Fake Me

by Bonnie Edwards

  As soon as the thought entered his head, he called himself a fool. That wasn’t Farren’s style. He cursed Denny for planting the seed in the first place. But maybe Veronica had done that.

  His phone pinged again. And once more.

  “Who’s rampaging now?” He’d spent the whole day yesterday handling business. Couldn’t he have one morning to focus on his own life?

  Apparently not, because the phone sounded again.

  He finished drying himself and went to read his messages. A tech czar and a Russian businessman both wanted to buy the same island off the coast of North Africa. The problem was Grady had brokered a deal with a Saudi prince for the same island two days ago. And to top it off, the seller was aware of the new interest in his island.

  He squeezed his eyes shut and thought. Men with egos the size of planets and overflowing bank accounts meant he’d have to handle this himself. He needed to meet with each interested party in person. And find another island or two if needed.

  He picked up his phone and called the seller first.

  FARREN HEARD A RAP on her door as she stepped out of the shower. Hoping it was Grady, she wrapped herself in a towel and went to answer. Looking through the peephole, she saw Eva. Hiding her disappointment, she opened the door and waved her friend inside.

  “I thought it might be Grady,” she said a little breathlessly.

  “You answered the door in a towel?”

  Heat crept up her cheeks. “I spent the night with him and when I woke, he was in the pool doing laps and chatting with some of the guests.” She smiled. “It was the cutest thing. He helped Topher learn to float. I think your lesson with him will go well.”

  “Great!” Eva dropped her backpack to the floor and headed to Farren’s small fridge with her lunch in her hand. “Grady’s not in the pool now. I’d have seen him. Your friend Denny is swimming though.”

  “Was Mackenzie with him?”

  “They were talking by the deep end, looking very connected. Why? You don’t mind, do you? You’re with Grady and Denny was a lot of years ago.”

  Hmm. She’d have to put some thought into how to handle what she knew. Maybe it wasn’t her business to speak up. But asking Mackenzie a couple of questions wasn’t exactly spilling Denny’s secret. Torn, she covered with a smile. “No, of course I don’t mind. Denny’s here like any other single dad. And Mackenzie’s smart.”

  “That’s right, everyone deserves a second chance at finding love.”

  “Which is the whole reason for Singles Fest.” She felt better. Just because Denny had screwed up badly before didn’t mean he’d do it again. He claimed he’d learned his lesson and from what she saw he was putting his children first now.

  Farren nodded and went to her dresser for her clothes. “Everyone who’s going to Barnacle Bill’s this morning is leaving at nine thirty.” She looked forward to seeing if Grady remembered their conversation about stealing kisses behind the windmill. “Have you had many requests for sitters?”

  “They’re all booked for tonight. I’d say that means last night’s dinner was a success. I may need to beat the bushes for more teens for the rest of the summer.”

  “Fantastic.” Farren picked out shorts and a loose blouse from the closet and headed into the bathroom to change, keeping the door open so they could talk. She smoothed on her moisturizer and sunscreen. “How was your evening? I lost track of you when Grady and I got outside.” She’d been focused on him and he on her. A thrill shot through her at the memory.

  “I didn’t actually leave the hotel,” Eva said faintly.

  Farren poked her head out of the bathroom door to see her friend pulling her tee off over her head. Underneath, she wore her tank suit for lifeguarding. When Eva’s head popped clear of the material, Farren spoke.

  “Did you stay behind with Jesse?”

  “Yes.” Eva’s face blanked.

  “But I thought you didn’t want to get involved with”—oh, how to put this delicately— “someone with children?” Eva hadn’t said those words exactly, but her attitude, body language and disinterested expression made it clear. Grady thought so, too.

  “I don’t want someone with children. But they weren’t here. Jesse came without them.” She bit her lip. “But I won’t be seeing him again. He is definitely a package deal and...” she trailed away, her face reddening.

  “And?” Farren coaxed as she stepped out of the bathroom, buttoning her blouse.

