Page 27 of Finding You
“Aww. Isn’t that sweet?” she cooed.
We smiled at Jackie. That wasn’t so bad. I think Declan was a little overcautious about the sweet old ladies in this town.
But then the real interrogation started.
“How long have you been together?”
“What do you do for work?”
“How long are you staying?”
“Is it serious?”
“Are you getting married?”
“Do you want kids?”
Her questions were coming so quickly we could barely get the words out to answer them. Jackie was relentless. I knew some two-thousand-dollar-an-hour litigators who could take a lesson from her.
Thankfully we were saved by Joe arriving with massive platters of food.
“This looks incredible!” I exclaimed.
Joe gave us a little bow. “Why, thank you, sweetheart.”
Declan smiled at both of them kindly. “Jackie, take it easy on my girl.” I felt a small shiver run through my body. Logically, I knew I wasn’t really his girl, but part of me wanted to be. What would it be like to belong to a man like him? I had never wanted to belong to anyone. As a feminist I found the thought abhorrent, but the way Declan said it made me feel warm and cherished.
Jackie was undeterred. “Declan is a real catch, you know? His dearly departed grandmother was a very good friend of mine. And I look out for him and his brothers. At least Liam had the good sense to propose to Cecelia Leary. She is wonderful. Do you know her?”
Joe interjected, “Jackie, stop interrogating her. She’s a nice girl.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I hope so. Because this boy here”—she pinched Declan’s cheek—“is one of the best. He is kind and helpful and loves his family. Don’t let the long hair and tattoos fool you. He is no bad boy… he is the sweetest.”
“Jackie, dear, let’s let the lovebirds enjoy their breakfast. I’m sure they can answer your questions another time.”
Jackie looked unhappy to be pulled away but took her coffeepot and left us in peace.
“That was intense.”
“Did I pass the test? Can I stuff my face now?” I asked.
“Of course you can, killer.”
* * *
“I’m impressed,” Declan said, surveying the wreckage of our plates. “You are an excellent fake girlfriend. We totally convinced Jackie.”
I raised my coffee cup to him in salute. “Thank you. You weren’t bad yourself.”
“It’s funny, I feel less pressure since this is totally fake. Had you been my real girlfriend, I probably would have tripped over my words.”
I forced a smile. I liked the clear nature of a fake relationship, but I couldn't help be just a tiny bit hurt that he clearly wasn't interested in anything real. Not that I had the right; I wasn’t either. So I had to just grin and bear it.
“Regardless, Jackie can be intimidating.”
“Oh, please. She is nothing compared to my mother,” I said, taking the last bite of my English muffin.
“You’ve never mentioned her. What is she like?”
