“Yes, but you were 20, not 19. It was after your birthday. And none of this is made up.”
“That doesn’t make it better.”
The small smile had vanished from his face.
“How did we even meet, huh? I’m 19 right now and I’m seeing someone. How could I be engaged to you after my next birthday?And how would we have even met when you’re so much older than me? I’m busy studying all the time. None of what you’re saying could possibly be true. This whole thing is ridiculous.”
“You’re not 19.”
“Yes I am!” Tears pricked the corners of my eyes. I didn’t want to cry in front of him. “I am.” I looked back down at my knotted hands on my lap. I blinked fast, forcing the tears to stay at bay. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“We got engaged because we were in love. That guy that you think you’re dating right now? Austin? He’s a prick. He never treated you right. You deserved the world and all he gave you were excuses and lies. You’re one in a million, Penny. Not one of a million. Is it so hard to believe that you were strong enough to realize you deserved better?”
Yes.Because I still stayed up late at night waiting for Austin’s calls. Waiting for some validation that I was good enough.One in a million. Not one of a million.That was sweet. James thought I deserved the world. He clearly loved me. The word love seemed to roll my stomach. I felt like I was going to be sick. No, he didn’t love me. He was just a good actor. “I meant the other question,” I said, trying to distract myself. “How did we supposedly meet?”
He didn’t respond, so I looked up at him. There was heat in his gaze. It was like he was willing me to remember. But there was nothing there. No recognition of his features. No feeling when he looked at me. Nothing.
“It’s a long story,” he finally said.
“I’m stuck in a hospital. I probably have time for it.”
He shook his head. “You didn’t like our age difference. You’re not going to like this either.”
“How bad could it be?” Maybe he just didn’t remember what he was supposed to say. Actors forgot their lines all the time.
“I don’t think it’s bad. And neither do you.” He stared at me. “Neitherdidyou, I mean.” But the expression on his face made it seem like it was really bad.
“What, did I steal you from someone else?” I laughed because the idea was absolutely preposterous.
He lowered both his eyebrows. “No.”
But for some reason I didn’t believe him. Maybe it was the pause. Maybe it was the way he looked offended when I’d asked.Oh my God, did I steal him from someone else?I shook my head. Of course I hadn’t. I didn’t even know him. He was probably married to some Hollywood actress and obviously someone like me wouldn’t be able to steal him away even if I tried. Not that I wanted to. But still, I was curious about why he looked so upset. It didn’t look like he was acting.
Before I could ask him any more questions the door flew open.
A man I had never seen in my life ran over to my bed and threw his arms around me. His hair was wet like he had just taken a shower. The t-shirt that clung to his broad shoulders was as wet as his hair. Like he had thrown it on instead of drying off with a towel.
“You scared me half to death, sis.” He kissed my cheek before pulling back. “You look okay. Do you feel okay?” He pulled me into another hug. “I’m so fucking happy you’re okay.”
Sis?I wasn’t missing seven years of my life and there was no chance I had a sibling I didn’t know about. Especially one older than me who looked nothing like me.
“Really, how are you feeling?” He put both his hands on my shoulders and stared at me intently.
Who the hell is this person?The intensity in his eyes suddenly looked familiar. I studied his features and glanced at my pretend husband. They looked similar. Maybe this was James’ brother? Which meant I was this man’s fake sister-in-law? “Umm...I’m good. Trying to get out of here as soon as possible.” I laughed awkwardly.
“Yeah, I know how you hate hospitals. But you’re awake and everything now so you’ll probably get out in a beat. I’m just so fucking glad you’re okay.” He pulled me into another hug. “I never would have been able to forgive myself.”
“Robert Hunter!” A very pregnant woman stumbled into the room completely out of breath. “I was trying to talk to you.”
“It can wait,” he said. He released me from his embrace but kept staring at me instead of the pregnant woman. “Scarlett’s doing okay. She’s in the waiting room and I know she wants to see you. And we’ve been looking in on Liam every day. He’s strong. I know he’s gonna make it. You’re all fighters.” He tapped the bottom of my chin.
“Who are Scarlett and Liam?”
His lips parted like he was about to tell me something. But then he started laughing. “Good one, sis.” The pregnant woman walked up behind him and pulled him away from me with surprising strength.
She started whispering something to him, moving her arms around in agitation.
“No.” He laughed. “You’re shitting me. Penny tell them what’s up. Tell them you know who I am.”