  “And I don’t want to talk about it.” Eva spun on her heel and hurried out the door.

  Stunned, Farren drifted into the room. Whatever this was with Eva, wasn’t going to be fixed with a simple conversation. Not a chance. There was a whole story here and in the few months she’d known Eva, Farren realized she hadn’t scratched the surface of what made her friend tick.

  She finished dressing, fully expecting a visit from Grady, but when he didn’t show, she decided to check with him before starting work. A flutter in her belly did not mean she was nervous about seeing him in the bright light of day.

  The wings of a thousand butterflies did not flap in her chest as she ate a very quick breakfast of an energy bar and an apple. Her ears didn’t strain to hear a ping on her phone or a knock at the door as she brushed her teeth.

  None of that happened. Because that would mean she was afraid of seeing him. Afraid of seeing dismissal in his eyes. The kind she’d seen before when a fling was over. Grady was different. He was real and interested. All his considerate gestures had shown her how real he was.

  The business advice.

  The repaired walkway.

  The repainted playground.

  The late-night phone calls. Even the ones from exotic places and time zones. Maybe especially those because his hours had been different. He’d been on his way to lunch, or a meeting or another airport and he’d find a way to call her when her day was done.

  Her breath caught at the next one, the romantic catered dinner on the beach.

  No one could fake what they’d had with each other over these weeks.

  Grady was real and what they’d shared last night had been real.

  And no, she wasn’t nervous as she knocked on his door, and peered through the gauzy curtains with her breath held. He was taking a long time to answer. He was probably in the shower, or dressing. Or on the phone.

  “HI,” GRADY SAID AS he answered the door. “I was just coming to say goodbye.” He bussed Farren’s cheek. His suitcase sat at his feet and his laptop bag was in his hand. “I’m on the run. My plane is waiting. I have to catch a flight at JFK for Singapore, so I chartered a local to get me to New York ASAP.”

  “Oh!” She looked startled and blinked several times. “You’re leaving.” Her tone flattened and her face closed.

  He’d been brusque, and not at all the doting lover. Her disappointment was written on her face.

  “I’m sorry, Farren. I wish I had more time to explain, but things have blown up and I’ll be on flights across the globe over the next forty-eight hours at least.” He grimaced at the pace he’d have to set. “Likely longer.” He kissed her lips quickly but didn’t have time to pull her in for a hug. “I hope you understand. I’ll text you more later.”

  He stepped outside and pulled the door shut behind him. “And I’ll call tonight, from wherever I am. I promise.” He bussed her cheek again. “Thanks for last night.” He searched her eyes for a quick moment but couldn’t read them. For once, Farren wore a poker face and her eyes had shuttered to dark purple, all the light gone from them.

  “Sure, of course. We’ll talk then.” She smiled and shooed him away.

  He took the hint and strode the breezeway toward the front side of the house and his car. His phone rang and when he looked it was the seller. He turned back around to see Farren, walking in the other direction, her back to him. “I’ll call. I promise,” he said. “I already miss you.”

  “Me, too.” She called back without turning to face him. She lifted her phone and checked it. �
��It’s Delphine.” Farren waved goodbye over her shoulder.

  He’d been dismissed. Nothing that he didn’t deserve, but he didn’t like the feeling. He’d upset her and would have to make it up to her as soon as he could. With Veronica and previous women that would mean a call to a jeweler. But Farren needed more than cold diamonds. Deserved more.

  He stowed his bag and laptop in the car’s trunk. He climbed in, started the car, and reversed out of his spot. Her little orange car sat like a pumpkin in a patch of shade.

  He frowned and told his phone to call her as he drove Main Street toward the bridge.

  She didn’t pick up.

  He tried Delphine. She didn’t answer either. Great. They were comparing notes on his terrible behavior.

  The seller from Singapore called again.

  FARREN MET DELPHINE at Barnacle Bill’s. The other woman looked distracted and upset, so as soon as Farren had ushered her group through the tentacles of the octopus that made up the gate to the park, they wandered to the tables near the snack bar.

