“It’s messed up, isn’t it?” she asked. “Should I call Drew and tell him it’s off?”
“No!” Charlie turned to face her. “You’re totally into him, and he clearly likes spending time with you. Plus, this deal works in your favor. All you have to do is attend one measly wedding, and in return, he’ll be spending a ton of time with your family. Aren’t your parents’ dinners, like, every Sunday?”
“Every other Sunday. But, yeah, they’re a lot.” Rosie paused. “Does this mean you think it would work?”
“In theory, it sounds solid. But what if you end up wanting more from Drew?”
That exact question had taken root in Rosie’s psyche sometime after midnight and had refused to leave. “I don’t think that’s going to happen. With my job on the line, I’ve got too much at stake to invest any emotional energy into a real romantic relationship. This way, I won’t have to apologize if I’m constantly busy.”
Charlie wrapped her scarf tighter around her neck. “I dunno. Even if you’re super busy, Drew seems like the kind of guy who could deal with it. Like, his ego wouldn’t take a beating because you’re not available twenty-four seven.”
Rosie wasn’t so sure. Her last boyfriend, Erik, had initially praised her for the way she’d risen in the ranks of the Duchess. Until he’d realized she was making more money than him, in a job that was far more demanding. When he left her, he’d claimed it was her fault because she was too obsessed with work to satisfy his needs.
“It’s not just about my work schedule,” she said. “Drew flat-out told me he didn’t want a relationship. His ex really messed with his head. Plus, he’s dealing with other baggage.”
Charlie resumed walking. “Really? What kind of baggage?”
“He doesn’t get along with his parents—so much that he avoids spending time with them at Christmas.” His revelation had come as a surprise to Rosie because he’d always seemed so happy-go-lucky. “It actually works in my favor since he’s not on the hook for any big holiday events with them. All he needs from me is a date for his ex’s wedding. It’s a total win-win.”
“Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”
“Um…both of us, I guess,” Rosie said. “I want this to work. And who knows? Maybe down the road…”
Nope.She wasn’t going there. This was a friends-only agreement. Developing feelings of passion—or even love—could lead to serious heartbreak. She couldn’t handle the emotional fallout, not when she was already anxious about potentially losing her job in January.
When they approached the long, concrete breakwater that led to the Ogden Point lighthouse, Rosie paused. This part of the path was more exposed to the elements, which meant the spray from the ocean would be even fiercer. Above them, the raucous cries of Victoria’s ever-present seagulls rose in volume.
Charlie stopped beside her. “Don’t get me wrong—I understand the appeal of a pretend boyfriend. Even if it’s just for show, having a plus-one for the holidays sounds like a good deal.”
Rosie nudged her. “If you want a date, why don’t you ask Knox out?”
“What?No. We’re just friends. He doesn’t think of me that way.”
“You sure? Because he’s nicer to you than anyone else, which is saying a lot. He’s the grumpiest bartender I’ve ever met. And I know how you feel about him.”
“It doesn’t matter how I feel. He’d never go for it. Heck, he doesn’t even like the holidays.” Charlie narrowed her eyes. “Besides, my dating life isn’t the issue here.”
“Right. Sorry.” For now, Rosie would let it go. “So, do you think Drew and I can pull this off?”
“Sure. If you’re both on the same page, then it should work. And Drew’s a nice guy, so no matter what happens, you’ll have fun with him.”
“Exactly.” Rosie felt a surge of excitement. Not only was this plan going to succeed, but it also might make the next two months more enjoyable. She leaned over and gave her friend a side-hug. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“Happy to help.” Charlie took off her mittens and blew on her hands, then rubbed them together. “Now, can we go get coffee? This weather is for the birds.”
* * *
Saturday morningsat Northlife Fitness were chaotic at best. Everyone who was too busy to exercise during the week felt the need to make up for it, plus the schedule was packed with classes from 5:30 a.m. until noon: boot camp, spin, yoga, power lifting, and speed training. The cold, blustery weather had also driven a lot of people indoors.
Having just finished teaching a boot camp class, Drew parked himself at the smoothie bar to fuel up before his next training session. As he sipped his almond butter and banana smoothie, he scrolled through his phone, rereading the messages Rosie had sent him late last night, occasionally chuckling at her snarky tone. To prepare him for Sunday, she’d given him lots of information about her family.
Evelyn snagged the stool next to his. “Drew. How are you doing?”
His jaw tightened at the sight of her. As always, she looked cool and controlled, her blond hair pulled back in a tight ponytail. Though she’d just come from teaching an hourlong spin class, she hadn’t broken a sweat.
“I’m okay,” he said. “Just catching a break before my next client.”
She placed a hand on his knee and lowered her voice. “No, really. Howareyou? I heard you were upset when you got our wedding invitation. I didn’t do it out of spite. I literally invited everyone who works here.”
