They gave their orders to the woman behind the counter and Garret paid. While they waited for their drinks, he led her to a small two-person table near the registers and pulled out a chair for her. The whole thing was starting to feel like a mini date. She tried not to stare at him as he took the chair across from her. It was strange to think that only yesterday she’d been determined to avoid him forever, and now they were sharing a table.
“How’s it feel being back in town?” Garret asked, raising his eyebrows. He was shredding a napkin in his hands, leaving tiny bits of paper all over the tabletop. “You’ve been gone, what, almost five years now?”
She nodded. “Close to that. It’s weird. Like nothing really changes. My dad is still the chief of police. My mom’s still working as a nurse. I’m not sure they ever have plans to retire and move. They like it too much.”
He made a face. “I’ll never understand that. When I graduate, I’m out of here. My friends and me have plans to go cliff diving in Jamaica and then catch a breeze to Patagonia, maybe drift on the Amazon for a while. Experience the real world. Small town life isn’t for me.”
She gave him a smile, her hands gripping her knees below the table. “Sounds fun. I’ve never really had the desire to go cliff diving or go to Chili. I’m a Midwestern girl through and through. I’m planning to move to KC when I get my teaching license. It’s not too far from home.”
“The best thing I can say about Kansas City is at least they have an international airport,” Garret said with a chuckle. “I could do without the rest of it.”
They sat in silence for a long moment. Michelle drummed her fingernails on the tabletop, desperately searching for a few topic. Her gaze wondered to the Cafe’s front windows. She could see Joseph pacing the sidewalk outside, his hands on the back of his head as if he were arguing with himself. Every once in a while, he’d glance at the front door and walk toward it, but change his mind and begin pacing again. It was an odd sight to see.
She had the sudden desire to bring him a cup of coffee. He shouldn’t be out there all by himself. It felt weird to be in here, chatting alone with his brother.
“Hang on, I’m going to get one more thing,” she told Garret, before leaving the table to approach the counter. Unsure what Joseph liked to drink, she ordered a tall black coffee and stuffed a few sugars and creams into her pocket. The coffee came at the same time their drink orders arrived, so she grabbed all of them and headed toward the door.
“For you,” she said, handing Garret his Americano and pushing through the door to the street.
Joseph was still doing his pacing, but stopped in his tracks when Michelle caught his eye and sent him a huge smile. The hard expression on his face melted and he smiled back at her, his eyes lighting up.
“I know you said you were good, but I got you a coffee,” she said, holding the cup out to him. “Are you a sugar man or a cream kind of guy?”
“Both.” He took the cup and then the condiments. With a funny look in his eyes, he smiled at her again. “Thank you, Michelle.”
“No problem.”
She wasn’t sure why she couldn’t break away from his gaze. There was something warm and inviting in his eyes when he smiled at her, like sitting before the large fireplace in her parents’ living room. She wanted to immerse herself in the feeling. But then Garret tapped her on the shoulder and the spell was broken.
“Shall we?” he asked, nodding in the direction of town center. “The parade is about to start.”
She shot him a smile and nodded, very much eager to get on with the day. Joseph had told her that between the parade and the arts festival, she’d be guaranteed to have Garret’s undivided attention. It seemed to already be working. And if that was the case, then she was determined to revisit the night of their graduation. Ask him if he’d ever felt the same.
Five years was a long time. They’d both changed since high school. Matured and developed into new people. She needed to know for sure if she could be the type of woman Garret fell for. No more what ifs.
“Anyone feel like a game?” Joseph asked suddenly. He sipped his coffee and peered over the lid at the two of them. Michelle was walking in the middle, with Garret on her other side. He smacked his lips and nodded toward the road. “To make this parade a little more interesting?”
Michelle glanced at him, her eyes narrowing. Was this part of the plan? It seemed strange, but everything Joseph had done so far seemed to be working. She could play along.
“Sure,” she said.
“All right, I’m in.” Garret shrugged. “What game?”
