by Lisa Scott
Mom sank onto the couch, like she didn’t believe I could be marching in with good news. That just didn’t happen in her world. “What is it, honey?”
“I know this sounds crazy and impetuous, but I’m going to propose to my girlfriend and I was hoping I could use your ring. I can’t afford one, but I’m crazy about her. It was love at first sight.” I hoped I sounded convincing. It was hard for me to act around my mother.
Her eyes widened and a tear slipped out. She got up from the couch and framed my face with her hands. “I’m so happy for you. Of course you can have it.” She kissed my cheek then scurried to her bedroom. “I can’t believe I haven’t even met this girl, but if you’re happy, I’m happy,” she said from her room.
I heard her rooting around in a drawer. Then she came back to the living room and set a small white leather box in my hand. “I hope this brings you more happiness than it did me.”
It was true. That ring hadn’t brought much joy at all. Life with my father hadn’t been great. He was demanding and overbearing and he’d cheated on her when I was in middle school. I should have seen the signs. I should have made him stop. But I did nothing, and now she had nothing. Nothing but me.
I hugged Mom and felt like I should spend some time with her before dashing off with her ring. But Sam was waiting. “I’ve got to split. I’m going to a wedding with her and it just struck me that it would be the perfect time to propose.”
She sighed. “Such a romantic.” She squeezed my hand. “I’m so happy. This is the best news I’ve had in years. Can you bring her by tomorrow? I can’t wait until next week to meet her.”
I froze. “Um, sure. I’ll try.” I kissed her and dashed out to the car trying to remember if this is what my stomach felt like the last time I’d puked.
Sam’s face was pale. “Did she give it to you?”
I handed her the box. “She’s thrilled. And she can’t wait to meet you tomorrow.” I gave her my most endearing smile.
“You’re kidding.”
“Unfortunately, no.”
She twisted her lips. “What if you just tell her I said no to your proposal? That we broke up?”
I started the car and headed for the church. “I was hoping we could keep up this charade for a while. My mom’s been ill, and I haven’t seen her this happy in a long time. Tell you what. Instead of paying me for tonight, you pretend to be my girlfriend for a few weeks and we’ll call it even. It would really mean a lot to her. And to me.”
She blinked at me. “I’m a horrible liar. I don’t even know if I can pull this off tonight.”
“Let’s see how it goes. If it works, can we just try it tomorrow?”
She shrugged. “I’ll do my best.” She snapped open the tiny box and took out the ring. She gasped. “This is absolutely gorgeous. It’s so old fashioned looking.” She slid it onto her finger and splayed her hand. It looked like it belonged on her. “It’s a little big, but it’ll work.” She smiled at me. “I can’t thank you enough, Justin.”
“No problem.” I just hoped the next few weeks together wouldn’t be a problem. Sam was great, and my mother might not be the only one upset when we broke up. Spending more time with her wasn’t going to be easy. Especially how she looked so beautiful tonight. And the way she smelled. Her perfume was driving me crazy. And her short dress showed off gorgeous legs…
“What happened with your parents?” she asked, interrupting my lascivious thoughts.
I opened my mouth then closed it. That question cooled things down. I hated remembering. “They got divorced.”
“I’m sorry. What happened?”
“He cheated on her.” I didn’t tell her the role I played in it. My father was the coach of our football team in middle school. He was a college star, and the school was thrilled to hire him part time. But I was so wrapped up in my own world, that I didn’t notice how close he’d gotten to my buddy Mark’s mom. She was in the booster club. They’d be in his office after practice and I was busy in the locker room with my Game Boy, clueless. I could have stopped it. I should have stopped it. But I didn’t.
Sam touched my arm. “Guess it still really hurts.”
I nodded. And I didn’t think I could ever make it up to my mom. Which is why I had to get my shit together while she was still here with me.
