“It’s…” I don’t want to lie, but at the same time, I don’t want to tell him. That nickname was something between Keegan and me, and it feels like it’s all I have left from our week together—well, that and our son. “It’s nothing. Let’s get to class.”
When we find our seats, I decide I can’t wait to tell Sierra about Keegan/Kolton. She texted me earlier that she’s off tonight but has a date. With our schedules being crazy, it could be next year before we’re both home at the same time. I send her the picture I saved with a long text explaining the best I can. And when she replies, I about have a heart attack.
S: That’s the guy I have a date with tonight!
Not even sure how to respond, I wait until class ends, then without waiting for Brenton, fly outside and call my sister.
“That’s him, B,” she says when she answers the phone. “I met him at Orange Sunrise last week, and he’s come in several times since then to ask me out. Last night I finally gave in and said okay. He called himself Kolton.”
“This doesn’t make any sense.”
“I’m supposed to meet him at the restaurant. I’m going to text him to pick me up instead and then we’ll get to the bottom of it. If this guy is fucking with you… with us… we’ll find out, and then we’ll make him wish he never existed.”
Despite being so upset over what’s going on, I still let out a loud laugh at my sister’s words. Those who don’t know her would think she’s joking or that it’s an empty threat, but I know my sister and she’s being damn serious.
After picking up Zane, I tell Brenton about tonight. He offers to watch Zane in his room, so we won’t risk him hearing anything being said, and Brenton will be close by in case we need him. I’m seriously so blessed to have the people I have in my life. I learned a long time ago, it’s all about quality over quantity. I may not have a million friends or a large family, but the people I do have are everything.
When I get home, I busy myself with my schoolwork to distract myself from thinking about tonight. Brenton works at his brother’s cell phone shop occasionally, so he told me he’d be back later before he took off. I make Zane his favorite dinner, a hot dog and mac and cheese, then give him a bath. Brenton has barely walked through the door, and is sitting down with Zane to play a game with him, when the doorbell rings.
Sierra opens the door, and standing there is another version of Keegan/Kolton. This guy is dressed in jeans and a white collared shirt with a Lacoste alligator in the corner. He’s wearing a pair of brown leather Sperry boat shoes.
“Wow,” Sierra says, “I didn’t see it before because I wasn’t looking for it, but damn, you look just like my nephew.”
Keegan/Kolton gives her a confused look, but when he notices me, his lips turn down into a frown. “Am I missing something here?”
“Who are you?” Sierra asks, ignoring his question. “Keegan or Kolton.”
His eyes widen, and then his lips curl into a grin. “I’m Kolton.”
My stomach fills with lead. He lied to me. “Why did you lie to me?” I ask, needing to know why he wouldn’t just give me his real name.
“About what? When?” His gaze flickers from Sierra to me.
“When you slept with my sister!” Sierra bellows. “And don’t try to act like you don’t remember her. You tried to get her attention earlier.”
“I didn’t sleep with her,” he says, his eyes locking with Sierra’s. “I don’t even know her.”
“Is this a game to you?” I ask, my voice filled with confusion and sadness. Did he know Sierra and I are sisters? I don’t get it.
“You think you slept with me?” he asks.
“I think I slept with Keegan,” I volley.
“And you think… I’m Keegan?”
“Do you have a split personality disorder?” I ask in frustration. He only laughs, which pisses me off.
“I think I know what the problem is,” he says, “but it would probably be best if I show you.” He pulls out his phone and dials a number. Sierra and I stand in the doorway, neither of us inviting this guy in, while he asks whoever he called to come over and then gives him, or her, our address.
Not wanting Zane to hear anything, I tell Sierra we should close the door so we don’t let the air out. She understands what I’m implying and steps outside, closing the door behind us. I have no clue what to expect, but it’s obvious this guy in front of me has some issues. He hasn’t brought up my son, and I’m not about to expose him to some crazy person.