Page 21 of Faking it For Summer

“Good,” he says, shaking my hand firmly. “Well, have fun, and let’s close the deal.”

“Done, sir.” I watch as he walks out, and I lean back in the chair.

Fuck, I think to myself.

I have no idea how I’m going to balance this merger with the wedding. I have no idea how I’m going to plan with Mia, make sure we’re both on the same page, and sell the fact that we’ve been in a relationship for the last year. Especially not after I just told her I would come to town early to make sure we could sell it. She’ll be mad at me, but she is my best friend. She, more than anyone, knows how important this deal is to me. She, more than anyone, will understand. I will have to make it up to her when I get to town. I’ll buy her a necklace, another bracelet, or something that will make her happy. And then we’ll sell our relationship, break up, and I can come back to New York and live my life the way I have been for the last few years.

I try not to think about how I’ve missed Mia. I try not to think about how much I’m looking forward to kissing her. That I’ve always wanted to kiss her.

I try not to think about the fact that a part of me, deep down inside, wishes that this weren’t a fake relationship. A part of me, deep down inside, wishes that we had truly fallen in love.

chapter six

Mia

It’s seven p.m., the sun has set, and I’ve got a little buzz going as I sip wine with my girlfriends. The night is still early, and we’re all at the apartment Juniper and I share, getting ready for the evening. Music plays through the small Bose speakers in the corner of the room, and I watch as my friends Gigi and Louisa bop their heads to Bruno Mars. I’m so glad to see them with smiles on their faces, as they’ve both been through a rough time recently.

“Who wants another glass of wine?” Juniper holds up a bottle of cabernet sauvignon and looks around. She’s always a gracious host.

We all rush over to the kitchen with our glasses to get more wine.

“Thanks for inviting us tonight,” Wendy says gratefully. “I needed a girls’ night, where I could just decompress.” She runs her fingers through her dark hair and shakes her shoulders, as if shaking off her money woes.

“You’re telling me.” Gigi lets out a light sigh. “I love Coconut Beach, and it’s been great being back, but renovating a house is not for the weakhearted.”

“I’m so glad you girls were able to rally with me tonight because I really needed girl time.” I beam at Juniper, Wendy, Josie, Gigi, and Louisa. “And doesn’t my new candle smell just like buttered popcorn?”

“Yes, and it’s making me hungry.” Juniper fake growls at me, which delights Lani, who starts zooming back and forth on the rug. She loves it when we have company.

“She’s so cute.” Gigi’s green eyes light up as she takes in Lani, who is now rolling on her back and yelping. “I love dogs.”

“She’s a keeper,” I agree and clear my throat. “Attention, everyone. I have an announcement. Most of you already know, but my best friend, Luke, and I are going to Rex Haverbrook’s wedding together, and we will be pretending that we are madly in love.”

“I don’t know that it’s the best idea you’ve ever had,” Juniper says, tilting her head to the side, “but I fully support you.” Her brown eyes shimmer under the glittery silver eye shadow she’s applied, and she looks gorgeous.

“Now, that’s a good best friend,” Louisa says with a warm smile as she takes a seat at the dining table and applies some blush.

“Yes, she is. But remember, everyone, it’s a secret.” I focus my attention on Josie and issue her a warning look.

I love Josie, but sometimes she gets so excited that she has loose lips.

“My lips are sealed. Trust me, I won’t tell a soul.” Her lips are pink and glossy as she leans back on the couch. She looks over at Wendy. “I’ve been good at keeping secrets.”

Gigi brushes through her long blond hair, and I watch the way it shines with a tinge of jealousy. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’ve got my own issues right now with Davis second-guessing every decision I’m trying to make about thisrenovation. It’s infuriating.” She puts the brush down and takes a couple of deep breaths. “He is driving me crazy.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. It’s that bad?”

“Worse than bad. But enough about me right now. I don’t even want to think about him right now.” She turns her focus on Wendy. “How have you been doing?”

“Let’s just say that I’m trying my best to ensure that we don’t lose the bed-and-breakfast, and Grandma is so busy in everyone else’s business, but her own.” She lets out a frustrated sigh. “I’m scrambling to get as many guests as possible.”

“But we did get someone. A very hot someone,” Josie adds, making anoohsound.

“A very, very hot someone,” I say, giggling and moving back and forth. “Or as some would say, sexy.”

“We have a new guest who is staying with us. His name is Carter, and he is handsome to some,” Wendy explains to Gigi and Louisa.

“I will totally make out with him tonight if he’s at Cocktails & Chaos.” I lick my lips.