Chapter 4

On the screen, the typing bubble flickered for what felt like an eternity. My throat went completely dry.

"Transmission?" Jenna replied with a confused emoji. "No, his car is totally fine. Are you sure you didn't misremember?"

I stared at the text. My fingers froze over the screen. It felt like an invisible hand was squeezing the breath out of my lungs.

"Maybe I did," I typed back quickly. "Let's do Saturday night then. Our usual spot?"

"Perfect! See you then!" Jenna replied with an OK emoji.

I let my phone drop onto the couch and collapsed backward.

His car wasn't broken. It was never broken.

So who did Sergio pick up on Tuesday? Who sat in my passenger seat?

And who owned that pink scrunchie and that citrus perfume?

I closed my eyes, forcing myself to breathe.

Don't panic, I told myself. You need to stay calm. You need more facts.

On Saturday night, we met at our favorite Italian restaurant downtown.

Eric and Jenna were already there with their five-year-old daughter, Belle.

Belle had her hair up in twin pigtails, secured by blue butterfly clips. No scrunchies.

"Auntie Scarlett!" Belle squealed, running into my arms.

I hugged her tight, but my eyes were locked on Eric's face.

He looked completely relaxed, chatting with Sergio about a football game. There was zero awkwardness.

If they were hiding something together, they deserved Academy Awards.

"So, Sergio, have you made up your mind about that smart home project?" Eric asked after we ordered our food.

I froze.

Sergio paused for a second, then chuckled. "Still looking into it. Don't rush me, man. It's a big chunk of cash."

"What project?" Jenna asked curiously.

"Smart home tech," Eric explained. "I got a few guys from my firm to invest, and Sergio is the last one holding out."

"Ooh, that sounds like a great market," Jenna said, intrigued. "Maybe we should put some more money in too."

"What do you know about tech?" Eric teased, waving his hand. "The risk is high. Sergio's right to be cautious."

I listened quietly, pretending to play with Belle, but every ounce of my attention was on Sergio.

He spoke naturally. His conversation with Eric matched up perfectly.

If this was a staged act, they had rehearsed it to perfection.

"Oh, by the way, Eric," I spoke up suddenly. "Did you ride in Sergio's car on Tuesday?"