***
With the ring on my finger, and my hot fake fiancé at my side, we got to the church ten minutes after two and dashed up the steps. I opened the door slowly; Carrie and her father were standing in the entryway waiting to make their way down the aisle. She looked like she’d stepped out of a photo in a wedding magazine. If life was fair, she’d have a big zit on the end of her nose, but she didn’t. She frowned at us busting in at the last minute.
I grimaced. “Sorry!” I whispered.
She looked at me, and I could tell it took a moment for her to place me. “Samantha. I’m so glad you could come,” she said without a hint of a smile. Then her eyes flicked over to Justin.
He grabbed my hand. “We’ll just grab our seats,” he said, in a divine Australian accent.
Carrie’s eyes widened and we dashed off.
I liked the feel of Justin’s hand in mine, and was disappointed when he let go as we sat down. But then he put his arm around me. I looked up into his big brown eyes and smiled. “Thanks,” I whispered.
He leaned over and his breath was hot on my cheek. “We never set any rules about kissing and hand holding. How do you want me to handle that?”
“Whatever seems appropriate.”
“We’re supposed to be crazy in love, right?”
“Like, nauseating.”
He nodded and kissed my cheek just as Carrie and her father walked past. I was so distracted by the way his soft lips felt on my skin, I didn’t even get to scrutinize Carrie’s hair and bouquet as she walked past.
He reached for my hand again and squeezed. “Can’t keep my hands off you because I’m thinking ahead to our wedding.”
I nodded, and held back a few tears as I tried to remember the last time I had a boyfriend sweet enough to hold my hand at a wedding. My last boyfriend never held my hand at all. When I’d asked him why, he’d shrugged and said, “I’m just not a mushy kind of guy.” Stupid Martin. Never got flowers from him either, and he worked for a landscaping company and handled flowers every day. Figures.
That brought me back to reality in time to catch the small orchestra in the balcony and the twinkle lights that had been hung from the rafters and the hardcover program book we’d been handed when we walked in, featuring an agenda for the day and photos of the bride and groom along with the personalized vows they’d written for each other. Damn. Churches should have little barf bags attached to the pews for occasions like this.
Carrie cried just enough during her vows to be sweet, but not to ruin her perfect makeup. Doves and balloons were released when they left the church as man and wife—I just knew doves would be involved somehow—and then a parade of horse-drawn carriages led the wedding party to the country club down the road.
I saw Micki jotting a few notes on a pad she’d pulled from her purse. Carrie’s wedding was excellent blog fodder.
“So far so good,” I told Justin as we drove toward the country club.
“I was thinking, maybe we should show up later.”
“Why?”
“The fewer people we have to talk to, the less likely we’ll blow this. They’ll be getting their pictures taken for a while, and we’ll have to mingle.” He looked at me and raised an eyebrow.
“True. Where should we go instead?” Part of me was hoping he’d say, my place, but instead he said, “The Apple Blossom festival.”
I waited for him to laugh, but he was serious. “Really? You’re a big apple fan?”
He laughed. “Not exactly.” He sighed. “Okay. Confession time. I’m saving up to open a catering company that operates out of a food truck for special events, like casual weddings, reunions, and that kind of thing. There are going
to be dozens of food trucks from Boston at the festival. I’d just like to poke around and see how they operate, see how people are interacting with them. Would that be ok? We’ll be back in time for the reception and we won’t risk blowing our cover.”
I didn’t care where we were. I just liked spending time with him. “Sure. That’d be great.”
***
I was working on a giant mound of cotton candy (who knew it came in apple flavor) as Justin inspected one of the food trucks. The guys had been nice enough to let him check it out during a quiet spell when the crowd was busy watching a kids’ chorus group sing.
While we strolled the festival grounds and sampled all sorts of apple goodies, Justin explained how he was saving every penny to start his business. “That’s why I haven’t had time for a relationship. Between that and taking care of my mom, women have been the last thing on my list.”
“What do you mean, taking care of your mom?”
