Page 34 of Bumping into You

“Seriously?” says Margot. “How can you say that?”

“I didn’t want to worry you all,” I say, “or take any of the light away from Holly and Greg.” I squeeze my best friend’s arm. “Was I freaked out at first? Yes. Was I furious that he is engaged to Malibu Barbie? Yes. But I realized this afternoon after running into them the second time that I am better off without Bradley holding me back. I want someone who is going to support my work and perfectionist nature.”

“I’m all for you standing on your own two feet and going after your dreams,” says Holly. “I mean, a year and a half ago I was miserable, but look at me now.”

“I’m just happy that you aren’t freaking out,” says Margot.

“Just so you know,” says Holly, “if you are freaking out and you’re trying to hide it, I will be furious with you.”

“Same,” says Margot.

“I promise I’m okay,” I say. “After my epiphany of sorts this afternoon, and I think everything will be just fine.” I’m not going to tell them that the epiphany is lying to my ex and pretending to be in a relationship with Niall. No one needs to know that except Niall and me.

I smile as I think about Niall agreeing to fake date me this morning. I still can’t get the image of him dripping wet in that too small of towel out of my head. I think it will be forever seared into my brain.

Chapter 16

Niall

“Dude, I can’t believe Gwen’s ex is on the ship,” says Trent as he sits next to Greg and me at the bar. “Let alone Tammy, his fiancée. I hope we aren’t going to be seeing that much more of him.”

“Seriously,” says Greg, “he was such a dick to her in the end. I can’t believe I liked the guy at first.”

Gwen had already told me the basics of her and Bradley’s relationship, but I can’t let Trent and Greg know that. I don’t want them questioning why she would have opened up to me so soon and potentially blow our fake-dating cover. “So, what happened with them?” I ask.

“They dated for years, then one day he decided he didn’t like her working so much and called it quits,” offers Greg. “At least, that’s all she was willing to tell us.” He shrugs and glances over to his sister, who is linked with the girls, one on either side. Worry lines Greg’s features.

“She’s been a mess for months,” says Trent. “Hasn’t been quite the same since. Throwing herself into her job even more than before. She’s more reserved now. It’s like her natural vigor seemed to dim.”

“Wow,” I say, “he must have done a number on her then.” I wonder what she was like before. I bet she was a force to be reckoned with, a firecracker.

I look toward the bar where the girls are sitting. In the interactions I’ve had with her the past couple days, she’s seemedpretty spunky to me. Maybe she is finally getting over the breakup.

Getting out of her wedding-planning work mode is good for her. Another reminder that it was good I added those one-on-one dates to our rules.

“Yeah,” says Trent, “I bet she’s freaking out right now knowing Bradley is here, and with the wedding too, you know she’s stressed trying to make everything perfect.”

“I’m glad I asked you for that favor. Now more than ever,” says Greg, grinning at me. “Who knew she’d also need you to help her avoid her ex?”

“What favor?” asks Trent, looking between the two of us.

“Well,” says Greg, “even before I knew about Bradley, I just wanted Gwen to have fun on the cruise, not stress so much about the wedding, you know? Niall was always the one back in college who could get us out of our heads, so I was hoping he’d do the same for Gwen. You know, help her bring out her spunky side again.”

“Hmm . . .” says Trent. “Does Holly know about this?”

“Well, no,” says Greg sheepishly.

“Seriously, dude?” says Trent.

I just shrug. It’s not my place to get in between Greg and his fiancée.

“I know,” says Greg. “I should probably tell her, but I’m not sure how she would take it, and Gwen really needs this.”

“And if Gwen finds out about this . . .” Trent trails off.

“I know, I know,” says Greg.

“She won’t find out,” I say.

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