Page 12 of My Merry Mistake
When Dallas bought this house in Loveland, it was never supposed to be a long-term living situation. It was meant to be a place where his grandma could recover from surgery. But then my sister pretended they were dating, and that one interaction led to a fake relationship that turned real . . . and Poppy ended up with a guy who adores her.
Outside, there’s a large deck that opens to a patio and a big yard. Quiet music drifts from a speaker, and further out in the grass, there’s a long, rustic table decorated with the most stunning fall flowers I’ve ever seen.
Poppy and Dallas won’t get married until next spring, but an early November engagement party, sandwiched between hockey games and restaurant events, is actually pretty perfect.
“Poppy, this is amazing.” I take it all in. It’s quiet and rustic and peaceful and so . . . Poppy.
“You like it?” she asks.
I turn to her. “I love it. It’s all so beautiful. I’m just so happy for you.”
Her face brightens. “We wanted it to feel like a big family dinner.”
I spot Eloise with some of the hockey wives, and when she sees me, she lifts both her arms and waves with both hands. “Raya!” she calls out, and more than a few people look at me.
I smile and wave back, then look at Poppy. “Zero social graces.”
Poppy laughs as Eloise rushes over. “Raya, you gorgeous queen, that dress is criminal.”
I give myself a quick once-over. “Is it?” I frown, secretly thankful for the compliment. I don’t need a lot of puffing up, but since I’m one of the only single people here, I did feel extra pressure to make myself look attractive.
That way maybe people think it was my choice coming alone, and not that no one wanted to come with me.
Which is ridiculous. I can’t control what other people think, and I really don’t care.
Except when I do.
People who know me would probably be shocked if they found out how much I actually want to fit in. Since I typically don’t, I quit trying and convinced myself I was better off this way. And usually, I believe it. Lately, though, I’ve been more aware than ever of my aloneness.
I hate that stupid, superficial things like this still take up space in my brain.
“I saw Finn gawking at you,” Eloise says.
I roll my eyes. “I guarantee that’s not true. He’s here with a yoga instructor.” I glower at Poppy. “I think she’s nineteen.”
Poppy giggles. “She’s twenty-five.”
I quickly scan the group, and my eyes land on Finn.
Whose eyes are on me.
Instead of looking away, like a normal person caught staring, he lifts his drink in a “cheers,” and gives me a wide smile.
And of course, my sisters see.
“He’s so into you,” Eloise says.
“Uh, look at who he’s dating,” I say. “The exact opposite of me. The literal photo negative.That’swho he’s into.”
“I think you terrify him,” Poppy says.
“I think you terrify everyone,” Eloise chimes in, holding in a laugh.
“Good.” I pump my eyebrows. “I like to be feared.”
“He’s a good guy,” Poppy says. “I think you should give him a chance.”
I look at her, incredulous. “A chance to do what?”
