Page 25 of The Perils of Pretending
I should be self-conscious about sweaty palms or how I shoved my face into his side without his permission. But there’s this unexplainable safety when it comes to Max. Maybe it’s the educator in him. Maybe my subconscious knows he’s one to help and protect others because of his job. Or maybe because he’s Brody’s friend and I trust Brody?
I’m not entirely sure why, and the craziest thing of all is how much I like it. Which is good because it means I’m ready for a relationship, to find someone to snuggle with on the couch after a long day at work. A partner to help make life more enjoyable.
I’ve never been one to want to be set up before, but I’m open to it now—except through Grandma. I want to find a boyfriend who could potentially become my husband. After working so hard on my business, it’s time to focus on my personal life.
Despite how crazy Max’s idea was to pretend to date, I’m gratefulfor this knowledge I’ve gained today. I knew I was to the point I wanted to date, but this confirms I’m ready to go all in.
I smile, my heart expanding with gratitude for the sexy-snarky man using me as his pillow. Because of him, when I get back home, I’ll be ready to put myself out there.
But if he starts snoring, I will plug his nose until he wakes up.
Chapter 10
Sadie
“Ladiesandgentleman,it’stime to prepare for landing in Anchorage. At this time, please…”
The flight attendant continues her spiel. Groggily, I blink awake. Where am I? Why does my shoulder have the weight of an elephant on it?
I blink more and my vision clears.
My tablet lies on my lap, the screen black. Max’s head is still on my shoulder. How did I fall asleep?
I grab my phone from the tray in front of me. My notifications show I have a text from Mom. She’s probably telling me where to meet when we get off the plane.
Tapping to my messages, I open her text. My heart expands in my chest as I read:
Mom
Aren’t you two adorable? [heart emoji]
Included is a picture of Max and me on the plane. Max’s head on my shoulder, my head resting against his, both of us asleep.
When did she take this? When did I fall asleep?
Ugh, stupid Max and his stupid idea to fake date. How could Brody be right? Four hours in and my dumb heart wants a boyfriend. Not necessarily Max, but…maybe Max?
No. This isn’t happening. I can’t stand him.
This time, I don’t let him keep snoozing. I shove his shoulder, forcing him off me. “We’re about to land.”
Max rubs his neck. His voice is rough from sleep. “I didn’t realize I was so tired. Sorry I fell asleep on you.”
“It’s fine.”
I put my tray table up, stow my e-reader, and message my cousins in our Cheaper Than Therapy group chat. I have to get my mind and heart off of Max and onto more practical things. Like finding a guy who I could actually date and not just pretend with.
Remember that time I sent out an SOS that Max was coming to the reunion? Turns out, he’s not. He’s going to Alaska to visit his family. But Max devised a plan for us to pretend that we’re dating so I don’t have to deal with the guy my grandma invited. This is NOT for real, so don’t get your hopes up (I’m looking at you Lucy!). But guys...I think I am ready to find a real boyfriend.
Chloe
You’re smart, you’re successful, you’re kind, you’re beautiful…and you deserve real love. Do it! [Hands in air emoji]
Awe, thanks Chlo!Any thoughts on where?
To find a guy, I mean.
I stay in the app, ready for anyone’s ideas. But none come. It’s crickets. Are my cousins secretly texting about me, trying to figure out what to say, or is everyone at a loss?
