Page 61 of Falling for your Fake Boyfriend

“That’s what I should be asking you.” Ava’s emerald green eyes stood out from her tanned face. She looked too thin, and her luxurious black hair had seen better days, but she was a sight to see for all of us. We were never complete until all five of us were at the cove. Ava looked at me. “You’ve been crying. That explains it. I was standing in the middle of the rainforest admiring a clump of Stereum ostrea when I got this terrible feeling. A cold shiver raced down my back, and considering the sweltering temperatures, I knew something was wrong. By the time I climbed on a plane home, I knew one of you—Isla—needed me.” She hugged me. “I’m glad you’re all right, but I’ll want to hear about those puffy eyes and that sad expression behind the smile. But first … food. I’m starved.”

“Then you’re in luck because there’s plenty of food up at the house,” Aria said. “It’s so good to see you, Ava.” She hugged her again, and the rest of us piled on for another group hug.

“The fabulous five together again!” Layla shouted. We repeated the chant and then finally parted long enough to hike up the trail to the cottage.

Ava went in for a quick shower while the rest of us got dinner together. I mixed up a fresh salad and defrosted some cheddar biscuits I’d made before I left for the weekend.

“Aria, I know we haven’t talked about it,” I started.

“Yes, I desperately need you at the café. And you can work your schedule around your other jobs. I’ve got a special ‘in’ with the boss.” She winked.

“Thanks, Aria.”

Layla looked at the wobbly table. “We need some wildflowers for Nonna’s vase. I’ll run out and pick some.” She hurried out the door with the vase and a pair of scissors.

Ava’s long, wet hair looked inky black as she stepped out of the bathroom. “It’s so nice taking a shower without a bunch of long-legged creatures hanging from the walls and creeping up through the drain.”

Ella shuddered, her entire body trembling at the mention of long-legged creatures.

“Wow, it’ll be nice to eat food that doesn’t have—” Ava started, but Ella held up her hand.

“We get it. Lots of creatures. No details, please.”

Layla came plowing back inside with an empty vase. “He’s here,” she said after a deep breath. “He’s here!”

We all looked at each other.

“Santa?” Ella asked, and we all laughed.

“No, the prince, the rich dude, Isla’s fake wedding date,” she said in exasperation. “He just pulled up in his fancy, schmancy space mobile.”

I felt my stomach drop straight to my feet.

Ava looked around confused. “Boy, I really have been out of the loop.”

I smoothed my hair and pinched my cheeks. “How do I look?”

Ella was closest. She reached up and wiped some sand off my cheek.

“Better?” I asked, hopefully.

Ella shook her head. “Nope, as Nonna would say ‘you’re a right mess,’ but that’s okay.”

The knock on the door sent another shockwave through me. I looked around at my sisters and instantly regained my confidence. They were my strength. “The fabulous five,” I said.

“Fabulous five,” they said in unison.

“Well, we don’t want him to leave.” Layla raced to the door and pulled it open. I could see Luke in the doorway just past Ella’s head. My heart nearly popped out of my chest.

“Hello, is Isla here?”

I realized I already missed the deep, smooth sound of his voice.

My sisters parted and stepped back leaving me right there in the middle of the room. Luke looked massive in our small entryway. “Hi,” I said weakly.

“Hi,” he replied. He lifted his hand. “I brought your boot.”

I smiled. “You could have mailed it.”

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