger."
She gaped at me. "Fine? I was aiming for your head!"
I flinched. "That would have been disastrous."
Rebecca cackled.
Mrs. Abbott held the door open for us as Rebecca and I entered, then disappeared into the kitchen, muttering about having to check on her cookies in the oven.
"Well." Rebecca threw her hands up, gesturing around. "Welcome to my home."
The blush on her cheeks had me cocking my head slightly and studying her. She looked a bit nervous and jittery. It probably felt weird for her that I stood in her home, but I was happy to be there. I was happy to know all there was about her.
I bowed dramatically. "I'm honored."
When she looked away immediately, avoiding my eyes instead of laughing or snapping at me in her Rebecca-like fashion, I frowned.
Was she embarrassed? Did she seriously think I'd judge her home or disapprove of it?
Sure, it wasn't over the top with luxurious stuff like my parents', but this house was lovely. The furniture was old, paint faded and a little chipped, but everything was kept neat and polished. Fresh flowers were held in beautiful antique vases, and curtains made of intricate designs.
This house was homey. Cozy. Well lived in. Well cared for. Well-loved.
I reached for her hand and lightly squeezed it. I waited till her eyes hesitantly lifted to my face before speaking. "You have a very beautiful home."
She smiled with a hint of relief. "Thank you."
A glance around revealed family photos lining the living room. My lips quirked up in a smile at a picture of little Blue, looking all cute in a pink tutu and two pigtails. Her smile was bright and genuine. She looked to be about five.
"I'm cringing so hard right now," she groaned when she saw what I was looking at.
I grinned at her. "You were such a cute kid, Blue."
"You liar," she said in her usual sneer. "I was missing two front teeth."
Laughing, I returned to the photos, watching her grow up.
Something tugged at my heart as I watched her smiles in the photos. They were so bright and carefree her eyes crinkled.
The brightness reduced as the years slipped by, and by middle school, her expressions were blank.