He looked down, like he hadn’t meant to tell me that. Then he finally said, “Remember I told you she’s been sick? She’s been battling ovarian cancer. Her last test showed she was in remission, but she was stage four when she was diagnosed. My sister lives across the country, so I’ve had to drive her to her doctors’ appointments and stay with her when she’s really sick. I don’t mind at all. I’m happy to be there for her. She really doesn’t have anyone she can count on but me. It’s just severely stunted my social life.”
I grabbed his hand even though no wedding guests were there to see it. “That’s wonderful of you.”
“I’m lucky to do it. I don’t know how much longer she’ll be around.”
I nodded. “My mother died four years ago. Car accident. She skidded off the road and hit a tree. I don’t even have anyone I can be mad at. Just one of those stupid things that happen.” I swallowed back the tears.
He stopped walking and searched my face. “I’m so sorry.” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and his finger trailed down my cheek.
My throat tightened. “There are so many things we didn’t get to do. I hate that she didn’t get to see me married.”
He planted his hands on his hips and looked off behind me. “I know. That’s a big one for moms, isn’t it?” He looked back at me and smiled. “That’s why I’m so grateful you’re going to carry on this fake fiancé thing for a while. I know my mom will be disappointed in the end, but at least she won’t have as much guilt. She’s convinced I’m single because of her. I don’t want her thinking that.”
I grinned up at him, the smell of apple blossoms sweetening the air. “I will do my best to be a fantastic fake future daughter in law.”
He kissed the side of my head. “Now let’s get back and finish up with Carrie LaMont.”
I felt a little silly as we drove to the reception. I was pulling off this ruse to make a childhood enemy jealous. He was going to do it to make his mother happy. Not fun feeling like a juvenile jackass. But we were at the wedding, I’d bought the dress and the gift, and we might as well go through with it.
As we walked into the reception hall, I realized our timing was horrible again. Carrie and her new husband were just getting ready to be announced to the crowd as husband and wife. I also realized, as I passed by a mirror, that most of my lipstick was gone—probably consumed along with the cotton candy—and wisps of hair had escaped from my updo.
Carrie caught sight of us, and Justin kissed me as we walked past.
“Where have you two been?” Micki asked loudly, lined up behind Carrie.
Justin winked at her. “Just passing the time with my fiancé. Getting a little practice in.”
I playfully jabbed in with my elbow and noticed Carrie’s jaw drop a bit.
We scooted off to our table and watched Carrie and her new husband enter the room like royalty as they were announced to the crowd. I expected to feel jealous, but I was too busy looking at Justin, thinking about his plans and problems and the way his lips felt the times he’d kissed me. I hoped to God I’d get a chance to feel them again.
We were sitting with co-workers of Carrie’s husband, Gerald, and we tried to keep them chatting about themselves during dinner, which wasn’t too hard. But when Carrie and Gerald started greeting guests at their tables, she came right over to me first.
“Samantha! I’m so happy you could come. I wasn’t sure, with the invitation being so last minute. But I realized I’d forgotten to invite you, and I had someone else cancel so I could squeeze you in.”
Witch, I thought, proud of myself for not saying it. I gave her a great big smile and felt quite confident I could pull this off. “No problem. I didn’t remember your name at first when I got the invitation, but then when my roommate told me she was in your wedding, I wanted to come and support her. She’s in like a thousand weddings this summer.” I looked at her husband. “I live with your cousin, Micki.”
Gerald seemed to turn a shade paler, but smiled. “Really? Great girl. Has she said much about me?”
“She says you’re chatty when you get drunk.” Just what a pediatric brain surgeon wants to hear in front of his colleagues.
Carrie put her hand on my shoulder. “So, who is this with you?”
I tried to be calm. Show time. “This is my fiancé, Justin.”
Justin stood up to shake her hand. “Lovely to meet you. Very nice wedding. We’re taking some notes since we’ll be getting hitched soon ourselves.”
