Liars and Fools by Robin Stevenson

go.” Abby clambered awkwardly off the air mattress and grabbed her clothes from the pile on the floor. “It’s a great opportunity to ask her some questions without your dad around.”
    I flopped back down on my bed. “Ugh. You make it sound so easy.”
    â€œTell her about our science project,” Abby suggested. She balled up my blue jeans and tossed them at me. “Or ask her about her work.”
    I caught the jeans without sitting up. “I’m not going, Abby.”
    â€œFiona, come on. How are you going to prove she’s fake if you don’t take these opportunities to investigate?”
    â€œEasy for you to say. Besides, it’s too late. I already said no.”
    â€œSo tell your dad you changed your mind. He’ll probably be happy.”
    I pulled my jeans on. “Don’t you think it’s weird, the way Dad wants me to get to know her? I mean, so he’s dating or whatever. But why involve me? Why do I have to get to know her? Unless…” I broke off, not wanting to finish the thought out loud.
    Abby shook her head. “It’s too soon. They’ve only been seeing each other for a few months.”
    â€œHe gave her a key to our house,” I whispered.
    â€œDon’t go there. Seriously, Fi.”
    I stared at her mutely. I didn’t want to go there. But I was getting this awful feeling that Dad might.
    â€œIn any case, if you’re right—if they are getting serious—that’s all the more reason to go shopping with her. To get some information. Knowledge is power, right?” Abby tilted her head to one side, eyebrows raised. “You might not have much time to waste.”
    Down in the kitchen, Dad was whistling. I have to admit he makes the best waffles. He makes them from scratch, different every time. This morning’s were made with buttermilk and blueberries, and doused with maple syrup. He piled them on our plates and waited. He’s like a little kid when he does this: hanging around to see what we think, wanting to hear how good they are. Abby had been eating his waffles for years, and he knew he could always count on her for a favorable review.
    She took a big bite, closed her eyes and moaned. “Mmmm,” she said, “these are out of this world.”
    Dad grinned. “You like?”
    â€œI love .”
    I grudgingly ate a few bites, trying to ignore Dad, who was lingering in the doorway.
    They really were good.
    â€œOkay,” I finally said, exasperated. “This combo’s a keeper.”
    Dad winked at me. “That’s my girl.” He wandered off to the living room, whistling to himself.
    Abby put down her fork. “Fi?”
    â€œYeah.”
    â€œDon’t get mad, but your dad seems so happy.”
    â€œI know.” The waffle turned to soggy cardboard in my mouth. I willed Abby not to say aloud what I knew we were both thinking.
    â€œMaybe we shouldn’t interfere,” she said, staring at her plate. Clearly, she wasn’t telepathic. “You know?” She glanced up at me. “If they’re happy…if your dad’s happy…”
    â€œIt’s not just about them, Abby. This is my life too, and I’m not going to let Dad wreck it because he’s having some midlife crisis.” I pushed my plate away. “Kathy’s either a loony who thinks she’s talking to dead people, or she’s a fraud who’s deliberately ripping people off. Either way, believe me, Dad’s better off without her.” Under the table, my hands curled into tight fists. Abby was right. Knowledge was power, and I might not have any time to waste.
    â€œDad!” I called. “Can I change my mind about going shopping? I just remembered that I really need new jeans.”
    Outside, the air was cool and fresh, the sky a soft damp gray. I looked longingly at my bicycle, chained to the front porch railing, and wished I was going down to