"Well, I'll have to teach you how to make some of Gabe's favorite foods." Marisol winked and grinned. "You know what they say, the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach."
"Mmm…" Gabe and Grace said in unison as they took their first bite of cake.
"And a woman's too apparently." Marisol laughed. "You've alreadycaptured my son's heart, but now you know you can woo him with your cake, if need be."
Paige forced a smile. She liked the idea of winning Gabe's heart, but not under false pretenses. Her stomach was so tangled with shame, she had a hard time forcing down the rich chocolate cake that tasted almost as good as Amy's.
She remained quiet as Gabe and his mom and sister talked about their favorite foods and the work that went into making them. Apparently, they cooked together often.
Gabe repeatedly met her gaze, a questioning look on his face. He even took her hand at one point. She didn't pull away because she enjoyed the contact too much, but she hated that he only did it to convince his mom they were something they weren't.
They finally said their goodbyes, and once again, Marisol hugged Paige like a long-lost daughter. A heavy sinking feeling weighed
Paige down. What she and Gabe were doing was wrong.
His hand fell to the small of her back as they made their way out the door, but Paige couldn't enjoy the contact. She stepped away from him the moment the door closed behind them and hurried as fast as she could to the car. She yanked her door open before Gabe could do it.
He blocked her path before she could climb in. "What's wrong?"
Paige was tempted to deny anything was wrong, but it ate at her too much to let it go.
"Why are you lying to your mom?" She motioned toward the house. "She hugged me so tight. Like she was welcoming me into the family."
"She's like that with everyone."
"But she thinks we're going to get married. Someday soon, from the sound of it." Her voice took on an accusing tone.
Gabe shoved his hands into his pockets and stared down at the driveway. "Last week when I told her I was seeing someone, I led her to believe it was quite serious."
"Why would you lie to your mother like that?"
Gabe's posture stiffened. "I told you I have my reasons."
Heat built in Paige's chest. "So you keep saying, but you won't share them with me. How am I supposed to keep playing the part of your girlfriend in this ridiculous charade, when I know next to nothing about you and feel like you're keeping secrets from me?" She folded her arms across her chest and gave him an expectant look. When he didn't even bother to look up, she threw a hand in the air. "And then there's your sister."
His head popped up. "What about Grace?" Defensiveness filled his voice.
"She practically gave me the third degree, warning me not to hurt you. Then she turned around and thanked me for lying to your mom. Why is your sister encouraging this whole thing?" She propped a hand on her hip, waiting for him to respond. When he didn't, she went on. "When you said your mom has been on your case about dating, I expected her to be critical and conniving. But she's not. She's the sweetest woman I've ever met. And she loves you."
"I've never doubted that she loves me." Conviction filled Gabe's voice.
"So tell her the truth."
"I can't!" His expression was as fierce as his shouted words.
"Why not? If you're still hurting over what happened with your ex, then tell her. I think she'd understand." Paige was about to suggest he also go to counseling, when he interrupted her.
"She's dying, Paige." Anguish deepened Gabe's voice, and pain lined every feature of his handsome face.
A jolt shot through her. "What?"
He let out a heavy sigh as he looked toward the house. "Last week, my mom was diagnosed with…stage-four pancreatic cancer." Shoulders sagging, he propped his elbows on the car and shoved his hands into his hair.
"Oh, Gabe." Paige stroked his back and leaned her cheek against his shoulder. Her heart ached just thinking about what he must be going through. "I'm so sorry."
He sucked in and released several shuddering breaths. His voice was gravelly when he spoke again. "Ever since my dad walked out onus, I've done my best to take care of her and Grace, but I can't fix this." He pounded a fist on the top of the car. "There isn't a single thing I can do to help her through it this time. So I lied, hoping to bring her a little peace and happiness. I know that makes me a horrible pers?—"
"What do you meanthis time?"
