Page 60 of Make You Mine

“We need to get some pictures before you leave,” she said, brandishing her phone. “Girls, get into position!”

We gathered together, posing and laughing as the camera clicked away. Briar and Lark made funny faces, and Paige insisted on capturing every single moment.

Just as Paige was about to take another picture, my phone rang. I picked it up and saw Ren’s name flashing on the screen, and my heart did a little flip.

Fake?Yeah, right. My reaction to him was more than real.

“It’s him,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Well, answer it!” Lark urged. Her eyes wide with excitement.

I swiped to answer with trembling fingers. “Hey, Ren,” I attempted to be cool but failed.

“I hope I’m not calling at a bad time.”

“No, not at all. I was just getting ready.”

“Great, I wanted to let you know that I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

“See you soon.” I tried to keep my voice steady, but knew I failed.

As I hung up, Paige swooped in to give me a final once-over.

“Okay, girls, it’s time to clear out of here.”

They hugged me goodbye and headed downstairs to wait for Paige.

“You got this,” she reassured me, with a quick hug. “So, this is day—wait, how many days has it been since I suggested the two of you fake date each other?” Her eyes were sharp, and her grin was full of mischief. “Anyway, it’s day, whatever, of me waiting for you two idiots to fall in love.”

“What?” I shook my head, hiding my smile because little did she know I may already be halfway there. “I can’t believe you sometimes. What did you do?”

She burst into laughter. “Nothing. I did nothing but make a small suggestion.” She popped up an eyebrow. “Don’t you worry about it. Time heals all wounds, and Ren will be there when you’re ready. Am I right?”

I grabbed my handbag and a dressy jacket. Then we went downstairs. The girls were on the couch with Smog and Nimbus.

“Right? Paige, you’re unbelievable, that’s what you are. This isn’t prom or anything like it. I only asked for your help because it’s fancy, and I didn’t want to embarrass myself with my basic makeup and hair styling skills. This is not a big deal.”

“Gah! Don’t be boring. Itisa big freaking deal! It’s huge! What happened to romanticizing your life? Casual or not, real, pretend, who cares? You look pretty, go have some fun. Am I right, girls?”

“Totally,” Lark agreed while Briar just watched us talk, her eyes bouncing to each of us as if she were taking notes for the future. “I saw him at Coffee Cabin talking to Auntie Eliza the other day. He’s hot for an old guy.”

“Old? Ouch.” Paige clutched at her chest dramatically and collapsed onto the couch with the girls. “Pretty sure we’re the same age.”

“Sorry.” Lark burst into laughter. “I just call it like I see it.”

“Ew, Lark.” Briar nudged her side. “What if they get married? You just called our potential future uncle hot.”

“Yeah, I said, hotfor an old guy. That doesn’t count, it’s just being nice.”

“Stop digging the hole, honey. You’ll just make it worse,” Paige said with a laugh.

“Whatever.” She rolled her eyes. “This is what I get for trying to be nice in this family. I see how it is.”

Paige rolled her eyes right back and tickled her side. “Kids these days. No respect for their elders.”

“See?” Lark teased. “She just admitted she’s old.”

“Straight to jail!” Paige shouted in mock anger. “Okay.” She clapped her hands together. “Let’s go! Your Auntie Piper needs to be alone when her hot old-man date arrives.”

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