by Emma Hart
Seb smirked behind his glass. “You didn’t have to come.”
“Oh, I did. I was strongarmed into it by both you and my so-called best friend.” I stirred my water with my straw. “I’m getting a little tired of being talked into things I don’t want to do. The last thing we need is the entire town thinking we’re dating.”
“I like your optimism,” he mused. “Thinking that nobody knows.”
“Does everyone know?”
“I think so,” Seb said slowly. “My grandfather doesn’t exactly understand being discreet.”
“He also believes this is real,” I replied through gritted teeth. “Have you stopped to consider that you should tell him the truth?”
He sighed and leaned forward. “I tried. I ended up having to tell him we were taking a break, and he insisted we got back together, and my mother told him we did, so…”
“You know, I’m starting to really dislike your mom.”
He actually looked somewhat sympathetic at that. “I know. I can’t say I’m too fond of her either right now.”
“I’d hope not. She’s the reason we’re in this mess.” I mirrored his position, leaning forward with my forearms crossed on the table. “Now how do we get out of it?”
“We could give it a week and mutually break up?”
“Yeah, no, that’s not gonna work for me.” I shook my head. “I was thinking more that you cheat on me, so I slap you, scream at you, and run out in front of the entire place.”
“That doesn’t really do anything for my image.”
“I don’t really care about your image.”
“I know, but as my fake girlfriend, you could pretend to.”
“Sebastian, I can’t pretend on both accounts. I don’t like you nearly enough to do that.”
He clutched his chest. “You wound me. And here I thought we’d reconnected this weekend.”
I gave him a withering look. “Reconnect is a strong word. We cleared the air, but that’s about it.”
“Holley, we shared a bed.”
“If that’s the criteria for connecting with someone, there’s a whole lot of dating coaches about to be out of a job.” I paused. “And Saylor could probably get a second job.”
Seb fought back a laugh. “We’re friends, and you know it.”
“How do you figure that?”
“You wouldn’t be here if you really hated me.”
That was annoying.
I hated it when he was right. He had a terrible habit of it and it was really starting to grate on me. “I didn’t say I hated you. I didn’t even say we weren’t friends. You’re putting words in my mouth.”
“Ah, I’m sorry. Are you not in control of this situation? Is it bugging you?”
“You’re bugging me,” I snapped. “And you know I’m not in control of it. If I were, I’d be back at my bookstore, minding my own business with some soup and not here with you.”
“You can get soup here.”
“I am getting soup here. But I can’t eat it in my sweatpants on the floor of the stockroom when I’m here.”
“You keep sweatpants at your store?”
“Of course I do. What, you think I do stock taking in my Sunday best? No. I pull off my jeans, put on my sweats, and get to it. If I have to lug boxes of books around, I’m going to be comfortable while I do it.”
“Fair enough.” He sipped his water. “Well, I’ll keep that in mind for our next date.”
“Do you really think there’ll be another date?” I raised an eyebrow in disbelief. “Sebastian, this isn’t a date. This weekend wasn’t a date. If you want to be friends, that’s fine, but we have to drop this little charade.”
“Is it ruining your non-existent dating life?”
“Little bit.”
He stared at me for the longest moment, then burst out laughing while he shook his head. I didn’t know what was so funny. For all he knew, I was ready to jump into the dating world with two feet and make a big splash.
I said as much.
To his credit, he at least attempted to hide his second bout of laughter. Not very well, but he tried. “Right. Is that what you’re doing tonight, then? Finding a date?”
“So what if I am?”
“It’ll really ruin this little charade.”
“Excellent. I’ll download a dating app right now.” I pulled my phone from my purse and unlocked it.
Seb took it from me with a wry smile. “Don’t be rude.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but our food was brought over by Johanna who beamed at us. “Look at this. White Peak’s hottest new couple.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Not you, too.”
She grinned at me. “No, honey, I know the truth. I just like messin’ with ya.”
“Please don’t. I’m hanging onto what last thin thread of sanity I have left as it is.”
“You’re so dramatic,” Seb told me, and not for the first time today. “How did the bakery sale go? Any news?”
What bakery sale?
Johanna sighed and wiped her hands on her apron. “Yep, but it’s not good, I’m afraid. Alison called me yesterday and said they’d had another offer, and the other person’s offer is higher than I can afford, so…” She shrugged and held out her hands. “What can you do? That’s business.”
Seb smiled sympathetically. “I’m sorry, Johanna. I know you wanted it.”
“Ah, it’s fine. It means I don’t have to hire anyone else. Felicity can keep working for me. Saves me a job.” She winked. “Can I get you anything else?”
“Just some more water, please,” I replied.
“No problem.” She left us alone.
“The bakery is up for sale?” I asked Seb as soon as she was out of earshot.
“Was,” he corrected me, rather dryly. “It was a secret. Alison and Martin want to retire.”
“But they just upgraded the kitchen.”
“I think that’s why they did. My mom said it was old and was negatively effecting the price, so it was worth it for them to upgrade the appliances.”
