Page 55 of Fake It For Love (Faux Love)
CLAIRE
Istepped out of the bathroom and wrapped a towel around my head. My skin was developing a nice tan from all the time in the sun. I slathered lotion over my body before rummaging through my suitcase. I wasn’t sure what Ryan and I were going to do today, but I was expecting something fun. He talked about going out on a boat. I pulled on my swimsuit and then a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. I knotted the side and was about to start with the makeup when there was a knock on my door.
I assumed it was Norah. “Ryan,” I said with surprise.
I reached my hand up to the towel. This was just a little embarrassing. I offered a nervous smile. He smiled in return. “Can I come in?”
“Yes,” I said and stepped out of the way. “Sorry. I just got out of the shower. I thought we’d meet at breakfast or something.”
“About that,” he said with a sigh. “I won’t be here today.”
“What does that mean?”
“I have to go home,” he said.
“Home?” I questioned.
“New York,” he replied.
The guy sounded bummed. “You’re going home,” I repeated. It was terrible, but here I was thinking about the job and the money. If this was over before it was supposed to be, the job was over.
“I’m so sorry we can’t go out today,” he said. “I was really looking forward to spending time with you.”
“Me too,” I said without trying to hide my disappointment. “Will you be back for the wedding?”
“Yes,” he said. “I’m only going up for the day. It’s somewhat of a family emergency. My mom called and I’m in trouble.”
“You’re in trouble,” I said with a grin. “Are you grounded?”
“Very funny,” he said. “I feel like it though. My family reminds me where I come from every chance they get. They said they are doing me a favor by keeping me humble.”
“What’d you do?” I asked. “To get in trouble.”
“Got engaged without telling them,” he said.
“Wait, our engagement?” I questioned.
“Yes,” he said and sat on the edge of the bed. “I don’t know how they found out, but they did. My mom called and let me know how pissed she was. All of them. I hope it was just rumors that got back to them. If it was in the papers or on social media, I’m screwed.”
That was a little insulting, but I tried not to take it personally. I had no right to be offended. “Do you think it was in the papers or whatever?” I asked.
“I don’t know,” he replied. “I didn’t spend much time talking to them. I’ll explain the situation when I get there.”
“You’re going to tell them it’s fake?” I asked.
“Yeah,” he said. “I have to tell them I’m not actually engaged to Claire Sullivan.”
The urge to slap him was strong. I got up from the bed. “Yes, we would hate for them to think that. I mean seriously, God forbid.”
“I didn’t mean it like that,” he quickly said. “I just meant they would know the person I asked to marry me.”
“Of course,” I said.
“Maybe we can do something tomorrow,” he suggested.
“Yeah, maybe.” I walked into the bathroom and pulled the towel from my hair.
“Claire, I wasn’t trying to say anything bad,” he said. “I just need them to know I didn’t run off and get engaged on a whim. I need them to know it’s not real.”
