Plight(23)

I felt like telling her that was a good thing because she sucked at it, but I decided to let sleeping dogs lie for now. I didn't want to argue with her beside it being quite an amusing activity. "I know you hate it," I said, sympathetic to our plight. "Look, just think of it as two friends going to a dinner event together."

"Pfft. Yeah, two friends who are required to perform public displays of affection."

I smiled. "Minor detail."

"Ha," she retorted.

"You're worrying yourself more than you need to."

"Maybe. Maybe not."

"You are!"

"So does your sister know the truth? Does she know this is all just pretend?"



       
         
       
        

"No. I haven't spoken to her. And to be honest, I'm a little surprised she hasn't contacted me. I've no doubt Mum has already broken our engagement news to her."

"Elliot, I'm really uncomfortable about all of this. Pretending in the presence of just our mums at the garden is one thing, but extending that act of deceit to more family, and friends  …  ugh, I just don't know that I'm capable of it."

"You'll be fine. We'll keep things simple and quick, I promise. And we'll leave as soon as we are able to."

She sighed again. "Okay. I guess I have no choice."

"Not really."

She did, but I wasn't going to highlight that fact.

"So what time should I meet you, and where?"

I glanced at my calendar. "It starts at 6:00 p.m. And don't worry, I'll pick you up."

"Isn't it somewhere in the city?"

"Yeah, but that doesn't matter."

"Don't be silly. I'll come to you. Text me your address."

"I'm happy to pick you up, Danielle."

"What's wrong with your apartment?"

"Nothing. Why?"

"It seems like you don't want me to see it? Are you a slob?"

"NO! There's absolutely nothing wrong with my apartment. It's tidier than yours."

"So I'm a slob?"

"No. I didn't say that."

"Just text me your address. I'll meet you there at 5:30 p.m."

She hung up. And all I could do was shake my head.





"Can I have your autograph please, Chris?"

I looked up from where I was standing behind the counter and noticed Chris by the entrance to the merchandise store. He'd barely even entered before a customer swooped, wanting his scribble on their playing guernsey. My mouth curled into an obnoxious smile. Chris loved when he was fan'd upon. It made him feel special. Adored. Famous.

"You certainly can, mate." He took the young kid's marker and removed the lid with his teeth. "Spin around," he mumbled, helping the kid position the giant white number eleven on his back for him to sign.

Now shaking my head with amusement, I returned my attention to the membership hoodie order I was placing. It was approaching midday on Friday, and I was eagerly counting down the minutes to the weekend while simultaneously dreading them. Tonight was the night I would have to up the ante of my non-existent engagement to Elliot for the sole purpose of upping the freakin' ante. Ugh. I had absolutely no idea why I agreed to accompany him to the gala. In fact, I had absolutely no idea how he managed to persuade me into doing all the shit that he somehow got me to do. Which wasn't exactly a new occurrence, considering he'd done it when we were younger as well. The tree climbing. The long-distance bike riding. The storm drain hideout games  …  they'd all been instigated by Elliot. 

Part of me wondered if he still blamed himself for us nearly drowning. He'd been his own judge, jury, and executioner in the weeks that had followed, to the point of not speaking to me. I'd been scared, remorse-ridden, and wallowing in my own guilt from terrifying my mother  …  and myself, for that matter. But, most of all, I'd been lonely. The only other person who'd understood what I'd been through, and who I could've freely talked to about it all, was Elliot, and he'd withdrawn.

At first, I'd thought Elliot blamed me for it all, because that was the only logical explanation for his avoidance. But I'd soon learned through the Chinese whispers of Mum and Helen that he was punishing himself for us being in the drain system in the first place.

Silly, selfless, sweet, Lots.

"Earth to Dani," Chris said, as he stepped up to the counter. "You in there?" He lightly knocked on my head.

I swatted his hand away. "Yes. What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in Adelaide?"

"Bus leaves in a few minutes. Just thought I'd poke my head in and remind you that the plumber is comin' over at 7:00 p.m. You don't need to be home. I just know how you are about Pugly and visitors."