Page 26 of Pretend You Love Me

She jumps up from her seat - a bright smile on her face. “Oh, of course, I’d love to help.”

As she walks to the other side of the desk, she holds out her hand. “Rose.”

“Ginger,” I reply, shaking it. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too,” she leans in closer and whispers. “We don’t get a lot of new people in here.”

I follow her over to the computer stations, and she has me fill out a form. I feel a bit guilty lying on a library form, but I can’t use my real name, that’s for sure.

She clasps her hands together in front of her when we’re finished. “You’re all set. Let me know if you need anything else.”

“I will. Thanks for your help, Rose.”

I wait until she’s completely out of sight to start searching. First I just open a news website. Okay. Good. No wars have been started. Nothing about my name so far. I let out a little sigh.

I click on a news video about my brother. He gave a speech earlier today outside the White House to celebrate a group of first responders who helped in the synagogue attack last year.

James looks tired. I doubt anyone else will notice, but he looks a bit off to me. Elizabeth, my sister-in-law, is standing behind James with dark circles under her eyes that concealer is not quite covering.

Guilt washes over me. Maybe I should have told them what I was doing? Maybe I should have done more than sent a text? Or maybe I should have given more information in the text? I told them I’d be fine and not to worry, but I’m surprised James hasn’t declared me kidnapped and closed all borders. I made a point to go to a few places with cameras before I left to show I was leaving willingly on my own. Filling up gas. Popping by an ATM. Running into a coffee shop with my car parked out front. Until I crossed the Canadian border, I wanted them to follow me.

I sigh again. I know he’s tracking me. I know they are looking. I hate that I’m worrying him - all of them.

We’re a tight group. James adopted all of us when I was still a kid. He’s like a father and brother. We lived in the same foster home until our foster mother died. James was in his early twenties and adopted all seven of us. I can’t imagine being closer or loving a family more. I’m incredibly lucky, but sometimes I need a little space. My brothers are incredibly protective. I know they love me, but sometimes I just need to live life without them interfering.

I tap my fingers on the desk. I wish I had a way to communicate without giving my location away. If he figures out where I am, he’ll come. If he comes, he’ll ruin everything.

I do a quick search for my name. Nothing of any interest.

Good. I hope it stays that way.

A few minutes later, I walk back over to Rose at the front desk. She greets me again with a huge smile. “Need something else?”

“I have two questions.”

“Shoot.”

“Well, I need a job while I’m in town. Know anywhere that’s hiring?”

She doesn’t hesitate before saying, “Head and Tail - they always need servers this time of year with all the tourists in town. I heard Sadie say the other day they were short staffed.”

I nod.Waiting tables. I can do that.

“That’s perfect. Thanks,” I say. I lean my arms onto the counter and lower my voice. “I was also wondering where I’d find local information about things like property records, arrests, local news, that sort of thing.”

I was expecting a raised eyebrow or some sort of sign of curiosity, but Rose is still wearing her bright smile. I guess this isn’t an odd request.

“I can help you with that. It’s a few different places. We have access to some of that here, but some of it is at the courthouse.”

Another patron walks up to the desk, and Rose flashes her smile in his direction. “Mr. Brinley, how are you today?”

I whisper. “I’ll come back in a few minutes.”

She nods and continues her conversation with Mr. Brinley.

I decide to pop down to Head and Tail and see about a job while I wait.

As soon as I walk into the restaurant, heads turn. I almost want to wave and curtsy or something if I’m going to be the center of attention. Sadie spots me.