Page 20 of The Liar in Room 5

“Meh. It’s a tax write-off because it was a charity thing. It doesn’t count.”

“What’s the charity?” I asked cautiously.

“Homeless Not Toothless.”

“That can’t be real.”

“Scout’s honor.”

“Hey, I was a Scout, and we take that seriously.”

“Look it up, sweetheart. I’ll wait.”

“I left my phone at Halo House, but I will.”

“You do that, but I think I understand the problem now. My mistake was in not being clear enough. You’re leaving with as many stuffies as you want. If that’s two, then it’s two. I should’ve explained we’re getting both of the ones you like. Sorry. That one’s on me,” Henry said with a shrug. “And if you want more, we get more.”

“You shouldn’t spend your money on me, especially for something so silly.”

“Do you like him? Do you like them?” He reached around me and raised my hands, which still clutched the stuffies.

“I mean, yes, but that doesn’t mean I need them.”

“I didn’t need a cherry-red classic Mustang with a convertible top, but I have one because I like it and it makes me happy.”

“Do you do everything that makes you happy?”

Henry thought for a second. I could almost see the wheels turning and gears moving in his head as he considered all the implications of my question. In our very brief meetings, Henry had come across as someone who didn’t spend a lot of time second-guessing himself. I couldn’t even imagine what that would be like. It was a completely foreign concept in my world.

“I work hard to keep my job and my life separate. I don’t always get what I want in my job. On rare occasions, I lose. Sometimes I don’t get the deal done the way I thought it should be resolved, but I’m proud of the work I do, and my clients know there is nothing within the bounds of the law that I wouldn’t do to help them get the outcome they want. In my private life? I absolutely do what makes me happy.”

“Then why are you here?”

“Because being around you makes me happy. And the orangutan and the meerkats are going home with you.”

6

Henry

Phoenix, please direct Drew’s support to my account.

I’ll get it handled. Drew?

BTW, he doesn’t like Andy.

But he told me his name was Andy.

Did he? Or did someone else say it first and he just didn’t correct them?

…

Wait.

Huh.

I don’t think I actually asked.

Well…damn.