  Delphine sat while Farren went to the window to order two coffees.

  “How was your evening?” Delphine asked, as Farren set the paper cups on the table.

  “A roaring success,” she declared. “I think Singles Fest will be a success. The clients are enjoying themselves, the kids are having a blast, and it looks like some sparks have ignited between some of the adults. Tonight is the dinner on the beach. It’s fully booked and so are the babysitters.”

  “And you and Grady are fine?”

  “Sure, of course,” Farren said with a flush. Last night had been great, but the way he’d rushed off this morning had seemed dismissive. She tried to remember his promise to call later, but he’d been so preoccupied, she had to wonder.

  “Because he took off first thing this morning,” Delphine pointed out. She searched Farren’s gaze. Looking for doubt? Insecurity? It was anyone’s guess, so Farren deadpanned.

  “He had to fly to Singapore and then he said he’d be crisscrossing the globe to sort out an emergency.” She shrugged to indicate the sudden trip wasn’t a problem. “No biggie.”

  Delphine shook her head and eyed her. She looked mournful and clicked her tongue sympathetically. Farren braced herself.

  “This was how it was before,” his sister commented. “Grady never had time to give to a woman.” Delphine patted her hand. “Please try not to read anything into his leaving.”

  “I won’t.” But she’d felt a sting when he’d given her the news and she’d seen his face. He’d been distracted and brusque. His mind had been elsewhere and consumed with this new emergency.

  Delphine sipped her coffee and grimaced. “This is awful.”

  Farren leaned in. “The counter help is Tom Fester’s sister-in-law, Fiona, and she’s a tea drinker.”

  “That explains it. Never trust a tea drinker to make a decent cup of coffee.”

  Farren chuckled, weak as Fiona’s tea. “Tom’s shown her how much coffee to use, but she reverts after a day or two. The coffee’s hit and miss, but the locals don’t complain. Fiona’s been through a rough patch.” She decided to push through with Delphine and help her get to the point. She had a reason for this visit and clearly had an agenda.

  “Grady said he’d call me later and he’s never forgotten. I’m sure I’ll hear from him. We like to share how our days have gone.” She smiled, feeling that she sounded strong and assured, even if she wasn’t.

  His sister nodded. “Good. If he’s thinking of you while he’s away, then you’re ahead. That was one of the things he failed at before Veronica. He’d forget or ignore that he had a woman who was missing him. Sometimes he’d be gone for a week without checking in.” She frowned. “He was never fair, never considerate. But how could he be while he was building the company?”

  Farren hoped that wasn’t the case this time. But old habits die hard, and Grady could fall back into the pressure of the work. Now that they’d slept together, maybe he felt the chase was behind him and he could leave Farren on a shelf. Wouldn’t be the first time she’d seen a relationship sputter to an end for lack of interest.

  “That’s why I want to talk with you,” Delphine said in a serious tone.

  Finally! The point. “I was beginning to wonder,” Farren responded drily.

  Delphine dropped her smile and thinned her lips. Underneath, Delphine was as gruff as her brother was when they’d met. “I’d like you to consider joining O’Hara Enterprises as Grady’s assistant.”

  Farren reared. “What?”

  “You’d be a great member of his team. He needs a righthand and you’re perfect. You’re organized, and prompt, and detail oriented. And you’re great with people. Sometimes my brother can be grating. I’m sure you noticed that when you met him.”

  Farren stared. “I’m not sure I’m following. You want me to leave my business? The one I’ve worked on for over a year? The one that looks like it’ll be a screaming success?” A business that made her happy. That made other people happy.

  She shook out her fingertips to get the blood flow back. She’d swear all her blood was leaking out of her overloaded brain. Yes, that was it. That’s why her hands felt like ice and her mouth stopped working.

  Again, his sister patted her hand as it lay like a dead fish on a dock. She looked down to see the other woman’s square blunt fingers fluttering across her hand. She saw the fingers move but didn’t feel them.

