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And just like that, I felt my face warm. Luca stepped up to me and put his hands on my cheeks. “Don’t be embarrassed. It’s not your fault I’m so irresistible.”
I smacked his stomach and regretted it immediately. I definitely hurt my hand more than he felt it.
“We can practice a few more times if you want,” Vince offered.
“Hold on,” Gavin called and ran to his backpack. I heard the faint sound of ringing and was surprised he was able to while we were all talking.
After he answered, his eyes met mine, and he waved me over. “It’s my dad. He wants to talk to you.”
I took the phone from him and sucked in a breath. “Hi, Daniel.”
“Avalon, sorry to interrupt you guys, but I have news. I thought you would want to know as soon as possible.”
“Yeah, of course. Thanks.”
“I passed along what you told me and the team was able to find Juliet. It took so long because Beckerson isn’t her legal name. She was born Juliet Grovel. We couldn’t find any record of her changing her name though. She graduated under Grovel, and her employee records all have that name. But when we called and asked to speak to Juliet Grovel, they said there was no one there by that name, so she must only use Beckerson.”
My head was spinning. “How can she do that? What about her social security card and birth certificate? Doesn't that need to match up for employment?”
“We’re trying to piece that all together now. I just wanted to let you know that we at least have her real name now.”
“Thanks,” I said before he ended the call.
The guys came over with various looks of concern and confusion.
“What’s going on?” Sky asked.
“Juliet’s real last name is Grovel.”
“Why does that name sound familiar?” Gavin asked Luca.
He shook his head. “I’m not sure.”
“She’s using a fake name?” Noah asked. “Why?”
The queasy feeling I had before returned. “I have no idea.”
“Do you think your dad knows?” Luca asked.
“I’m not sure. He’s never mentioned it, but it’s not like I asked.”
Gavin shrugged. “There could be a simple explanation, but for now, I think we should proceed with caution. At least until they can find out more about her.”
I nodded. “It’s not like I can avoid her if she’s over. She and my dad would notice something was off.”
“You can use homework as an excuse to stay in your bedroom or come over to one of our houses,” Sky offered.
“Do you think that’s really necessary? She’s had months to do something and hasn’t. Why would anything happen now?”
“What if she finds out that someone is looking into her? What if that makes her take action?” Gavin looked genuinely concerned. “If she really was planted as your dad’s assistant, then this has been about the long game. She might have had time and patience before, but if she thinks she’s about to get caught, it could cause her to change her plans.”
The thought sent a shiver down my spine. If someone said that a woman had been forced into my life as a part of some evil scheme a year ago, I would have laughed, but with the things I’ve seen and experienced lately, I knew better than to let my guard down. If my own cousin could attack me and try to drown me, then Juliet could pretend to be someone I could love and trust for a few months.
“It’s going to be okay. We’re all here for you. We know who she is now, and we can be cautious.” Luca wrapped his arm around my shoulders.
“I hate the feeling of not being safe in my own home.” Unfortunately, it was something I felt all too often since moving here.
“Maybe you can stay with one of us for a while,” Gavin offered.
