Page 73 of Fake it With Me

“Daddy helped me with the poster board. And you helped me practice explaining it.”

“That’s what we’re here for. But the idea and the execution? That was all you, scientist.”

She beamed at me and I had the sudden realization she had me wrapped around her little finger. I was in so much trouble.

“Well, isn’t this touching.” The voice came from behind me, syrupy sweet with an undercurrent of venom.

I turned to find Sasha approaching with Grant Waverly trailing behind her like an accessory. She looked different than she had at the yacht club. She was dressed in mom-appropriate clothes instead of designer everything. But her expression was pure ice as she looked between Daisie and me.

Daisie moved behind me. Not super noticeable but just enough. She didn’t know Sasha.

Not really.

“Hi, baby.” Sasha’s expression warmed when she looked at her daughter, and for a second, I could almost believe she actually cared. “I heard about the science fair and couldn’t miss it. Can you show me your project?”

Daisie glanced at me, then at her mother, clearly unsure. “Um, okay.”

I started to step back, to give them space, but Sasha’s eyes cut to me. “You can go. Her mother is here.”

Oh, we were doing this. Right here, in an elementary school gymnasium, surrounded by second-graders and science projects.

“I’m here to support Daisie,” I said calmly. “I wasn’t aware her mother knew about her science fair.”

Sasha’s smile tightened. “Well, some of us have busy lives, Liza. Adult responsibilities. You know, things besides tagging along after other people’s children.”

I tilted my head. “Of course. Your schedule must be exhausting. I’ve heard it takes hours to decide which version of yourself to post online.”

Grant choked but looked just a little impressed.

Sasha’s lashes fluttered, probably out of shock, possibly from the weight of all that mascara. “Oh, darling, not everyone can spend their days studying… fish.”

“I know,” I replied. “Some people struggle with anything that swims in deeper water.”

Her smile sharpened. “I guess that explains your love life.”

I grinned. “Funny. Because all I’ve seen is your ex trading up.”

Grant looked like he needed divine intervention.

Sasha straightened Daisie’s project board with one finger. “You’re overstepping.”

“And you’re late,” I said sweetly. “But, hey, better than not showing up at all, right?”

Sasha’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t act like you know anything about me or my daughter.”

“I know she deserves consistency,” I said. “And not just when there’s an audience.”

Daisie seemed oblivious. I hoped it would stay that way.

Sasha leaned in. “If you think you’re replacing me, you’re even more pathetic than I initially thought.”

I smiled, all teeth. “Relax, Sasha. No one could replace you. That level of chaos takes talent.”

Grant made a strangled noise.

Sasha smiled so tightly I thought her face might crack. The Botox prevented her from frowning. The eye lift seemed to make glaring impossible as well.

“How long have you been playing house with my family, exactly?” Sasha asked.