Page 8 of Fake To Forever

Some might say that getting drunk and partying with strangers isn’t the smartest way to deal with my stress and grief, but those people can shove it. This is how I’m dealing with it tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll figure out something healthier.

“How much?” I call out over the music.

The bartender waves me away, smiling. “The guys at the end of the bar took care of it.”

I glance in the direction he’s indicating and find two cute guys sitting together, grinning toward Marie and me. One is blonde, and the other is dark-haired, and they both raise their glasses when they catch me checking them out.

Like clockwork.

I smile and wave back before turning back to Marie. We’re early, so there’s barely any other woman in the club. But I’m not going to turn down a free drink.

“Told you,” I say to Marie as I lean in towards her.

She laughs, shaking her head before the two of us head over to where the guys are sitting.

“Hey there,” the blonde says as we draw near. “How are you ladies doing tonight?”

“Great,” I reply. “Thanks for the shots.”

“You’re welcome,” he replies. “The name’s Aaron.”

“I’m Haven.”

As I talk with Aaron, Marie chats up his friend James. They’re friendly and easy-going, and I indulge in a little flirting. It’s not something I do often because men really aren’t on my radar, but I remind myself that I’m having fun tonight. Letting loose.

And they’re providing free drinks. Which means I’m not thinking about anything sad or tragic.

About an hour later, I’m tipsy and shaking my ass on the dance floor, laughing with Marie and the guys without a care in the world. Aaron gazes down at me with clear interest, and I’m enjoying his attention, even if I already know I’m not going to do anything with him. Even a one-night stand is too much for me to take on right now because god forbid the hospital calls with an emergency and I’m in bed with a total stranger.

As his hands slide across my hips while I dance in front of him, I can’t deny how good it feels to be within his grasp. The conversation with my brother Garrett echoes in my mind. He wants me to find someone, so I’m not lonely. But it isn’t that easy, is it?

A small pang of guilt deep in my belly causes me to swallow deep as the small voice of uncertainty rings in the back of my head, whispering that Garrett might be right. I need to do something for myself.

Spinning in Aaron's arms, I try to ignore the voice and push the pang away. I can’t deal with Garrett’s worries right now. Not tonight… not for the next few days or even weeks. It will have to wait… at least until…

The thought of my mother causes my movements to slow. She needs me most right now.

Nothing else is important.

Aaron is fun, but he’s a momentary distraction that I’ll leave behind when I go back to my responsibilities. I’ll allow myself to enjoy tonight, but tomorrow morning, reality will return and I’ll put my focus back on my family and all the other people who need my attention and care.

At the end of the day, that’s all that really matters to me.

People in my situation don’t have time for love.

Chapter Four: Temptation

Christian

Blue Ridge is just as quaint and quiet as Garrett said it would be. It’s a blue-collar town, with mostly locally owned businesses rather than franchises. Most of the houses in town are small but well cared for. As I drive through town toward Oliver’s daycare, it’s clear to me that the people who live here really care about this community based on how neat everything is. Lawns are mowed, sidewalks are clear, and there isn’t a single piece of litter in sight.

It makes me smile and relax against my seat as I take it all in. Glancing into the rearview mirror, I check on Oliver, who’s sitting in his booster seat, kicking his feet and watching the world go by outside his window.

“Are you excited for your new daycare, buddy?”

He turns his big blue eyes to me, blinks, and nods. “Do they have outside?”

I chuckle softly. “Yes, I’m sure they have things you can do outside. Are you excited to make new friends?”

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