Page 34 of The Perils of Pretending
Is this a trick? Does he have to stay the whole time to get whatever monetary gain Grandma promised? Today feels like it’s been the longest day ever. I can’t believe it was only eleven hours ago that I was worried about being around Max. So much has happened since then.
“I’m sorry, but no. It’s been quite the day for me. I’m heading off to bed.”
I don’t give him time to respond. I exit through the front doors and meander down the path to our cub cabin. Instead of going to my room, I grab a blanket from the upstairs linen closet and park my rear in one of the chairs in front of our cabin, facing the bay.
Birds fly high in the air above me. Waves gently crash into the rocky shore. Despite it being midsummer, snow caps the mountain peaks. Iinhale deeply, letting the cool air cleanse my inner turmoil. Normally, I’d text my cousins about this, but surprisingly, there’s only one person I want to tell about meeting Dorian.
Pulling out my phone, I text my fake boyfriend.
I met Dorian.
Babe
Is he everything you’ve ever wanted? Am I about to be dumped? [Wink-face emoji]
Ha! Not even close.
I’m going to admit something that you have to promise not to let go to your head.
Babe
I make no guarantees.
I grin. Of course he doesn’t. And normally, this would prevent me from telling him anything, but this temporary relationship has me leaning on him for support. I bite my lip, my heart thudding in my chest as I admit how I’m feeling.
I wish you were here.
Babe
I’m sorry, was that supposed to be a confession or something? I’m well aware that everyone wants to be around me all the time. That isn’t new information.
I huff out a laugh. He’s seriously so conceited. Any other time, I’d be annoyed at his response. But the familiarity of his reply is exactly what I need right now. With Max, I know what I’m getting.
I change the subject.
How are your grandparents?
Babe
Good.
Have they harassed you about a wife and babies yet?
Babe
The moment I got in the car [smirk emoji]
Well…Did you tell them all about your fantastic, gorgeous, kind, and smart girlfriend?
Babe
I did.
My heart flutters. I bite my lips together, trying to stop myself from smiling, but it’s no use. My fake boyfriend provided exactly what I needed tonight: a laugh and a compliment. I hold my finger down on his comment, replying with a heart.
Tucking my phone back into my jacket pocket, I snuggle under the blanket, admiring the scenic view before me.
I don’t know what Grandma and Dorian have planned while we’re here, but I’m incredibly grateful for Max and his scheming. Who knew my brother’s best friend would turn into my biggest ally during this trip?