“How about never have I ever?” he asked, wagging his eyebrows. “We’ll all get to know each other a little better.”
“Isn’t that a drinking game?” Garret smirked. “I’m pretty sure I haven’t played that in years.”
Joseph held up his cup. “We’ve got coffee. I’d say that’s good enough. I’ll go first.”
Michelle held the warm cup between her hands and waited. She’d never played the game before, but she knew how it went. One person would say something they’d never done and everyone else in the group had to take a drink if they’d done it.
She imagined someone like her would always win a game like that. She hadn’t done much in her life worth mentioning, but that didn’t bother her much. She liked her quiet life. Cliff diving and exploring the rainforest didn’t really appeal to her. She could happily live vicariously through people like Garret who seemed destined to tour the world.
“All right. I’ve got a good one. Never have I ever been arrested,” Joseph said loudly, turning and looking pointedly at his brother.
Michelle stifled a gasp and looked up at Garret. He was glaring at Joseph, his face red.
“It was one time and a complete mistake.” His gaze turned toward Michelle. “I went to a party with some friends at a warehouse. I didn’t realize we were trespassing. The cops busted it and took everyone in.”
She swallowed down the sour taste in her mouth. That seemed like a reasonable excuse and it wasn’t like he was hurting anyone. At least he knew better now.
“Take a drink,” Joseph shot back. “Michelle’s turn.”
She took a moment to think of her answer. It wouldn’t do any good to show Garret how lame she was. So she licked her lips slowly and waited until inspiration hit.
“Never have I ever been afraid of heights.”
“That’s not fair.” Joseph watched her intently as he slowly took a sip of his coffee. She stared back at him, feeling the same unexpected warmth explode in her gut once again. “You went straight for the throat on that one.”
“I never fool around when it comes to games,” she said with a laugh. “Garret’s turn.”
Garret chuckled and tossed his head back, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Never have I ever been so lame and played a drinking game with coffee.”
Joseph huffed beside her. “I thought it might be a good way to get to know each other better. But if you think it’s that stupid, then we can quit.”
“It’s not stupid.” Michelle gently placed her hand on his arm. “I thought it was a fun idea.”
“Thank you. At least someone appreciates my genius.”
Garret snorted and grimaced. “Right. Watch out. With that big head of yours, someone might confuse you for a float in the parade.”
“Hey, I never said Joseph was a genius,” Michelle added with a chuckle, hoping to lower the tension she felt on both sides of her. “Let’s not go that far.”
Joseph smacked a hand to his chest and winced. “Ouch. That one hurt, Michelle.”
“I’m pretty sure your ego will survive,” she said with another laugh.
They had arrived at the Town Center by this point and people were lined up on both sides of the street. The parade had just begun, with horses leading the way. Little kids screamed and scrambled to get all of the candy thrown from the floats. Michelle, Garret, and Joseph stood back and watched it all, occasionally catching a rogue packet
of Smarties or Tootsie Roll tossed in their direction. After the awkward walk from the coffee shop, none of them said much. They seemed content to watch in silence, Michelle’s mind hardly able to comprehend the fact that she was standing next to Garret Smith. The whole situation was unreal.
Finally, toward the end of the parade, Garret excused himself for a moment to say hi to a passing group of friends. As he left, she grabbed ahold of Joseph’s arm and squeezed. She couldn’t help but bounce on the balls of her feet, she was so excited. Everything was going perfectly. She’d managed not to swallow her tongue the entire half hour they’d stood there. Maybe she really could keep her cool around Garret.
“I really think it’s working,” she said, biting at her lower lip. “He’s never talked to me this much in my lifetime.”
“Yeah, I told you he’d go for you.” Joseph shrugged noncommittally. “Totally predictable.”
Her chest felt slightly deflated. She wasn’t sure why his words bothered her so much. But when Garret turned on the other side of the street and started walking back towards them, her spirits rose once again.
