Page 42 of The Obvious Check

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Page 42 of The Obvious Check

I turn back, only to realize Savannah isn’t there. All that’s left is her half-eaten plate of food.

“No. You’re not interrupting anything.”

As I’m about to explain what’s going on, my sister gasps. “Cadence. Don’t lie to me. There is avocado on that plate.” She points at the meal, her eyes narrowing as she waits for me to answer.

I shrug. “So?”

Her nose scrunches, and she makes the most unimpressed noise. “Ugh. You know lying doesn’t suit you? Youhateavocado, and I’ve never seen you make so much effort with your breakfast before.” Then she gasps. “Do you have a girlfriend you haven’t told me about?”

“Talk about jumping to conclusions,” I say.

“That’s not an answer.”

“No.” Even if I’d like to think Savannah could be mine one day, she isn’t at the moment.

Her shoulders slump. “Look, C. I know I’m not the person who should be preaching to you about keeping secrets. Hell, I kept the biggest one possible away from you, but this whole thing is just sad. We can’t talk anymore. I feel like you hate me. When are we going to finally get back to normal?”

“When you stop referring to me as Cadence,” I say, taking Savannah’s plate of food and throwing the rest out before putting it in the dishwasher.

“Okay,Cade.I’m sorry. I just like to add a little flair to it every now and again.”

“So why are you here, dear sister? I thought you were coming over later today.”

“I am, but this couldn’t wait.” She starts rummaging through her bag until she finds a red dog sweater with snowflakes embroidered all over it and showcases it to me. “I know it’s noteven close to Christmas, but I saw this on the sale rack, and there was no way I could turn it down.”

I groan. “Seriously? Another outfit? How many does Stanley need?”

She drops the sweater. “Oh, come on. He loves it. Don’t you, Stanley?” She coos, kneeling down to slip the sweater on my dog. Stanley wags his tail, clearly enjoying all the attention. As if I don’t give him enough.

When Madison and I hear a door creak open, both of our heads turn in the direction of the noise. Then Savannah tentatively steps out of her room already dressed in her sweatshirt and leggings, which only makes me frown. All traces of my clothes, and by extension me, are removed from her body.

Yes, I saidherroom. That’s what I call it in my head because some part of me, some fucking delusional part of me, the part that’s apparently lost all grip on reality, wants it to be hers.

Her bag is packed, slung over her shoulder like she’s already decided she’s going and never coming back. My chest tightens, and I have to try really hard not to let the disappointment show. Especially in front of my sister.

“You’re such a liar, Cade.” Madison narrows her eyes before walking over to Savannah and holding her hand out. “Hi, I’m Madison, Cade’s sister.”

Savannah flicks her gaze to me for a beat before focusing on my sister and accepting her hand. “I’m, uh, Savannah,” she replies, her smile polite but distant. She’s already checked out and I hate it.

“Savannah,” Madison drawls out, playing with the name. “It’s nice to meet you. I hope Cade is treating you well.”

“He is,” Savannah replies, clearing her throat at the end. I can’t stop looking at her, desperately wanting to know what’s going on in that head of hers.

“Good.” Madison walks over to extra bacon in the pan and pops a strip into her mouth, throwing me a shit-eating grin as she chews. Meanwhile, Stanley is prancing around her like the king of the world in his stupid little sweater. “See? He loves it.”

“He’s just happy someone’s paying attention to him,” I mutter.

“So, Savannah. How long are you in town? Or are you, like, moving in permanently?”

I groan. “Seriously, Madison?”

“What?” She blinks, all fake innocence. “I’m just making conversation. Cade hasn’t introduced me to a girl since…” She fans her hand in the air, thinking about it. “You know what? I don’t think Cade’severintroduced me to a girl.”

“She’s here because her apartment is being fumigated,” I say quickly, not wanting to make Savannah any more uncomfortable than she clearly already is.

“Fumigated?” Madison looks at me with an arched brow. “Right. Fumigated. Sure, that makes sense.” She turns to Savannah. “So are you Cade’s girlfriend, or…?”

“What? No. Definitely not.” Savannah nearly chokes on the response. Feedback. I get it. It’s all in my head, but damn, did she have to sound so repulsed by the idea?