Fake Me

by Bonnie Edwards

“You can encourage and support them and explain yourself if they ask. And love them just as they are.”

  “All of that sounds easy, but I messed up bad and nothing about these kids will be simple.” He looked at her with eyes that brimmed with tears. “But I’ll give it my best shot.”

  GRADY AND DELPHINE stepped out of his door to watch the gathering of children and adults for the barbecue. Nothing smelled quite like grilled dogs. Nothing made people smile quite like them, either.

  “Is that Farren across the way?” Delphine asked, although there was no mistaking her. She looked to be in a serious conversation with Denny whatsisname.

  “Yes.”

  “Who’s that man she’s sitting with?”

  “I think they must be friends from another time. He brought kids with him.”

  Delphine cocked her eyebrow. “I see.”

  He gave her a side-eye. “Farren had a life before you threw her into mine.”

  “She’s never been married. Doesn’t date much. She told me so.” His sister frowned. “But they look cozy,” she said as they watched Farren slip her hand to the guy’s forearm.

  “Yeah, they do.” He frowned and felt a tightness in his chest. “She’ll tell me about him later.”

  “I hope she does. After what you told me about Veronica, I’m doubting my judgment.”

  He snorted. “Tell me about it.”

  “Wait a minute,” she said consideringly. “If he’s here with kids, then he’s here for Singles Fest, right?”

  “I would assume so.”

  “Then he’s looking for a wife and mother for his children.” Delphine turned to him, her shoulders square and her back straight. “Who better than a woman he’s known before who doesn’t have children of her own? Someone kind and sweet like Farren.”

  His sister had echoed his thoughts. “She’ll tell me about him later,” he said, repeating himself. And for reinforcement, he said it again in his head.

  AFTER A QUICK SHOWER and a change of clothes into a comfortably loose summer dress, Farren knocked on Grady’s door. This visit was much later than she’d planned because the time she’d given Denny had eaten into her evening. She was tired, but excited to share all that had happened with Grady.

  After the Fourth of July parade, she had a dinner at The Captain’s Table planned for the adults. They’d needed a full complement of babysitters, but Eva had pulled it off.

  She waited for Grady to answer his door, but no voice sounded from inside. Maybe he’d given up on her and gone out. As far as she knew he hadn’t come looking for her since he’d arrived. But he’d likely been hard at work and catching up with Delphine. She wanted to believe he was here for her, but it was more likely that he was putting on a show of support so Delphine would believe their lie.

  She knocked again. If he didn’t answer, she’d walk through the breezeway and take a look up to the balcony over the veranda in case he was up there.

  She hoped Grady and Delphine had cleared the air between them. Siblings shouldn’t be at war. Her brothers had certainly caused her grief as they’d grown up, but she couldn’t imagine anything coming between them now.

  Even if she hadn’t seen Grady for long, she’d been aware of his presence all day. While talking with Denny, she’d been warmed by the idea that at the end of her day, she’d have Grady to talk to. She wouldn’t betray Denny’s confidences but unwinding with Grady would smooth some of her disappointment in her old boyfriend and concern for his innocent children. She’d mention Denny, of course, but she’d never share the details of the mess his life had become.

  Wired and too excited to sleep, she needed to unwind and talk some things through before she settled in for the night. Hoping Grady hadn’t given up on her and gone out, she raised her hand to knock one more time when the door opened with a flourish.

  She gasped because suddenly she was face to face with Grady who held out a gorgeous display of flowers. Lilies, roses, and Chrysanthemums with Baby’s Breath to separate the color palette filled the cellophane wrap in his hands.

  “Oh, you didn’t!” He placed the bouquet into her waiting hands, and she held them to her nose to sniff. “These are too much. You shouldn’t have.”

  He crowded her to step outside, confusing her. She’d assumed they’d talk in the house.

  Over the sweet-smelling bouquet, she saw his eyes light up. “I’m proud of how you brought this together so quickly. You’re amazing, Farren.”

