Page 40 of Falling for your Fake Boyfriend

I looked around and breathed a sigh of relief when I spotted a friendly face. Hazel waved me over. She was sitting in a chair near a table. There was a blanket over her legs. A plate of food sat next to her.

I hurried over to her, thankful to have someone to talk to. Her slightly gnarled hand lifted from under the blanket as she reached for me. “You, my dear, are like sunshine on a dreary day amongst this crowd.”

I couldn’t stop myself. Her words had wound their way right around my heart. I leaned over and kissed her cheek. “That means a lot to me.” I blinked back a few tears as I pulled a chair around to sit next to her.

“Get yourself a plate, dear. Gretchen made some of her famous pasta salad and grilled butter biscuits.”

“It does look delicious. I’ll get some soon. Will you be singing tonight?” I asked.

She laughed. “Only if I want to scare everyone off.” She shrugged. “On second thought, maybe I should belt out a tune or two.” She leaned forward slightly. “Now I have a few good spies still in this group, friends who are more loyal to me than to my daughter-in-law, and I hear that you’ve been holding your own with Margaret. I knew you would.”

I felt my cheeks warm.

Hazel’s laugh was crinkly like the lines around her eyes. “As a young woman, I could produce a blush like that. My Lucas used to tell me, ‘Sweetums, when you blush like that, all I can think about is kissing you.’”

“What a romantic,” I said.

“He was that and more. We met on a Tuesday, and every Tuesday right up until a week before he died, he left a red rose on the nightstand next to the bed.” Hazel’s eyes sparkled as she spoke.

“He sounds absolutely dreamy.” Hazel had been so lucky. She’d found her prince, and he actually fit the part. He was kind and thoughtful and romantic.

“Mother, do you want a glass of wine?” a voice said from behind.

“No thanks, Jimmy. Have you met Luke’s girlfriend, Isla? She’s very special. This is Luke’s Uncle Jim.”

I turned in my chair. Jim was a slimmer, taller version of Marcus.

“I haven’t had the pleasure,” he said dryly. “Nice to meet you. I’ll get you that wine, Mother.”

Hazel frowned as he walked away. “My sons used to be full of life and joy. I don’t know why they let that part of themselves get away. Lucas and I never lost our love for life.” Her smile returned. “Now here is someone who enjoys life a little too much.”

“Learned everything I know from you, Grandma.” Bryan leaned down to give his grandmother a kiss. Luke’s younger brother and I met only briefly on the first day. We hadn’t spoken since.

“Bryan, do you know Luke’s girlfriend, Isla?”

Bryan turned toward me and nodded. “We’ve met. I was sure Mom would have scared you off by now. Wouldn’t be the first time she sent someone running for the hills.” Bryan glanced around. “Speaking of Luke, where is he?”

“I haven’t seen him. Since we’re staying in rooms with different zip codes, we don’t meet up that often,” I said.

Bryan laughed. “Different zip codes. I like that. By the way, you are really rocking those boots.”

I pushed my feet out a few inches and stared down at the boots. “Thanks. They’re my lucky song boots … I hope.”

Bryan was nice looking, but not nearly as handsome or tall or muscular as his brother. He had blue eyes and a sort of mischievous, impish grin. He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and board shorts, as if he was about to dash off to the skatepark.

“Cool, so you’re going to sing tonight, eh? How about you, Grandma?”

“I think I’ll spare your mother’s guests the horror. By the way, I haven’t seen Rachel.”

Bryan motioned across the way. “I spotted her and David having a somewhat heated chat over by the gazebo.”

His mention of David reminded me of the salacious theory that had popped into my head earlier. Of course, it was just that—a theory. “Well, I’m off to get some food.” Bryan patted his belly. “Can I get either of you anything?”

“I’m fine.” Hazel looked at me in question.

I was no longer thinking about the pasta salad and biscuits. Luke had walked out on the veranda, and Alexandria was glued to his side as they laughed about something. She was wearing one of her slinky cocktail dresses and sparkly high heels. I hated that seeing them together produced such a gut-wrenching reaction.

“I’m good, thanks,” I managed to sputter.

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