Chapter 32

Shirley

Once I officially see Keith disappear, I look down at the key in my hand - the metal feeling strangely heavy within my fingers. I then turn to glance at the door, unable to help the slow breath that leaves me as I walk to it. Now that I’m able to let down my guard, I feel a little exhausted and just want to get inside.

Doing just that, I put the key in the lock and let myself inside before I shut the door behind me. I’m unable to manage more than a few steps before I stop again, my mouth falling open as I study the room around me. Even despite it being only the entryway, the home is breathtaking. From the specific decorations to the delicious smell of vanilla that reaches my nose, I’m immediately obsessed with it.

Abandoning my suitcase by the door, I begin to walk through the house, going from room to room. There’s a modest dining room just right of the entry and a cozy living room to the left. As I walk into the second space, I already know I’ll be spending a lot of time tucked up in the red armchair just next to the fire.

Moving on, I go to the kitchen and almost collapse to the floor. Despite the smaller size of the home, the kitchen is absolutely huge, filled with marble counter tops and stainless steel appliances. However, it seems to have a cottage charm as dried herbs and flowers are used for decorations and the cabinets are painted a vogue green. The gold detail almost has my toes curling in my heels.

Yes, this will do. This will do nicely.

It’s still hard to believe that I’ll actually be staying here. I’ve never had any client give me such gracious accommodations - the Lockheart pack has really gone above and beyond. Or I guess…Keith has.

I can still sense his warmth around me, but then again - maybe I’m mistaking his lingering presence with the comfort of the home. Regardless, he’s entered my thoughts again and I struggle to get him out as I absentmindedly fiddle with a bouquet of flowers placed on the kitchen counter.

My conversation with him still lays fresh in my mind, as if I can still hear his words. I almost feel the need to look over my shoulder to make sure that he’s not actually behind me and I’d failed to notice his entrance. But I know he’s not here.

But still, I try to mentally comb through our conversation, uncertain of what to make of it. It’s clear that Keith was restrained as we talked, never letting his guard down. However, was that because he was shocked at discovering who I was and my connection to Anya or because he suspected I am Anya? It’s so hard to tell with him - unlike any other man I’ve met, he’s nearly impossible to read unless he’s willing to show obvious disfavor and voice his reservations. But when he’s playing close to the vest…I can’t make out heads or tails.

I wonder if he feels the same way about me…or if he can see right through me. Only, if that was true, then I have to believe he would have said something. Or - like I mentioned - he could be keeping quiet until he finds his moment to strike.

Knowing I’m getting nowhere with these thoughts, I begin to shake my head, trying to abandon them as I take in the kitchen again. It really is beautiful…pieced together so perfectly. And though I’m not sure how long I’ll actually be able to stay here as anything could go awry at any moment, I decide to still enjoy it for now.

Moving out of the kitchen, I go back to the entry to retrieve my suitcase before I head up the stairs. One thing is for sure, after my long day of travel and chatting with Keith, I’m in desperate need of a bubble bath. I want more than anything to wash away this version of Shirley and return to the real one - at least for a few hours.

~

After I’ve washed up and spent a few hours getting settled, I eventually make myself put back on my disguise. As much as I want to stay at the Tudor for the rest of the night, I know I have to at least make a small trip into town to pick up a few essentials. For one, this house is in desperate need of snacks. Of course, Keith took to stocking up the pantry and fridge, but I’m looking for something a little more sweet after the stress of the day.

Calling a taxi, I meet the driver outside and climb in before we make our way back into the town. It’s a short trip as he reaches the store within ten minutes, allowing me to slide out before he agrees to wait. I’m thankful for his patience, especially as I don’t plan to take long and don’t want to fuss over getting another ride.

Going inside, I weave down the aisles as I find the items I’m looking for, even deciding to grab a few self indulgences along the way. I almost have everything I need before I’m turning down another aisle, but I don’t manage more than a few steps before I’m running straight into someone else. Quickly, I apologize, leaning down to grab the item they dropped. However, when I look up to hand it to them, I’m almost inclined to swiftly slink away.

“Anya?” Ralph breathes, moon-eyed as he stares at me in awe.

“No, sorry. I think you have me confused with my sister,” I tell him instantly, handing over the item. Just like Keith, I pretend as though I don’t know him as I give a harmless smile and begin to step away. However, Ralph doesn’t let me go.

“You’re - you’re Anya’s sister?” he asks, his gaze swiping all over me just as Keith’s had done. However, Ralph seems much more flustered.

“Yes, my younger sister,” I tell him before once again trying to walk away. “I’m sorry, I’m in a bit of a rush there’s-”

Ralph’s hand wraps around my wrist now. However, it’s not harsh or painful. If anything, it’s weak as he looks at me helplessly.

“Please,” he begins. “I haven’t been able to get a hold of her in days. She’s very special to me and I need to talk to her.”

I almost smile as Ralph’s words meet me, wanting to laugh right in his face. It’s evident that he’s still head over heels for Anya and he looks absolutely broken down. He’s not as made up as he usually is, clearly going through emotional distress. However, I manage to keep my features neutral as he continues.

“She…she promised we would be together and then she left,” he explains. “Or maybe she was taken - I don’t know. But I’m worried about her. Please.”

Oh, this is almost too good. I can’t help but feel a little thankful that I somehow ended up back in the midst of the Lockheart Pack just so I can see Ralph’s pain firsthand. He’s ruined at Anya’s disappearance and it makes me think of Jean and Eliot’s own smiling faces when they first entered my home. The trade for their happiness is well beyond worth it.

With Ralph still waiting for me to reply, I begin to spin a lie in my head, soon allowing words to spill from my mouth.

“My sister can be a little complicated, she does this thing all the time,” I state, starting with something similar to what I told Keith. However, I guess I’m still feeling a little cruel because I then make my tone more tender, give him a soft gaze. “She often gets overwhelmed when it comes to love, and if what you’re saying is true - then she probably needs some time away to clear her head due to the strength of your bond.”

Ralph blinks at my reassurance, even managing to take a breath.

“She’ll be back,” I insist, sliding my wrist out of his now limp hand. “I know she will. Just give her time.”

Again, Ralph needs a moment as he swallows, beside himself as he takes in what I’ve told him. And, unlike Keith, he seems to easily believe my lies, not questioning my identity for a second. He’s too concerned about the lie I’ve given him about Anya.

“You’re sure she’ll be back?” he asks finally, and I know I’ve got him right where I want him, especially since he’s off my tail.