524 Unbelievable News

(Jayden)

The kids are sprawled across the living room floor, their energy buzzing like they've downed three bags of sugar each. Henry's babbling as he stacks blocks, while Abbey and Sarah argue about whether they should play schools or princesses. Bobby is pretending not to care, phone in hand. Anne is at the shops.

It's noisy and busy, just like normal.

I think of Winona and Lisa. I wonder how they are going with the meeting? I pat my pocket, then the other side.

"Guys, I left my phone outside on the bench. Try not to kill each other and watch Henry while I go and grab it."

They all look at me and nod and keep doing what they are doing. Henry seems taken with his blocks, so I whip out through the kitchen and out the back door.

I see I've missed a call and she's left a message. I scoop up my phone and head back inside to listen to the message. I won't call back yet, they may be in the meeting still.

I hurry back in and check out the kids. No one has moved. Great. I listen to the message to call Winona back right away. I hope it's good news. Her voice sounds different. I hit the speed dial.

"Hey, babe," I say. "I missed your call. What's up?" There's a lot of background noise.

"I'm in emergency."

"Shit, are you okay?" My heart hammers.

"Yes. It's Lisa. I'm waiting outside her cubicle until they call me."

"What happened?"

"The ER's a madhouse, but I'm not leaving until I talk to her."

"Is Lisa okay?" I ask, glancing at Bobby as he casually takes a block from Henry's tower. The kid's going to lose it if that thing collapses.

"Jayden," she says, and her tone shifts. There's something there-something heavy. "You might want to sit down for this."

back of my neck standing up. "I'm fine.

voice trembling slightly. "It was the CFO of Lance's charities." "Okay..." I prompt, sensing there's more. "What does that have to do with Lisa being in

the CFO... it's Lance's

"What?"

repeats. "His name is Logan Bennett. Same face, same build, but

can't breathe. "Are you kidding me right

she continues, her words rushing out like she's trying to process them as she says

afraid to speak of him

the couch, my mind spinning. Lance had a twin? A whole twin, walking around with

me back. "Jayden,

running a hand through my hair. "I don't know. I just... I can't believe it. Lance was my best friend. Well until..." I can't say it out loud. "We told each other everything—or at least I

"I don't know. But Jayden, he set this up. Logan's Been the CFO for a year, and Lance told him Lisa was perfect to take

"Why?"

Lisa to have the version

that's a

it makes sense

"Yeah. I know."

collapsed the moment she saw him. She hasn't woken up yet. I get that she fainted but she should be awake by now... I'm worried." "She is in the best place for help. I'm sure they'll

"I hope so."

plan? Are you

need to talk to Lisa once she wakes up, and I'm sure she'll want

do but let me know as soon as

will. How are the

around me. "Henry's castle is under threat from Abbey's princess, Sarah's trying to negotiate peace, and Bobby's

She laughs softly.

about you," I say. "What if you have another nightmare? Or a panic attack? I don't like you being alone

okay," she says, though her voice falters slightly. "If I

"Winona..."

mean it, Jayden," she says, firmer this time. "Lisa needs me right now. And I'll take care of

couch, the image of Logan still burned into my mind. "Alright. If you need anything, call

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