“Just keep it up, whatever you’re doing,” she said, giving him a smile. “I’m going to owe you big. Whatever you want, it’s yours.”
“I don’t think that’s going to be possible,” he grumbled, crushing the empty coffee cup in his hand. He gave her a sad smile and tossed it in the nearest trash can. “But at least you’ll get what you want.”
He marched away and as she watched him, her head filled with confusion. This was exactly what she wanted: her high school crush to finally notice her.
So why did it feel so wrong in this moment?
Chapter Six
Joseph didn’t understand what was wrong with him. He’d never felt emotions like these before today — like he’d woken up on the wrong side of the bed every day for the last half century. He wanted to growl at everyone he passed, push through the crowds, and kick at the trashcans in the town center.
Maybe this was yet another reason why he was better off secluding himself in his family’s house. He obviously couldn’t behave himself in public. Civilian life was just a distant memory. He’d never feel a sense of normalcy again. His two days in public was proof of that. He couldn’t control himself.
Michelle was gracious enough to shrug off his bad mood. She’d looked like an angel standing outside the Cafe, with her hair pulled up into a messy bun, ear warmer headband, and her off-white sweater. And even when he’d let her have a moment alone with his brother in the shop, she’d thought to bring him coffee.
But despite her kindness, he’d doubled down on his surly behavior and prodded his brother during a game of Never Have I Ever. What was he doing?
“Dude! Joseph!”
He froze when he heard Garret’s voice call behind him. His shoulders felt stiff, but he tried his best to smile. “What’s up?”
Garret paused to do his customary gesture of running his fingers through his shaggy hair. It was a move he often claimed that all the ladies loved. “Michelle wants to take a hayride up to the Arts Festival. You game?”
He felt an odd sort of tug-of-war inside him at the mention of Michelle’s name. He’d like nothing better at that moment to join them, but he had the feeling she’d rather go alone with his younger brother.
“Nah, you guys go ahead,” he said, wincing when a sharp pain went through his chest. “I’ll catch up.”
“Okay, that works.” Garret looked over his shoulder at Michelle chatting with an older lady outside the library. “But before we go, can I ask you something?”
Joseph shifted his weight to his other foot, knowing exactly what was running through his brother’s mind and dreading the conversation that was about to follow. “Sure...”
“Are you into Michelle?” He made a face and bared his teeth. “Because it seemed like it yesterday at the carnival, but today I’m not so sure. If you are, it’s cool, dude. I’ll back off. But if she’s free game, I think I might like to take a shot.”
Joseph’s jaw tensed so hard he thought he felt it pop. He didn’t appreciate his younger brother referring to Michelle as free game. She wasn’t a prize to be won or something to score with. She was a grown woman, with thoughts and feelings.
But this was what she wanted. He couldn’t forget that.
“If you’re interested, go ahead.” He frowned and flexed his hands at his sides. “I’m sure she’d be thrilled.”
“Awesome.” A goofy grin spread on Garret’s face. “Think she’d go with me to the Harvest Ball tonight? Girls love those kinds of things.”
His voice was flat. “I think nothing would make her happier.”
Garret smacked him on the shoulder and laughed, his eyes shining. “It’s a plan. We’ll see you later.”
He ran the other way and Joseph turned his back, trudging in the direction of his parents’ home. Blood pounded in his ears and his head ached terribly. He desperately needed a reset on this day. Something was off with him. He shouldn’t have been feeling this way.
His mission was a success. Michelle got her man. Garret was finally chasing after a woman who would do him good. So what was the problem?
A moment later, fingers wrapped around his hand and stopped him in his tracks. He turned to see Michelle tugging on his arm, her eyes glowing with excitement. His heart jumped at the sight of her, his anger instantly melting away.
“What are you doing?” she asked with a shake of her blonde head. “Aren’t you coming with?”
He held onto her hand, not quite able to release it yet. “On the hayride?”
“Yes. It’ll be fun. You should come.”
“But Garret...”