“Makes sense. I wonder who bought it.”
He dipped two fries into ketchup. “I have no idea. I bet my mother knows.”
“Is there anything she doesn’t know?”
“Yes, how to keep her nose out of my life.” He bit off the end of the fries and grinned.
“Well, I won’t argue that.” I cut my burger in two and split the halves.
“Do you know who bought it?” Seb asked, and I glanced up to see Johanna was back with a big jug of cold water in her hand.
Shaking her head, she refilled my water and set the jug down between us. “I have no idea. I didn’t ask, if I’m honest, and she didn’t offer. I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough. It’s not like anything stays secret in this town.” Her lips quirked in a knowing smile, and she glanced between us. “I’ll leave you kids to your lunch.”
Thank God she didn’t say date.
I was going to stab myself with my fork if I heard that again.
My phone buzzed as I took a bite of my burger. I used my napkin to wipe the corner of my mouth as I reached across the table to retrieve my phone.
TORI: Dinner. Tonight. Don’t forget.
I wrinkled my nose up. I’d already managed to get out of it yesterday, but there was no way I was going to be this lucky again.
Seb quirked a brow. “Who’s that?”
“Tori. Telling me to not forget dinner tonight.”
“Oh, is that the one where you all talk about me all night?”
“I sincerely hope not,” I muttered, turning my attention back to my phone.
“I’ll be right back.”
ME: I won’t.
That didn’t mean I was going to let her get away with this.
I opened my message thread with my sister.
ME: Can we have dinner tonight?
Her reply was instantaneous.
IVY: …You mean all of us, at the bar, where you don’t have to talk abou
t Sebastian?
ME: Yes. All of us. Including Sebastian.
IVY: OOOOOH. It’s that bad, huh?
ME: No. It’s not that bad.
IVY: It’s that bad.
ME: Shut up. And bring my baby so I can cuddle her.
IVY: I am not bringing MY baby to a bar.
ME: It’s not just A bar. It’s your family bar. It’s totally okay.
IVY: You’re insane.
ME: I feel it today.
ME: Can you at least come with your husband so I don’t lose what little slivers of sanity I have left?
IVY: I’m laughing so hard I just peed a little.
ME: TMI.
IVY: Yes, we’ll come. Kai’s grandma is in town and wants to see Tegan anyway, so his mom is having her for a few hours tonight to give us a break.
ME: Now I feel bad for making you come to dinner.
IVY: Good. You should. Do you know the last time we had alone time?
ME: When you got pregnant?
IVY: No. I was in labor. I would rather not do anything that could lead to that hellish experience again.
ME: And I would like to never hear the story again.
IVY: I’ll be sure to save it for dinner tonight.
ME: Looks like I’m coming down with a violent stomach bug.
IVY: Shut up. I’ll call Mom and ask if she can put two tables together for us. Seven?
ME: Seven people?
IVY: O’clock.
IVY: Baby’s crying. Gotta go.
I rolled my eyes and put my phone back down right as Seb came back.
“Everything okay?” he asked, taking his seat across from me.
“Hm? Oh, fine.” I sipped my water. “Dinner tonight? At seven? Everyone is meeting at Bronco’s.”
“You’re actually inviting me to dinner?”
“It’s a group thing, baller. Cool your jets.”
He stared at me for a long moment, then said, “I suppose I can fit you into my busy schedule.”
I answered with a very simple gesture involving the middle finger of my right hand.
Then finished my burger.
***
So as it turned out, it was harder than I thought to dress for a dinner date with all my friends when one of those friends was someone I was frustratingly attracted to.
Lunch with Seb hadn’t done me any favors. By the time we’d both finished eating, we’d fielded questions from three other people about our budding relationship. The news had spread through town quicker than I’d expected, and because of that, I hadn’t had a moment to breathe all day.
At least that was what it felt like.
What I really needed was a long, hot bath, and a long, warm sleep in my bed.
And wake up, like, next week, maybe.
That’d be great.
I finally settled on jeans and a t-shirt with a knitted sweater. Like it really mattered—it was absolutely freezing outside and had been snowing all day, resulting in the town being covered in a steadily growing blanket of white shit that probably meant I’d be walking to be work in the morning.
Fantastic.
I buttoned up my coat and put on my hat, scarf, and gloves, then grabbed my purse. Stepping out into the hallway, I shivered. It was much colder here than it was in my apartment, and I was so fucking glad I was wrapped up like a pig in a blanket.
I headed down the stairs and out of the building. It was still snowing, but no longer heavily. I could at least see the end of the street, so I pulled my hat down over my ears, dipped my head, and walked in the direction of the middle of town.
This weather sucked balls.
I had no idea why I still lived in Montana.
I hated the cold.
And the dark.
And it was.
Dark.
So damn dark.
A horn beeped three times behind me, and I startled at the sound. Turning, I saw the familiar sight of Kai’s truck pulling up behind me. He leaned over as the window rolled down and stuck his head out. “You’re walking?”