  “Oh, thank you, but I couldn’t have pulled this off without you. And Eva.” She wanted to cry with gratitude. “And even Delphine helped me with the job interviews.”

  “I feel like a jerk for not seeing your dream immediately.” He shook his head and turned to lock his door. He was dressed in cargo shorts and a Hawaiian shirt and smelled better than any man had a right to.

  “What’s happening? I thought we were going to talk. But if you have plans, that’s fine,” she embarrassed herself by asking. He had somewhere to be, and she’d held him up waiting for her.

  “I have plans, all right,” he said with a mysterious smile that looked half mischievous.

  “What are you up to?” She demanded as he turned her shoulders to face the pool.

  “Walk this way.” He urged her gently forward, toward the center court. When she set off, he kept his right hand on her right shoulder. He tugged her close to his side. Held this way, she could smell his aftershave and feel the heat of his body.

  Warmth and support emanated from Grady into her weary, overexcited mind. She was too tired to think and his arm around her felt like heaven. Her conversation with Denny had been emotional and she felt the aftereffects. But she still couldn’t share. That was okay. Denny would work things out on his own. He had to learn to clean up his own mess.

  “I’ve missed you,” she blurted, stupidly. They’d only been together a handful of times, but nothing she’d done for Singles Fest had happened without her wondering what Grady would think of it. Every night he’d applauded her decisions or offered a different, male, view of her business.

  “We’ve talked at night for a month. That’s more talking than we did when I was here,” he said. “More talking than I’ve done with any other woman.”

  That seemed an odd comment, considering he’d been engaged. “Yes, but we know each other better because of our late-night chats.”

  “That’s true,” he said, with a slight squeeze on her shoulder.

  “Why are we leaving the property?” They’d stepped onto the wooden walkway, heading for the beach. Up ahead she saw fancy lanterns set in the sand. “Oh, my!” She stopped dead. “What have you done?”

  On the sand, surrounded by two-foot-high lanterns, sat a table set for two. Ladder back chairs sat kitty-corner to each other so the occupants could watch the distant waves. As she drew nearer, she saw fine linen, and a flowered centerpiece.

  “Oh, Grady. This is lovely.” She recognized the table, chairs, and linens from The Captain’s Table, at the Sands. “How?”

  As he held out her chair for her, a server stepped out of the shadows with a bottle of champagne.

  “Just a small celebration for two,” Grady said as he took his seat. “I took the liberty of ordering a light meal. I wasn’t sure if you’d grabbed a hot dog or not.”

  She grimaced. “I didn’t have time. But they smelled great.”

  “I slipped out toward the end and grabbed one,” he confessed. “Nothing like a hot dog on the Fourth of July weekend.” He held up his champagne flute. “To success and dreams coming true.”

  “Thank you.” She tapped her glass to his and took a sip. “Crisp and delicious.”

  A green salad appeared on a plate in front of her, and another landed in front of Grady. The server was quietly efficient; she’d hardly noticed the arrival of the food. “How did you arrange all this?”

  She forked up some lettuce and a cherry tomato and found it had been drizzled in her favorite dressing. The kitchen at the Sands knew her preferences bec
ause she’d worked at the hotel. James, the chef at The Captain’s Table had a knack for remembering details.

  “Thank you. This is so thoughtful.” She smiled, feeling warm all over at this special touch. “I appreciate this.” This was the perfect ending to a stress-filled, exciting, and emotional day. Between the pressure of the launch and chatting with Denny, she was exhausted on all levels.

  Care and attention to detail were what the Sands was known for, but this seaside meal was superb. From the table setting, lanterns, and the food, it was perfection.

  “It seems as if I’ve been running all day,” she explained. “My head is a whirl of thoughts, trying to see if I missed anything today or forgot something for tomorrow. And now, here we are, sharing a quiet meal in a romantic setting.” She smiled because it was all so perfect. He was perfect. “You’ve outdone yourself on the fake boyfriend front.” The last was said in a joking tone because they both knew this was done for the rumor mill and not because he felt romantic. Not when he’d lost his fiancée only months before. “You know the chef is a major source of gossip in town.”

