16
During past tough moments with her father—when he lectured her on her shortcomings, or announced a new marriage, or threatened to cut her and Gretel off—Bethany had developed a coping mechanism. She used to imagine an alien spaceship swooping in like a bird and carrying her off to another planet.
That childhood fantasy came back in full force in the foyer of Nate’s house, as her lie caught up with her in real time. Where was that imaginary spaceship? She needed it now more than ever.
Nate nudged her in the side. She shook herself back to attention. The poor guy was in the hot seat even more than she was—with no clue what was going on. She opened her mouth to explain that she’d made it all up, that she’d lied to get them off her back, that she’d never imagined they’d actually come to
