Page 69 of Not How I Saw That Going

“Wow! A swimming pool!” Crew shouts.

“No buddy, that’s the fountain. I’ll show you the pool later,” Ward says, like it’s the most normal sentence in the world. He parks and walks us under an entryway big enough to house a private jet.

They probably have one of those too.

“Can we swim in it?” Crew asks.

“Not today,” I interject. I already want to get the heck out of here. The fancy video doorbell that seems to chime through the entire grove of trees probably costs more than my entire apartment.

I’m mildly surprised when a butler doesn’t open the door. Instead, it’s his sister, Crew’s soccer coach, Collins.

“Lyndi!” she exclaims, wrapping me in a bear hug. “So good to see you again.”

I’ve only talked to her a few times at the kids’ games, but I know enough to like her already. “You as well.”

She drops her arms and steps back, the smile on her face so big it’s nerve-wracking yet sincere at the same time. “I’m so happy my brother has finally started—“ Her voice drops off, along with whatever she was intending to say. Her face pales and she clenches her stomach. “I’ll be right back,” she says before sprinting out of the room.

“Ward!” One of Collins’ daughters flies down the grand staircase. Ward catches her on the last step and swings her up onto his shoulder. The girl giggles in response.

I like seeing Ward with kids. He’s warm and mushy, like the classic marshmallow-centered grump in my favorite romcoms.

“Welcome.”

I pull my head up and straighten my shoulders, preparing myself to face the voice.

Ward’s mom.Ms. Preston.She was beautiful at the soccer game, but she is even more regal in the tailored white suit she’s donned.

And… I’m wearing a sundress. With sweat stains.

“Um, hi. Thanks for inviting us.” I extend my hand, but it hangs there with no reception.

Her false smile grows stiffer. “Linda, so nice to see you again.”

That certainly sounded genuine.

“Lyndi.” I smile politely. “This is my son, Crew.” I motion to my side, but Crew slides behind my legs.

Sure, now he hides from strangers.

“What a doll,” she says, but I can’t tell if she is trying to smile or not. She looks back at me and her eyes narrow. “Your ear is bleeding.”

My fingers shoot to my ear but come away clean. “Guess it’s dry.” I shrug.

She scowls so hard I’m worried little forest animals are dying all over the place. “Come. Let’s eat.” She turns, throwing a directing hand at Ward as well.

I breathe a sigh of relief, then instantly suck in another deep—and hopefully courageous—breath. I can do this. I can totally do this. I pull a chunk of hair over my ear to keep it hidden until I can inspect the damage.

“Mommy, I have to pee.” Crew tugs on my hand.

Oh, please don’t have an accident in this house.

“I’ll take him,” Ward says. He places his niece on the ground by me and takes Crew by the hand.

“Hallee, show Lyndi to the dining room.”

I try to shoot Ward a “help me” look, but he’s oblivious. If this fake relationship is ever to work, he needs to be able to read my mind.

“Okay.” Hallee grabs my fingers and tugs me down the hall.