Page 32 of Pretend to be Mine
He stands up from the couch. “Whoa, that fast?”
I nod as I’m trying to change my earrings. “Yep, we’re going to be late if we don’t hurry.”
“Not on my watch,” he says, opening the door for me.
We rush out to the car and he climbs behind the wheel. I get my earrings in and touch up my makeup as he drives. I refresh my lipstick and mascara in the little mirror on the visor. “How do I look?” I ask, looking over at him.
He smiles. “Beautiful, as always.”
I laugh and roll my eyes.
“No, seriously. You look so good that I bet they don’t notice that hickey on your neck.”
“What?” I shout, flipping the visor back down and inspecting my neck in the mirror.
Ben busts out laughing. “I’m joking. Calm down. It’s fine. They already met me, remember?”
“Yes, but that was pretend you. This is real you.”
He smiles and shakes his head. “It’s always been real me, Savannah. I never lied.”
I sit back and think that night over. Surely he lied about something. “What about when my dad asked how you saw your future, and you said with me?”
“Wasn’t a lie. I knew that even if I didn’t get you, you’d hopefully be in my life as a friend.”
I smile. “You’re good.”
He nods.
We make it to the restaurant with minutes to spare. By the time we’re shown to the table, it’s seven on the dot. Mom and Dad smile when they see us. They pull me in for a hug while Dad shakes Ben’s hand, and we all have a seat.
“It’s nice to see you again, Ben,” Dad says.
“It’s good to see you too, Sir,” Ben replies.
“I’m glad to see you two still together. Savannah sprung you on us so quickly that neither of us were sure what was going on,” Mom says, smiling at Ben and giving me the side eye.
Ben reaches over and takes my hand in his. “Yes, she’s got me wrapped around that little pinky of hers.”
“Is that wedding bells I hear ringing?” Mom asks around a smile as she picks up her glass of wine and takes a sip.
“Mother,” I chastise. “It’s far too early to be talking about that. We’ve only been seriously dating a few months.”
“I knew right away your father was the one I was going to marry.”
I snort. “Well, it’s not nineteen-forty anymore.”
She sucks in a breath and I laugh. “I’m only kidding, Mom. I know you’re not that old.”
She points her finger at me, but we all laugh.
The evening goes smoothly, and dad occupies Ben throughout most of dinner, but I’m relieved that they get along so well. My mom is a little aggressive, though, wanting all the details about our future, wedding, and kids. By the time dinner is done, I feel exhausted and don’t have the energy to do anything else.
“That wasn’t so bad,” Ben says as we drive home.
“Says you. You got my dad. He’s the easy one. Next time let’s switch.”
He laughs. “Okay, deal.”
“I’m exhausted.”
“Too exhausted to stop for some ice cream?”
I look at him with a smile. “I’m never too tired for that.”
He grins, pulling into the local fast-food joint, and we get some ice cream for the rest of the ride home. He really does know how to make me happy.