  He shook his head. “I did not know that, so I guess this meal works for more than one reason.”

  She wondered about his other reason for going to all this trouble, then set the wonder aside. He was being gracious on her launch day. End of story.

  “From the laughter and the squeals coming from the pool and playground, I’d say you hit all the right notes for your clients,” he was saying. “This was their first evening. Some have driven for hours, others flew in, but you gave them what they needed, a way to blow off steam and have fun.” He chuckled. “And grilled hotdogs.”

  She cocked her eyebrow at his change of attitude. “You didn’t mind the sound of children and families?”

  He shrugged and chuckled. “I think I’ve grown since I made those comments.” His teasing tone coaxed a smile from her. “What else happened today? Any surprises with the guests?”

  “A boy asked if we had swimming lessons planned and I asked Eva if she could arrange some. It was a great suggestion, and we’ll list them in the future. Even if kids only learn to keep their head above water or float, it’ll be a win.”

  “Great plan,” he said with a nod. “That’s something kids won’t forget. Most people remember when they learned to swim. They’ll clamor to come back and if the parents have a good time, you’ll have repeat business.”

  “It will also be good for Last Chance Beach. Families will return even if it’s not a Singles Fest weekend.”

  He winked at her and then for a few moments they focused on their salads and as soon as they finished, their plates were whisked away.

  “Another thing happened today,” she offered as she recalled her time with Denny. “An old friend from high school arrived with his children.”

  “Oh?” Grady thanked the server for their entrees. Steak and small roasted garlic and rosemary potatoes and delicate asparagus spears topped with almond slivers filled the plate.

  She drank in the scent of the food. Her mouth watered. “I thought you ordered a light meal?”

  “The steak is half-size. And the potatoes and asparagus are lunch portions.” He picked up his knife and fork. “I’m famished. I ate on the plane hours ago and the hot dog I snagged off the grill is long gone.”

  “The meal may be lunch sized but the bread is fresh-baked and that’s temptation beyond resistance for me.” The French loaf from the Sands baker was heaven wrapped in a delicate crust.

  “That’s what the chef said. He made sure you’d have all your favorites.”

  Warmth spread through her at Grady’s efforts to give her this perfect meal in this perfect setting.

  “I wonder if I could offer this to the group.” She looked around the beach, felt the gentle salt-scented breeze and sighed with the peace of it. A gentle roar came on the breeze as the waves lapped the shore. “We could set up more lanterns and have four or five tables set apart for privacy. The Sands could cater if people ordered in advance from a set menu.” Her previously tired brain woke up to the possibilities for romance. “It would have to be an extra charge, of course. Not everyone will want a meal with a special person.”

  “It could work well for those couples who find someone they’re interested in.” He followed her gaze around the space with approval in his eyes. “A last evening meal so to speak. Their kids tucked in with a sitter while they enjoy this.” He looked pleased with himself, and he deserved to. “Being here would be something to remember when they go home and back to work.” He spoke softly as if it meant the same to him.

  When he returned to her, he focused on her eyes. And OH! She wanted to lean in for a kiss. But she remembered the truth of their situation just before she made a fool of herself.

  He straightened in his seat. His tone changed, became brisk. “You were saying a friend from high school showed up?”

  The change of topic and his tone brought her back to reality. “Denny. Yes. He has three children. Two boys and a girl. We dated a bit in school and it’s hard to believe he’s a single parent.”

  Not that Denny didn’t deserve to suffer for what he did, because she believed in fidelity and honesty. He’d lacked in those areas, the most basic of relationship rules. Not once, but twice and at the same time. The pain he’d caused was immeasurable. Unforgivable. For the first time, she was glad he’d left her behind when he left for college. She smiled to herself and let a small piece of her heart heal an almost forgotten wound.

