Page 119 of Faking it For Summer

I see Mia looking around with a fake, plastered smile on her face.

She grabs my hand and looks into my eyes. “Time to fake it again, Luke.”

“I don’t like to fake it, Mia.”

“You could have fooled me,” she says.

She pulls me toward the other side of the room, and I follow behind her, not wanting to make a scene, but really wanting to have a deeper conversation with her.

“Hey, Juniper. Hey, Wendy. Hey, Gigi. Hey, Louisa.” Mia gives them all a quick hug.

I offer them my hellos and stand to the side, watching as she smiles and jokes with them. I can’t tell whether she’s faking it or happy to see them.

“Would you like a drink?” I ask eventually.

She turns to me, nodding. “Yeah, a glass of wine or something, please.”

“I’ll be right back.” I look around the room and head toward the bar.

I see my grandma standing there with Lucille and try not to groan.

“Hey there, Luke,” my grandma says, giving me a big hug.

“Hi, Gran. Hi, Mrs. Bishop.”

“How are you treating my granddaughter? Very well, I hope.”

I give her a smile. “You know how it is. Mia and I have a really good thing going, and we’re just trying not to ruin it.”

“I’m glad to hear that, Luke. I’ve been so happy to hear that the two of you have connected.” She looks over at Bitsy. “Aren’t you happy, Bitsy?”

“Yeah, I think we’re both very happy, Lucille.”

They give each other a look that I find quite odd, but I ignore it. Both of my grandparents are quirky, and I don’t know if that’s because they’ve lived in Coconut Beach their entire lives, but I’ve learned to ignore it.

“The party looks to be in full swing,” I say, looking around. “I’m sure Rex and Andi must be really happy.”

“Yes, yes, I suppose so,” my grandma says, frowning. “We need to talk, Luke,” she says in a low voice.

“What’s wrong?” I frown at her. “You’re okay, Gran?”

“Oh, I’m fine. I’m fine. It’s not about me. It’s about something else. Something sensitive. Maybe something thatshould not be spoken about here because there are listening ears everywhere, but we need to talk.”

She gives me a look, and then she returns her attention to Lucille. “Ah, shall we go and dance?”

“Of course. Let’s do it. I’ll leave you to get back to my granddaughter.”

“Okay, thanks. You guys have a great evening,” I say as I watch them walk away.

That was really weird. I have no idea what my grandma wants to talk to me about, but now I’m intrigued. I head over to the bar and call one of the bartenders over.

“Can I get a glass of pinot grigio and a Bud Light or something, please?”

“Certainly, sir. Coming right up.”

I stand there, waiting for him to get the drinks, when I see Talia heading toward me.

Here we go again.