Page 120 of Fake It For Love (Faux Love)
“Shit, then I have a confession,” Derrick said. “My wife left me six months ago. She ran off with some dude in my firm and took the kids with her. We’re in an ugly divorce and custody battle.”
The small group of us was stunned into silence. That was a little more truth than any of us was expecting.
Gabe laughed. “Well, hell, I’ll just say it. I’m on my way to being broke. I made a shitty investment and lost more money than I care to admit. My dad had to give me a loan to keep my house.”
“I know we’re not friends,” Claire said. “Not real friends, but this is why we’re coming clean. All this BS to impress each other is stupid. Life happens to all of us. In another fifteen years, the guys are going to be balding, and the women are going to be fighting against time marching across their faces because we think we’re somehow experiencing something no one else is. I think it’s better if we share in the misery. Life happens. Shit happens. Hiding it doesn’t make it go away.”
Norah started clapping and was quickly joined by the others. Claire blushed and sank into my side.
“I said Claire and I weren’t engaged when we got here, but I have every intention of marrying this woman in the very near future,” I said.
“What?” Claire gasped.
“Yes. I’m not proposing right here, but I’m going to. Know that it’s coming. One way or another we’re going to be married.”
Norah squealed and gave Claire a hug. “I knew it! I knew you two were perfect for each other! Tony, we’re matchmakers. Our wedding brought them together!”
She was very proud of herself. If she wanted to take the credit, she could have it. I still won in the long run. I still got the girl.
“Let’s toast,” Derrick said. “No one move.”
He rushed away and returned with a waiter carrying a tray of champagne. We all took a glass and waited. This was Derrick’s show.
“To Claire and Ryan getting together after fifteen years!” He raised his glass but before he clinked his glass, he grinned. “And to the rest of us and our fucked-up lives!”
We all laughed before taking our drinks. We mingled and explained my absence the last week with a little white lie, but we both decided that was a lie we could tell.
At one point in the night, our old class president took the stage.
“Everyone, I know it’s been a long time since we’ve done this, but it’s time to announce the reunion king and queen!”
I rolled my eyes. Claire groaned. “Some things never change,” she said.
“Nope.”
“Everyone has voted,” the woman said with an envelope in her hand.
“I didn’t vote,” I whispered to Claire.
“Me either. I think it was at the lunch today.”
“Our class reunion king is Ryan Jones!”
I barely had time to react when the crowd erupted into hoots and cheers. I looked at Claire for help.
She smiled back at me. “You better get up there, your majesty.”
“No.”
“Go,” she said and gave me a little push. “Bask in the glory!”
I reluctantly made my way onto the stage. I hated being the center of attention. I waved at the crowd that was still hollering like the drunken idiots they were. I had to bend down to receive the heavy velvet cape and crown that was set atop my head.
I felt ridiculous. I prayed there would be some kind of EMP that would wipe out the many cellphones directed my way in that minute. These pictures were going to be circulated. My guys at work were going to give me so much shit about this.
“And now for our queen.”
I scanned the crowd, wondering who it was going to be and what she would expect. I refused to go along with this charade. That was the benefit of being a grownup. I didn’t have to play along. I could say no, give them back the plastic crown, and go on with my night.