  “Time moves on and life happens,” Grady said with a bland expression and a shrug. Of course, Grady assumed Denny’s situation was typical. One divorce from one woman typical. “Nice guy?” The question was blithe and dry.

  “I always thought so,” she replied, ruminating on the strangeness of life. If asked last year if she thought Denny could be anything but what he seemed to be, she’d have sworn he was one of the good guys. His terrible failure of decency was a lot to process. “He’s struggling as his children adjust to their new circumstances.”

  It wasn’t fair to say anything more about Denny’s poor choices. Grady didn’t know him and while the locals would gossip amongst themselves, it was wrong to share the truth about Denny with Grady.

  “This steak is marvelous,” she said with determination that Grady didn’t miss. The change of subject was clear.

  Chapter Sixteen

  FARREN HAD SWITCHED the conversation to the food to put Grady off asking more about her old friend. Fine. Maybe this Denny was more important to her than she let on.

  It was tough not to press her, but he held his tongue. They weren’t in a real thing anyway. Just this weird, phony place where they talked business and the minutiae of their days. He shouldn’t think anything of their late-night talks, but they were a highlight he looked forward to.

  Farren’s hair caught the flickering lantern light, making it shine and glow with a low luster that drew his eye. Her expressive face moved through her emotions, and he’d read them clearly as she’d talked about Denny.

  Right at the top it was plain she had fond memories of him. She felt sorry that he’d landed up a single father. A divorce would be tough on kids. But there was far more to this story than she was saying. The only conclusion was that she was protecting her old boyfriend. He didn’t care what Denny’s story was, but Farren’s desire to protect the guy was a concern.

  And then, there were three children in the mix. A woman as softhearted as Farren—well, it didn’t take a genius to see which way this could go.

  He settled into his meal and when he offered her more wine, she covered her glass with her hand.

  “No thanks, I’m sticking to my one glass limit. More than that and I lose control of my tongue.”

  Something he’d love to see, especially if her loss of control were in his mouth. He’d long ago decided that soon, he’d kiss Farren, and she’d know it meant something more than putting on a show for his sister.

  “No more wine,” he s
aid, conceding with a smile. Too bad, he might’ve been able to get her to open up about Denny. “What’s on your agenda for tomorrow?”

  This was the same question he’d asked every night for the month he was in New York. And each night, she’d given him a brief rundown of her plans for the next day. Sometimes, she succeeded at getting everything done and other times she fell short.

  But he heard it all and encouraged her if she faltered and cheered when she succeeded. She’d done the same for him, though his business wasn’t something she was familiar with. But the basics were the same as any other real estate transaction, it was just that the number of zeroes was higher.

  The grateful look she gave him for accepting the change of topic was worth keeping his questions about Denny unasked. It would be easy to learn more about the guy, but he’d bide his time and see how things panned out. What he really wanted was for Farren to be honest about Denny.

  He wouldn’t chase a woman who had her sights elsewhere. For now, he’d shelve his plan to kiss her the way he wanted to.

  “WE HAD THE MOST ROMANTIC meal ever,” Farren told Eva the next morning as Eva prepared for her morning at the pool. They were in Farren’s room, and she was looking over her to-do list.

  Pool time was this morning while the afternoon was the parade for the Fourth. “Grady arranged a table for two on the beach. He’d ordered a perfect meal from The Captain’s Table.”

  The lantern light had made Grady glow like some sexy movie star. His eyes shone with interest for whatever Farren had to say.

  “I’m sure the evening continued back at his place,” Eva hinted broadly for details. “After all, he’s been away for a month.” Her friend waggled her brows suggestively.

  “It was a night to remember,” Farren replied, trying to put a low thrill in her voice. Eva bent to pick up her towel and water bottle, so she missed the flush on Farren’s lying face. She scrubbed at her cheeks so Eva would think she’d rubbed her skin and brought up the pink that way.