Page 45 of Fake It Till We Fall
He returned to his shopping, and I took my soaps up to the counter to pay.
“That looked serious,” Lauren said as I dropped my purchases in front of her.
“I sure hope it’s not.” I didn’t want to get into my concerns about Grandma’s health. At least not until I knew more.
Lauren clearly understood. She grinned and made small talk while she rang everything up. “Am I going to see you tonight at the community skate night?”
I laughed. “You’re going to see exactly how long it’s been since I’ve skated,” I told her. “Living in the land of sun and sand hasn’t given me many opportunities to get out on the ice.”
“I’m sure Grayson will be more than happy to help you out.” She winked.
I shook my head. Grayson told me that his brothers all knew the truth about our relationship, but I didn’t know if that extended to Lauren as well. To be on the safe side, I assumed she didn’t know anything.
“Oh,” I smiled, “I’m sure he will. He’s been on a personal mission to make me fall in love with winter again.”And him.The thought flashed through my mind, but I dismissed it just as quickly.
“The two of you are so sweet together,” Lauren said wistfully. “Seeing you together, you both look so happy and…well, hopefully, one day I’ll find that kind of happiness, too.”
So, she didn’t know the truth.
“I’m sure you will.” I handed over my credit card. “Grayson said you’re dating?” It was actually Brody who’d said it, but something told me not to mention that particular detail. Or the fact that Brody hadn’t seemed all that happy about it. “How’s that going?”
Lauren waved my question away. “It’s a process,” she said after a moment. “But I’m not losing hope. Not yet.” She handed me my card and a paper bag with my wrapped soaps. “I’ve hit a point in my life where I have everything I’ve ever wanted and things are really good, you know?”
I nodded.
“Now, I’d really like someone special to share it all with. I’m not getting any younger and lately, I’ve been feeling a pull for more.”
I could see the longing in her eyes. I had no doubt she’d find it, too. I told her as much.
“Well,” Lauren laughed, “I guess we’ll see if I can be as lucky in love as you.”
I laughed along with her, but as I stepped out into the cold December day, the laughter died on my lips.
My new friend was chasing the kind of love she thought I already had. If only she knew the truth, that what she thought she saw between me and Grayson was nothing more than borrowed time.
Grayson
The scenein front of me looked like it had just been ripped out of a Hallmark movie. Pretty much like everything this town did. I had to laugh at it, but I also kind of loved it.
The air was filled with the scent of woodsmoke and pine from the giant bonfire next to the creek and the frozen skating rink that had been created for the season, and the town skate night.
White twinkling lights were hung from the low tree branches nearby, and someone had a tinny speaker blasting out carols, enhancing the whole Christmas card effect.
All the festivals and over-the-top events that Trickle Creek hosted were part of what made my hometown so special. They were also a big part of why I’d always wanted to make a life there and raise a family one day.
Of course, those were dreams of a much younger Grayson. Dreams that had only ever been about one person and had faded over the years.
I should have moved on years ago, but something had always held me back. What if I couldn’t ever find someone who would come close to making me feel the way she had? Even if all those feelings were based on the naivety of youth.
But now…
Harper.
I spotted her before she saw me. She stood near the hot chocolate booth, laughing and talking with Charli. Every single time I saw her, I was struck by how natural she looked back in Trickle Creek. Like she never left.
And maybe she’d stay.
Reid’s words kept replaying in my brain.