  And suddenly, everything started moving again in a rush of sound and smells and feelings. “I can’t do that. I won’t do that.” She couldn’t throw herself into Grady’s life. Not without an invitation.

  Again with the sad face. The concerned face. Delphine had both down pat. “Of course you can. You’ve had one fun weekend with Singles Fest. But with Grady you’ll have travel, and the money you’ll make helping him would be more than a small business can generate. Your target market with Singles Fest is limited. People like the ones you have here”—she waved toward the laughing groups of golfers— “can’t afford to pay more. And with Grady you’d have no other responsibilities.”

  “This was all about replacing Veronica. Not just as an assistant, but as his girlfriend.” Her tone went flat as the realization took over her mind.

  Delphine made a moue with her lips. “That may be how it looks, but I assure you, you’re nothing like her. You’re a much better match for my brother. He’ll see that soon.”

  Veronica had been Grady’s love. The woman he wanted to spend his life with. Sure, he’d admitted his feelings for her were mixed up with his business, but lots of power couples shared business responsibilities.

  “I don’t know if I should be grateful or insulted. You’re asking me to be her replacement, in every way, when Grady hasn’t asked me for more than what we have.” With that, Farren rose from her seat and stalked toward her car. But ten steps away she turned back. She wasn’t done with this yet. By thirty-four she may not have the children she assumed she would, or the loving husband she’d hoped for.

  But she had her pride and her independence and soon, she’d have a thriving business giving people the lives they wanted. She was happy to help people build new families. She couldn’t wait to get a wedding invitation from someone who’d met because of Singles Fest.

  “You can’t arrange your brother’s life,” she grated. “Or mine. I’ve never forced myself on anyone and I won’t start now.”

  Not even when she loved Grady with all her heart. She’d known it as she’d watched him with Topher in the pool. Grady was everything she wanted. Everything she’d dreamed she’d have someday.

  Farren burst into uncontrollable tears as Delphine stared, eyes wide and mouth snapped shut. Farren turned and marched to her car tears streaming to her chin. Appalled at her behavior, she swiped her hands across her cheeks and started the engine. She had to be anywhere but here, facing Grady’s sister.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  ONE WEEK LATER...

  “We’ll
talk when you get back,” Farren promised Grady on the phone.

  “Home,” Grady clarified. “We’ll talk when I get home.” And that’s exactly what he meant. This round of travel had beaten him and all he could think about was getting home to Farren.

  “Sure.” Farren’s tone was breezy, distant. She was deep in the throes of offering a new Singles Fest program for a full week at the end of the month. She’d had lots of responses to a survey and the resounding answer to her question about returning to Last Chance Beach was Yes! The parents had made connections, their children had made friends, and everyone had had a great time over the Fourth. And they’d told their friends, so growth was a given. He couldn’t be prouder of her.

  Last night, she’d casually mentioned that Denny and his children were still there. It was summer break, after all. And Denny had family in the area. At least, that’s how she’d explained the man’s weaseling his way into her life as soon as Grady’s back was turned.

  He tried not to let visions of them together crash through his control, but the guy had really messed with him. Like a tick burrowing into his armpit, Denny irritated. It didn’t matter that Grady told himself he was exhausted, jetlagged, and running from buyer to buyer and from island to island trying to get a deal together. The only respite he had was talking things over with Farren.

  Hearing her voice, listening to her enthusiasm for Singles Fest, knowing the high she was on with her success, cheered him. His pride would not let him ask her what was happening with Denny. Or how much she was enjoying the guy’s kids. Or having fun with all of them.

  He couldn’t lose this with her. Refused to lose her to anyone or anything.

  Farren was his and he was hers, body, and soul. He hoped. But that pretty little girl in red ringlets would draw on anyone’s heartstrings. Denny aside, that happy face was tough competition.

  “How’s your friend Denny doing with his kids? Are the boys getting along better?” He should bang his head against a wall. That would make more sense than torturing himself by asking.