I turn to find Jake approaching with two drinks in hand, looking much more put-together than he did at Sophia and Grant's wedding. His hair is actually styled, and he's traded the dark circles under his eyes for a bright smile.
“Jake!” I hug him quickly. “I didn't know you'd be here, either. Do you know Natalie? Natalie, this is Jake. He works with Wyatt and organizes the ever-famous Manmorial Weekend.”
Jake extends his hand to Natalie, and there's a beat where they just look at each other, with some kind of electric recognition passing between them that makes me feel like I'm interrupting something. “Nice to meet you, Natalie.”
“Likewise.” She takes his hand, and I swear there's a little spark when they touch.
“I didn't see my invitation for this year's event,” Brandon interjects with mock offense.
Jake grins. “Hey, if you could find a woman and settle down, you'd get an invitation. That's what Manmorial is all about—attached men getting away for some bonding time.”
“Maybe the rules change this year?” Brandon asks, and there's something careful in his tone.
Jake's expression flickers. “Touché. I guess you are right. I am single now.”
“Oh,” Natalie says, her voice softening. “I'm sorry. Breakups suck.”
Jake shrugs, trying to play it off. “Yeah, well, these things happen.”
“But hey,” Natalie continues with a mischievous glint in her eye, “that means Brandon would be eligible for Manmorial this year, right? Since he and Stella are dating now.” She shoots me a quick wink that makes my stomach drop.
Jake's eyebrows shoot up as he looks between Brandon and me. “What? You two are dating?” His gaze settles on Brandon with newfound interest. “When did this happen? How did I miss this?”
Brandon clears his throat, and his hand finds my lower back. “You didn't miss anything. We're not actually dating.”
“My mom's visiting,” I say quickly, lowering my voice. “And I may have told her I had a boyfriend to get her off my back about setting me up. Brandon's helping me out by playing the part until she leaves.”
“Ah.” Jake nods with understanding. “The fake boyfriend situation. Classic.”
“They make a cute couple, though, right?” Natalie says with a grin, looking between us. “I mean, you two do have great chemistry.”
Jake studies us with amusement. “You know what? She's not wrong. You two actually seem pretty natural together. No way this could turn into something real?”
“No,” Brandon and I say simultaneously, maybe a little too quickly.
“Come on, let's get a drink, and we can talk more about Manmorial weekend.”
Before Brandon can protest, Jake is already steering him toward the bar, leaving me alone with Natalie, who's trying very hard not to look smug.
“What was that?” I hiss.
“What? I'm just helping maintain your cover story,” she says innocently. “Besides, I thought you'd want people to know you're dating Brandon. Isn't that the whole point?”
“No, it's not the whole point. We're only doing this for my mother's benefit.” I watch as Jake gestures animatedly while talking to Brandon.
“You're enjoying this way too much,” I mutter.
Natalie grins. “Maybe a little.”
We slip right back into our usual rhythm of trading updates, dissecting who's here with whom, and whispering commentary that would absolutely get us blacklisted if anyone overheard. While Natalie waits on the bartender to mix her another drink, I glance across the room and spot Brandon talking to a group of women—actresses, by the look of them—and they're hanging on his every word.
“You okay?” Natalie asks, waving a hand in front of my face.
“Fine,” I say quickly, snapping my eyes away from the love fest. “I was just observing.”
“Observing Brandon work his magic?” Natalie asks with a slight smile.
“He's supposed to be teaching me how to be more confident with men.”
