Merely Mortal by Michelle M. Pillow

Author:Michelle M. Pillow [Pillow, Michelle M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Raven Books LLC
Published: 2024-06-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter

Eighteen

“Who are these people?” I ask Conrad, pacing outside the diner as we talk on the phone.

I’m confident that Diana picked it because of the giant statue of a chicken in a tux holding a hamburger on a tray. Other than the statue, it looks like every other roadside diner in the Midwest. I can pretty much guess the menu without even looking at it. I suppose most people find comfort in the familiar.

“Marge and Larry Turnblad.” Conrad’s voice draws my attention away from the window where I look for Paul and Diana. I don’t see them.

“And who are Marge and Larry?”

“Does it matter?” he counters, sounding annoyed. “Don’t you trust me?”

I forgive his tone. I should be there helping him with the lawyer and estate instead of bringing more problems to his doorstep. He lost our parents, too. I remind myself to be patient.

“Don’t ask stupid questions.” I force my voice to remain calm. I know how stubborn he can be when he gets into one of his dark moods.

“You don’t ask stupid questions.”

I take a deep breath and bite my tongue. Silence comes from the phone, and I wait. I again look for Paul but don’t see him. I walk along the sidewalk out front to get a better view of the diner’s interior.

“They were one of the better foster families I stayed with,” he finally answers. “So they’re used to having strangers in their house. I wired some cash for you to one of those send-cash-to-anyone-anywhere places, so it can’t be traced. Larry will have it ready for you. And there will be a ticket to California waiting for you at the Kansas City airport check-in kiosk. I used Mary’s name. You still have that ID, right?”

“Yeah, good old Mary Bennet,” I answer. “Never leave home without her.”

“Good,” he says. “And you’re sure about this? About California?”

Fuck, no. Of course, I’m not sure. It’s the only plan I can think of. “Yes.”

“Fine.” He’s frustrated, but at least he’s trying to hide it. “Just, Tam…”

“What?”

“Don’t expect too much. I mean, the woman abandoned you. She didn’t want you. Don’t forget who your only family is. You and me, sis.”

“I know, Conrad. You and me.” My heart sinks a little. I finally find Paul sitting at the counter, watching me.

“No one else knows what it’s like to be us,” Conrad insists. “How can they understand?”

“I know.”

“I don’t want you getting your hopes up. You tend to romanticize things in your head. You’re fragile right now, and it’s my job to take care of you. You remember the day I joined the family, right? Our parents said you’re my responsibility. I’m in charge.”

I frown and turn away from Paul so he can’t see my expression.

I don’t think that’s a fair assessment of past events. Conrad is not the boss of me, even if he likes to act like it sometimes. I find it slightly manipulative that he is using the what-the-dead-parents-wanted argument now.

“I’ll bet you even convinced yourself you have a crush on that guy you’re traveling with,” he says.

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