Page 72 of The Perils of Pretending
“Oh, yes. Do tell.” Sadie sidles up next to me, batting her lashes.
Do I answer honestly or for the sake of our fake relationship? As I mull it over, I realize they’re one in the same. “I want someone who values education, new experiences, treating others with respect and kindness, someone who doesn’t give up easily, is brave and willing to stand up for themselves, someone who makes other people laugh, knows how to manage their money, wants a family, and has hobbies they’re passionate about. It’s someone who I know I won’t get bored with because we’ll grow together and fight for each other every day.”
I don’t know what Sadie’s financial situation is, but she owns her own business and lives by herself. She must be doing okay if she can afford a downtown apartment.
Sadie puts a hand to heart. “Would you look at that, he described me perfectly.”
Robbie chuckles. “Of course he did. You’re his girlfriend. He’s not going to say something about you that you lack, otherwise you wouldn’t be together.”
“Aww, thanks babe.” Sadie brings our joined hands up to her mouth, placing a kiss on the back of my palm.
“Any time, Princess.”
We get to the viewing platform of the falls and have to wait our turn to get close. People pack in shoulder to shoulder, cameras raised. Three brown bears, two at the bottom of the falls and one on top, wait patiently until a salmon jumps out of the water. Within milliseconds one bear catches the fish in its mouth. Their hunting instincts are fascinating to watch.
“This is amazing,” Sadie says, smiling.
“It really is. I’m glad I was able to come and see this.”
Sadie puts an arm around my waist. I raise my arm, wrapping it around her shoulders. “I’m really glad you’re here too.”
Just not happy enough to want me for real when we get home.
Chapter 27
Sadie
BrodyandIswitchedbeds earlier today. The queen bed is fine, but I miss Max’s presence, listening to his even breaths and feeling the safety of him being close by. I toss in the bed again, trying to find a spot that’s comfortable. No matter how hard I try, I can’t sleep.
“Ugh!” I give up. Flinging the blankets off me, I grab my jacket, shove my feet in my shoes, and head to the porch. I sit in the same chair as before, looking out at the bay. I shiver as the cold air nips at my neck and hands.
The gentle lap of the waves hitting the shore is soothing. It’s peaceful when there’s a little bit of light lingering from the sunset and no boats are out on the water. I’m going to miss this view and the cooler temps when we get back to Utah. The haze and scorching heat are my least favorite thing about where I live.
“Hey,” Max says, coming out and joining me. He’s in long loose pants and a white long-sleeved shirt. Too bad he didn’t bring a blanket. I’m cold.
Holy déjà vu. “Hey. You couldn’t sleep again either?”
“No. Brody stinks.”
I blurt out a laugh. “What?”
He gags. “I don’t know what he ate that isn’t agreeing with his stomach, but his farts are leeching through the blanket. The whole room smells like rotten eggs. I might take the couch tonight.”
I scrunch my nose. “Ew. I’m sorry.” Is he like that at home with Daphne? If so, my poor sister-in-law.
If Brody passed gas in the bed I’m in now, the smell aired itself out because I can’t smell anything on the sheets. “I’d offer to share the queen in my room, but I snore…”
“Oh no,” Max is quick to say. “I’m not fishing for an invite. Besides, I wouldn’t take advantage of our situation like that.”
I side-eye him. “I know you well enough now that I didn’t think you were trying to getintobed with me. You might be arrogant, but you’re not a snake.”
“Oh. Well, good. But I’m fine on the couch. Promise.”
“I can go sleep with my mom in the king bed if you'd prefer. The couch wasn’t terrible, but the mattresses are way better.”
Max shakes his head. “I’m not kicking you out of another room.”
“You’re not. I’m offering.”
