I swallow. I don’t know what to say. I don’t want to do it, but I don’t have another choice. “How…?” I can’t finish the sentence.
Bella’s lips twist. “I see everything, remember? Also, I heard you on the phone with your friend Katie last week.”
“She’s not my friend.”
“Phew,” Bella says dramatically. “She’s awful.”
“She’s… yeah.” That about sums it up.
“I hope you get your job back.”
Me too.I just wish there were another way.
“Anyway,” Bella lifts a shoulder. “When I heard you on the phone, I knew you’d be here and figured you were better than my parents.”
Wait.
Her quick change of topic takes me off guard. Shechoseto spend the holiday with me? Even after everything she did to me, every prank played, every lie I told her.
“You knew my name wasn’t Penny all along, didn’t you?”
“Of course. You’re not a Penny,” she says by way of explanation. “Don’t worry, the rest of your secrets are safe with me.” She zips her lips and locks them up tight.
I want to doubt her simply because she’s a child, but she’s quite the impressive little sidekick, and I’ll never doubt her for a moment.
“I’m glad I got to know you.” I risk another hug, but she pulls away with a smirk. “Off you go, soldier.”
I salute her. “Yes, ma’am. Thanks for the battle preparation.”
“Life is hard. You’re gonna need it.” And then she’s gone.
Chapter 32
Soren
TheonlyreasonI’mallowed to leave without a police escort and sporting handcuffs is because Liam works miracles. No wonder Rosie was always so taken with him. He had the Hartwells eating out of the palm of his hand. Once again, I owe him my life.
I’ve been waiting outside the penthouse for an hour, but Maya still hasn’t come.
I saw her tiny room; it would have taken her all of five minutes to pack up, which means she’s avoiding me.
I’ll wait few more minutes. She’ll be out soon.
My phone rings, and I rip it out of my pocket, expecting to see her name. But it’s Rosie.
“Rosie?” I answer immediately.
“Soren. Ohmy gosh. I’m so sorry. It’s been a holiday from hell and… are you still stuck in the penthouse?”
“I’m out. Everything is okay.”
She sighs. “What happened?”
I give her the watered-down version of the story, not the hour-long Bella version. And when I’m done, she’s shocked into silence. That, or I lost her again.
“Rosie?”
“I’m here. Just processing.”
