Page 7 of The Fake Boyfriend Excursion

"He actually, um, insisted that I sleep in his bed."

"He took the couch? That's so sweet."

"No, we shared it." I hold my breath, waiting for Beth's reaction.

At first, she almost looks confused, like she can't understand the concept of two adults sharing a bed. Then her eyes widen just a little before she starts to grin. "He's really hot, isn't he?"

"Beth," I scold. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Oh, come on. You just got royally screwed over by his brother and now you have the chance to get back at Chad by doing some hanky-panky with his hotter, more successful older brother?"

I push a hand through my hair. "He's being really nice, but there's no way he'd be interested in me like that."

As soon as I say the words, I know they're a mistake. Beth launches into a familiar lecture about how beautiful I am and how sweet, and that the right man will appreciate me just as I am. I know she's right. I don't hate my body most days. It can just be difficult sometimes, constantly having thinner ones shoved in my face.

I see Hannah again, sprinting out the door, all toned muscles and slim limbs.

I finally hold up a hand and she falls silent. "I know, but still, he's like way older and way more successful."

"So what?" Beth says. "I'm not saying marry him, but you can have a little fun. You deserve it, Ginny. You've been there for me like no one else ever has. You deserve to have fun on your vacation."

"Maybe," I say, mostly to placate her.

In reality, I imagine I’ll be spending the rest of my vacation holed up inside this suite, too embarrassed to show my face on the chance I'll run into Chad or his parents.

"I should let you go," Beth says. "I need to burp this one and then get her down for a nap."

I nod. "Tell Mom and Dad I said hi."

It was her turn to make a weird face.

"What was that?"

"Nothing,” she says slowly. “Did they tell you they were going to be going to the cabin for the weekend while you were gone?"

I sit up straight. "They're leaving you and Eleanor alone? Are you okay?"

She laughs lightly. "We'll be fine. I just thought it was kind of weird timing."

"What about while you're working? Who's going to watch Eleanor?"

She looks away and my stomach sinks. We'd been making do with her and I switching off on watching her since Beth had gotten her new waitressing job at the Rusty Spoon. Occasionally, our parents would watch her, though Beth didn't like to ask very often, not wanting to wear out her welcome before her and Eleanor could get their own place.

"One of the girls I work with recommended her babysitter."

"You're going to leave her with a stranger?" As soon as I say the words, I know they're a mistake.

Beth's eyes fill with tears. "I have to, Ginny. I don't have any other choice."

"I know, I'm sorry," I say quickly, holding up my hands. "I'm sure this person will be fantastic, and it'll only be a couple of times, and then I'll be back and I'll get to spend some quality Eleanor time."

She nods, still looking uneasy.

We say our goodbyes and then I close out of the video chat.

I spend most of the afternoon sitting out on Trick's balcony, arms wrapped around myself as I stare out into the endless ocean around us, thinking about Beth, and Chad, and how I'd ended up where I am.

Trick’s gone most of the day. He’d told me that morning he was going to give me my space today and that he'd be back before dinner. I’d been grateful at the time, but as the day drags on I can’t help but wish for his easy company. The way he’d watched me last night as I’d eaten… It made me feel good.

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