Page 20 of The Purest Fake

“Kids need more than the creature comforts, Scarlett.”

“I agree. Luckily, I had the best grandmother in the world. She loved me enough to make up for my parents’ shortcomings.”

“She’s not with you anymore?”

“No. She passed away two years ago.”

“That sucks,” he says.

I nod. “It really does.”

The music shifts to a more upbeat tempo, but Cooper and I continue swaying slowly, lost in our conversation.

“Tell me about your grandmother,” Cooper says.

I smile, memories flooding back. “Her name was Peggy, and she was the kindest, most generous person I’ve ever known. She taught me how to stand up for myself, to believe in myself, and most importantly, to love unconditionally.”

“She sounds wonderful,” he says, his blue eyes warm with empathy.

“She was. Every summer, I’d spend two weeks at her house. We’d go swimming, have picnics, and stay up late telling stories on the porch. Those were the happiest times of my childhood.”

Cooper pulls me a little closer. “I’m glad you had her in your life.”

“Me too,” I say, slowly pulling away. Our gazes linger for a moment.

“Want to grab a drink?” he asks, his hand resting lightly on my lower back.

I nod. “Sure.”

He grips my hand, weaving us through the crowd. I try to ignore the whispered remarks as we pass. I shouldn’t be surprised that being on Cooper’s arm draws attention.

At the bar, he orders us both drinks, remembering my preference for an espresso martini. As we wait, a middle-aged woman approaches us, her face lighting up with recognition.

“Cooper. It’s so nice to see you here,” the woman gushes, her gaze darting between us. “And who is this lovely young lady?”

Cooper smiles politely. “Mrs. Wilkins, it’s great to see you too. This is my girlfriend, Scarlett.”

I extend my hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Wilkins.”

She shakes my hand enthusiastically. “Oh my, Cooper, she’s gorgeous. How long have you two been together?”

I feel Cooper tense slightly beside me, but his voice remains smooth. “We’ve been dating for a couple of months now.”

Mrs. Wilkins beams at us. “Well, you make such a handsome couple. Scarlett, dear, you must tell me how you two met.”

I laugh lightly, placing my hand on Cooper’s arm. “Our friends are in a relationship, and we met through them.”

“Oh, how lovely.” Mrs. Wilkins smiles, clasping her hands to her chest. “Young love is so beautiful to see. You two remind me of my husband and me when we first started dating.”

I smile politely, trying not to show my discomfort at the comparison, which has me feeling like a fraud. Cooper’s arm slides around my waist, pulling me closer to his side.

“That’s very kind of you to say, Mrs. Wilkins,” he replies smoothly. “We’re still getting to know each other, but I consider myself lucky to have Scarlett in my life.”

I lean into him, playing along. “The feeling is mutual.”

Mrs. Wilkins pats Cooper’s arm. “Well, I won't keep you any longer. Enjoy the rest of your evening, dears.”

As she walks away, Cooper and I share a look of relief.

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