Sherry had just opened the book of fairytales when Jake asked, “Mom, why did Mrs. Burlinski act so weird today after you told her Madison is your partner?”

He’s picked up on that? Of course he had. Jake had been standing beside them. How could she have been so naïve to believe he wouldn’t have heard this exchange just because he was a kid? As a child, she’d also heard everything Grandmother Eileen said about her as if Madison hadn’t been standing right beside her.

Madison leaned closer to see and hear Sherry’s reply.

Sherry was pale. Instead of answering, she put the book of fairytales on the nightstand and gazed to the door, as if knowing that Madison was there and begging her for help.

Dammit! Guess you have to say something now. Hesitantly, she entered the room, closed the door, and sat down in front of Jake’s bed.

But before she could think of something to say, Sherry took a deep breath and said, “Tony’s mother doesn’t like that Madison and I get along so well.”

Jake tilted his head. “Why not?”

Sherry rubbed her forehead with one hand as if that would help her think of a good answer.

It wouldn’t do to tell Jake some kind of fairytale or lie. Even though Madison had told Sherry it would be fine, it was possible that he would be mobbed for being the supposed child of two lesbians.

Yes, it was a fake relationship, but telling anybody wasn’t an option. That left telling Jake about their relationship. Not that it was Madison’s job to do that. However, now that she was here anyway… “Jake, do you know what a lesb—”

“Madison!”

“What? Don’t you think he should—”

“Yes, but I’ll do it.”

For once, she wanted to help, and that’s what she got. Madison stood. “Have fun explaining it to him, then.”

Sherry grabbed her leg. “No. Wait.” Again she rubbed her forehead. Did she have a headache? “Stay, please.”

Would she finally be able to decide how to do this? Jake was observing their interaction, so Madison sat back down. He had to believe them so that he could tell everybody convincingly that they were a couple. At some point he would meet her grandmother, and if he didn’t convince her that she and Sherry were together, their whole plan was in danger.

Sherry smoothed a strand of hair out of Jake’s face. “Do you remember when I told you that Madison is our friend?”

Jake nodded.

“And you know that I sleep in Madison’s bedroom.”

“Because Rita Mae snores so badly.”

Madison chuckled, but a stern expression from Sherry cut her off. Jesus, she’s really pissed today.

“Because of that and because I… Because I like sleeping in Madison’s bed.” Sherry swallowed. “We’re a couple.”

Jake frowned. “A couple?”