Page 82 of Pretend You Love Me

“It’s really good.”

“The bangs look great,” another one of the angry brothers says.

I’m just staring at all of them without saying a word. Everyone knows the Sterling siblings. They are the most famous people in America. I just never thought I'd have them on my patio. I’d definitely never thought they’d try to murder me.

“Kip?”

Everyone stops talking and turns to look at Will. He steps toward me. “Kip Anderson?”

“Hey Will,” I say, stepping forward. I catch Brooklyn’s face out of the corner of my eye. She’s completely confused. They all are.

“You know each other?” James asks.

Will gives me a big hug. “It’s so good to see you, man. What has it been? Five years?”

“I think so,” I answer, hugging him back.

“Wait, how do you know each other?” Brooklyn asks.

“We went to school together,” Will says. “I’ve told you about him.”

“No, you haven’t.” Brooklyn’s arms are crossed over her chest. “I think I would have remembered.”

“Yeah. I know we’ve talked about it. He’s an author.”

She just scrunches up her face in confusion.

“He writes under the name Elliott Wells.”

Every jaw drops a little when they hear Will say this, but Brooklyn looks the most shocked.

“Elliott Wells?” She’s staring right at me. Her eyes convey so much hurt, and I feel a wave of guilt wash over me.

I nod.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” she whispers.

“Why didn’tyoutell me...Brooklyn?” I reply.

“Oh, you didn’t know?” Will asks as he looks back and forth between us. “Either of you?”

“No,” I respond.

“No,” she says.

“I’m surprised you didn’t recognize her,” Will says. I just shrug. Now that I know, I’m surprised I didn’t recognize her either.

“The hair makes a big difference,” one of the pregnant women says.

“It really does,” the other pregnant one agrees.

“I guess we should do some formal introductions,” the President says, holding out his hand. “I’m James Sterling. My wife is around here somewhere.”

I take his hand.

“Sorry about earlier.” He clears his throat. “Oh, here’s Elizabeth.”

The First Lady steps forward and holds out her hand. “Nice to meet you. Lovely place you have.”