Page 81 of Fauxmance

After a moment, the doctor smiled. "Besides, it sounds like this guy from the elevator may have provided a much needed distraction."

My cheeks reddened. "He definitely did."

"And you're going to more weddings with him?" she said.

"That's right. We actually have one this weekend."

"Hmm, if it's anything like the first, you'll probably have a great time."

I knew that, but…

"He sounds like a good guy," she said.

"That's just it, Dr. M," I said. "He is, and I know we're faking it. I know every time he looks at me or kisses me, it means nothing. But…it means something to me."

She nodded.

"You're my doctor, and this is a safe space, right?"

"Of course."

"Then I'm just going to say it. I've barely even admitted this to myself, so bear with me." I took a deep breath. "I think I'm falling for him."

"Your fake boyfriend?"

"Yes"—I laughed at myself—"as strange as that sounds. I'm falling for my fake boyfriend."

"Doesn't sound like such a bad thing to me."

Doctor Moorehouse was smiling.

"It actually sounds incredibly romantic."

I frowned. "Isn't it wrong to lie, though, Dr. M?"

"On principle, yes," she said. "If you were hurting someone, it would definitely be wrong."

"I don't think we are," I said.

"Also, Magnolia, you just said you were falling for real," she pointed out. "So I'm not sure if the lie is the one you're telling everyone else—or the one you're trying to tell yourself."

Her words struck a chord inside me, but I truly hoped she was wrong.

After just getting out of the relationship with Sean, the last thing I needed was to fall for another guy who didn't want me. Hayden had made it perfectly clear where he stood on the matter.

"That may be true," I said. "But my fake boyfriend isn't interested in anything real."

Her mouth formed a little oh, and I nodded.

"He's told me that more than once."

"Could it be that he doesn't recognize his own feelings yet?"

"He seemed pretty sure." I swallowed past the knot in my throat. "So it's probably better if I keep lying to myself. Maybe then I can protect my heart. Right, Doctor?"

She had no response to that, and our time was over anyway.

When I got up, Doctor Moorehouse offered to give me more time on account of her taking up some of mine with her issues, but I declined.

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