She lifted her chin and her smile brightened. “He’s coming, but I’m not going without you. Come on. I’m in the mood for some kettle corn and I know they’ll be selling it. If you’re lucky, I’ll even let you have a piece. Or two.”
He chuckled and raked a hand through his short hair. He’d meant to give them some time alone, but saying no to her face was going to be impossible. If she really needed him there, then he supposed he could make an exception.
“Fine, I’ll come.”
“Good.”
She squeezed his hand and a thoughtful expression came over her face. He waited for her to say something, his arm tingling from feeling her hand in his. She was so cute with the little thought line between her eyebrows, her mouth scrunched to one side. He really couldn’t help but stare at her.
“I can’t thank you enough,” she finally said, resting her index finger on her lips. “Yesterday, I was ready to bury my head in the sand and hide out in my house for the rest of Thanksgiving break. But you helped me get over my fears. Whatever comes out of this, I wanted to thank you now. You’ve been a really great friend to me.”
The warming sensations he’d been feeling in his chest just a second ago were suddenly doused. He tried his best to nod his head, to indicate he accepted her thanks, but he was pretty sure he’d lost all control over his muscular system. Michelle didn’t seem to notice. She pulled her hand away and smiled at him once again.
“Come on, Garret’s saving us seats. The hayrides are about to start.”
His feet moved of their own accord, following her slowly toward the John Deer tractors waiting in the street to haul the citizens of Blessings to the Arts Festival in their hay-filled trailers. All along the way, the wheels in his head turned. Why was the thought of being Michelle’s friend so deflating? Why couldn’t he just get a grip? Had his time in the military really affected him so much that he couldn’t act like a normal person?
They came to the trailer where Garret sat on a long, square hay bale. He offered a hand and hauled Michelle up on the spot next to him. Joseph hopped up after her and took the seat on her other side. The trailer filled up fast with people of all ages. A cute little curly-headed blonde sat next to him in a frilly blue dress. She held a plastic pink wand in her hand and had glitter swirls all over her face. Grinn
ing up at Joseph, she displayed her missing front tooth.
“What’s your name?” she asked, pointing a finger awfully close to his nose.
“Joseph,” he said with a laugh. He’d always liked kids. They said what was on their mind. No holds barred, no filter system. “What’s yours?”
“Emily. Is that your girlfriend?” She pointed to Michelle, who was watching them, her blue eyes crinkled with laughter.
“No, she’s just my friend,” he replied, the last word leaving a sour taste in his mouth.
Friends. Just friends. As if friends were a dime a dozen and disposable.
“I have a boyfriend,” Emily said in a squeaky voice. “His name’s Trent and we like to play Go Fish.”
Joseph laughed and ran his hands up his legs. Young love was so simple like that. If a kid liked a girl, all he had to do was tell her so and they’d go skipping off into the sunset to play card games. Easy. Too bad love wasn’t that simple in the grown up world.
Just listening to Michelle try and talk to his brother was painful. She seemed to forget how to talk around him. But get her alone, and she could talk about anything. Just like on the Ferris wheel yesterday evening. He’d enjoyed her company more than he had expected.
“Do you like to play Go Fish?” Emily asked Michelle, leaning forward to look at her.
“Actually, I do,” she said. “I just haven’t played it in a very long time.”
“You should play it with him.” Emily pointed at Joseph. “He’s cute. And he likes you. I bet he’d let you win.”
The tips of Joseph’s ears grew warm as Michelle grinned at him. He was starting to rethink his love of little kids’ honesty policy. Maybe they were a little too honest for his taste.
“He is cute,” Michelle said, raising her eyebrows. “But I don’t think he likes me enough to play Go Fish. Or, to let me win.”
The little girl shrugged and went back to playing with her older brother sitting beside her. Michelle shook her head and laughed, glancing at Joseph as if to get his take on the whole thing. He tried to chuckle along with her, but something about that conversation had hit him straight in the gut.
Blessed by the Fake Boyfriend Page 4