I peered behind him. “Where’s Ivy?”
“Already at the bar. I took Tegan to my mom’s.”
“Oh, right.”
“Jump in. I’m driving anyway, so it’s no trouble.”
He didn’t have to tell me twice.
“Thanks.” I got in the passenger side of his truck and was blasted with heat from the dashboard. It was absolutely amazing, and I settled in with the belt over me. “How is Tegan?”
“Screaming. Crying. Pooping. Vomiting.” He shot me a look with a little smirk. “Baby stuff, you know. It doesn’t really change at her age.”
“Yeah, you look real miserable about it.”
Laughing, he pulled away from the side of the road. “Oh, so miserable.”
I shook my head, but I was smiling. I loved seeing him with Tegan, and I was forever thankful that my sister had found someone who loved her as much as he truly did.
“She did smile yesterday. But then she farted, so I’m not really sure it was a real smile.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose and laughed gently. Oh, the joys of a tiny baby being around. “Is this really the first time you and Ivy have had alone time since she was born?”
A frown marred his brow for a moment. “Yeah, I think it is, actually. Wow. To be honest, the last few weeks have all kind of merged into one. There has been a lot of crying.”
“From Tegan?”
“All of us,” he admitted, fighting back a small laugh. “But it’s worth it.”
“I bet it is.” I smiled, then slid my phone out of my purse. I tapped out a quick text to my mom asking her to set a table for two for Ivy and Kai. Sure, I wanted the whole group together, but it was important that they had their time, too.
Besides, they could eat and have some quality time and join us after.
Kai eyed me as we pulled up to the intersection. “What are you doing?”
I beamed. “Mom’s setting a table for the two of you. You can eat alone.”
“Really? I thought Ivy told you no.”
“Perks of being the little sister,” I said brightly. “You never listen to your sibling.”
Kai laughed and reached over to squeeze my knee. “You’re the best sister-in-law ever.”
“I’m your only sister-in-law.”
“Yeah, but my sister would tell me to stuff it. You’re actually nice.”
“Whoa now, don’t go ruining my reputation.” I held up my hands. “I wouldn’t want people getting the wrong idea. And, by the way, you’re taking credit for this.”
“Done.” He snorted. “And the wrong idea about what? You’re hardly a closet assassin, Holley. The only thing you kill is time reading.”
“And a well-read woman is a dangerous one. Didn’t you know that?”
“Pretty sure that’s on one of those little motivational poster things your sister bought for our new house. I think it’s going over our bed.” He frowned. “What has my life become?”
It was my turn to laugh.
“Anyway, what’s going on with Seb?”
“What’s going on with Seb?” I repeated. “Nothing.”
“I was in the café today and rumor has it, you’re dating.”
I pursed my lips and shook my head. “Nope. Not dating.”
“For real.” He paused. “How is it even remotely possible that two sisters both ended up in fake relationships?”
“I did not agree to this,” I argued. “I was forced into it. I do not give consent!”
“Pretty sure I said something like that.” He turned into the parking lot of Bronco’s and pulled into an empty space, then looked at me. “Then I actually married her.”
“What are you saying?” I hurried out of the truck after him. “I hope you’re not saying what I think you’re saying!”
He held up his hands with a laugh. “I’m not saying anything.”
“Oh, you are!” I stopped to glare at him, then stalked into the bar throu
gh the door he’d opened. “And I don’t like it!”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He rested his hands on my shoulders and steered me through the busy bar to where everyone was sitting around a huge circle table.
We no longer fit in a booth when we were all together.
I slipped into the nearest empty seat that was between Seb and Tori, and Kai pulled Ivy up.
“We’ve got a date,” he explained with a grin, sweeping her away before anyone could say anything.
Tori turned to me. “That was you, wasn’t it?”
I reached over for the white wine that was placed in front of me and merely smiled.
“Okay, are we all here? Can I talk about my problems now the sensible one has shown up?” Saylor demanded, holding her hands out. She was in the center of the table and looked around at all of us.
“Nobody cares about your problems,” Tori said. “Unless you’re dating a guy in a relationship again, because that was fun.”
“You’re a bitch,” Saylor said without batting an eyelid.
“Thank you, I know.”
Kinsley’s brother, Colton, looked between them. “Why am I here?”
“You had nothing better to do tonight,” Josh reminded him. “And if I’m here, you’re here.”
“You’re here because Holley doesn’t want to talk about Sebastian, so by inviting you all, she gets out of it,” Tori said, lifting her cocktail glass to her lips. “Tell me I’m wrong.”
Everyone looked at me, including Seb, who had his eyebrow cocked and his lips curled on one side.
“She’s not wrong,” I said with a shrug. “Although I am now starting to think I’ve seen a little too much of him today.”
Everyone laughed.
Except Saylor.
“Great, nice, now my problems, please?”
“What’s wrong?” Kinsley asked, always the peacemaker. “It must be bad if you waited for Holley to show up.”