“Is that an Australian accent?”
He nodded.
Carrie turned her model-perfect face to me with a fake smile and wide eyes. “Samantha, wherever did you meet an Australian?”
Justin jumped in with the answer. “I’m sure you know she’s a sculptor. I saw her work in Boston, commissioned a piece for my Australian office, and when she showed up to install it…” He slapped his hand over his heart. “Love at first site. Never believed in it until I saw my Sammie.” He squeezed my shoulder, and I just smiled and shrugged like I couldn’t help being so instantly loveable.
He went on in a perfect, sexy accent talking about his many offices and his private jet and all that.
Carrie gave me a pained smile. “Congratulations. I’ll have to get in touch to talk about commissioning a sculpture. I’d love something for our new home. We’re building an eight-thousand square foot colonial.” Blech. She actually trilled her voice.
I wrinkled my nose. “I’m booked for the next two years.”
“And she’s really expensive,” Justin added.
“Oh,” she said. “Well, I hope you enjoy the reception.”
When they wandered off, I squeezed Justin’s knee. He leaned closed to me and whispered, “I’m impressed. You’re an excellent liar.” Then he kissed my ear.
Gerald’s partner asked for my card. “We could use a sculpture in our office. Can you do something with a boy and a kite?”
“I’ll get back to you.”
***
Justin led me to the dance floor and I whispered in his ear. “I think we should leave early, like the wedding’s not interesting enough for us.”
He brushed his lips along my cheekbone. “Or because we can’t keep our hands off each other.”
I gulped. “Even better.”
Justin had some impressive dance moves and maneuvered us near the bride and groom. That’s when he took my face in his hands and grazed his lips across mine. It wasn’t the kind of public kiss that made you cringe and look away. No, this was the kind of kiss that would make wives glare at their husbands and wonder when they’d last been kissed like that.
“You’re amazing,” he said in his Australian accent.
A tall, beautiful blonde approached us. “Excuse me, are you Australian?” She batted her eyelashes.
I could feel Carrie watching us. I hoped this girl didn’t have any questions that would trip us up.
“Yes, why?” asked Justin.
She blew out a breath. “I just have a thing for Australians.”
“So do I,�
� I said.
And by the way Carrie was looking at him, she’d suddenly developed a similar craving, too. The blonde continued staring at my man and I wasn’t sure how to shoo her away.
Luckily, a short brunette grabbed the woman’s arm. “Miranda, you have your own Aussie. Remember? The one you’re marrying this summer.”
Miranda rolled her eyes “Of course I do, Jane. I’m just looking.”
I couldn’t have scripted it better if I’d hired them for this ruse, too.
Jane looked at me. “I’m so sorry, she was hypnotized at a magic show to chase hot men from down under. Unfortunately, we don’t know how to snap her out of it.” Jane clapped her hands in front of Miranda’s face, then shrugged.
“No harm,” said Justin, pulling me closer. “No one could tear me away from my Sammie.”
“We’ll just be going now,” Jane said, pulling the blond goddess away. “Can’t you see they’re totally in love?” she asked the blonde as they walked away.
Justin kissed me again, like he was proving that point. When he pulled away, Carrie was watching us. I smiled at her. “I think we’ll be going now. Congratulations!”
“What about the cake?” Carrie asked, sounding hurt.
“We’ll get our own dessert.” Justin said, grabbing my hand. Then we scurried off the dance floor. I followed him into the parking lot and we collapsed in his VW, laughing. I high-fived him and next thing I knew, we were kissing again. But this time, it was a kiss that would make a person cringe in public. Only we were in a car, the moon was full, and I wanted him bad.
When I finally pulled away breathless, I said, “I suppose we should get used to acting like we’re engaged since we have to keep this up for a few more weeks.”
“Yeah, that’s exactly what I was thinking.”
That brought me back down to earth. “So, what did you tell your mom about me?”
