The both of them are making googly eyes at each other. It’s awkward. Not for them, obviously. But for me and Jasmin. I doubt either of us have thought that far into the future. At least not with a significant other. Traveling is something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s finding the time to actually do it that’s been the issue. Since our parents retired, it’s all hands on-deck.
“Maybe we should let them have their moment,” Jasmin whispers as she pulls me away from the happy couple.
“Are they for real? I’ve only seen two people act like that.”
“Yep. They are sickeningly sweet. I’m happy for them, don’t get me wrong. But having their love fest shoved in my face all the time kind of sucks. They are being themselves, and I can’t imagine a better partner for my sister. Jacob is probably the greatest guy she’s ever been with. He worships the ground she walks on.”
She leads us toward the small pond with a gazebo next to it. We sit down on the small bench. Now, that I think about it, I should ask Daniela where she’s taking her bridal photos. I’m pretty sure that’s a thing that happens. Anyway, this would be a great location. We can even do it before we open for the day.
“Do you think you’ll ever finds someone like that?” When she raises an eyebrow at me, I add, “Someone who will bend over backwards for you?”
“Well, I kind of already have.” Where’s she going with this? I didn’t think she was seeing anyone. If that’s the case, why am I here? There’s no point in any of this fake dating.
“Who?”
Her free hand flies to cover her face. “Oh my God. I was talking about you.”
“We aren’t even really together.” Sitting here, on my family’s property, with our hands joined feels less fake than it should. I’m not upset about it, though.
“But you didn’t bat an eye when I asked you to be my fake boyfriend. You’re even willing to go along with all the wedding shenanigans. I don’t know many real boyfriends who would be willing to do that.”
“Clearly you haven’t been dating the right guys.” I give her hand a gentle squeeze. Hanging out with her today, things feel real. Like we are supposed to be a couple. Dear God, I’m starting to sound like Piper. She’s the one who believes in fate. Not me.
“Oh, I know I haven’t.” She snorts and covers her face again. “Well, now I’m even more embarrassed.
“Don’t be, it’s cute.” A piece of hair flies in front of her face, and I reach over to push it behind her ear. She closes her eyes and leans into the movement, and I think my heart stops for the briefest moment. I thought she was beautiful when she had her guard up at the party. But right now, she appears to be content with not a care in the world, and she is absolutely stunning. I fear this woman might actually break me.
“I think we should go on an actual date.” She opens her eyes and gauges my reaction. “We would be able to get more comfortable with each other. Plus, it’ll really sell us as a couple to your family.”
“You realize that would have to happen at a restaurant here, right? That’s the only way word is going to get back to them that I’ve been seen with the same girl more than once.”
“Dang, that whole thing about small town gossip is true?” Her eyes are wide. It’s adorable how she doesn’t know how small towns work.
“Yes, it is. It’s why I stayed in trouble as a teen. My friends’ parents would rat me out to my parents. It was a whole thing. You can’t do anything in this town without someone finding out. But they are protective of their own.” I sigh and lean back against the bench. “It’s a double-edged sword.”
“Sounds like it.”
“Oh, and on that note. If you don’t want anything repeated, do not say anything to the head bartender at Out of the Ashes.”
“Why? He seemed really nice.”
“He is. But…he likes to get into everyone’s business and try to play cupid. He’s been doing it for years.” He was the one who pushed Beau into telling my sister how he felt about her.
“Is he any good at it? The cupid thing?” Jasmin’s head tilts to the side while she waits for my answer.
“Actually, he is. It’s kind of scary how often he’s had a hand in couples getting together. I refuse to tell him, though. It’ll go straight to his head.”
“That’s good to know.” Something passes over her face, but I can’t tell what it is.
Leaves shuffle behind us, and I know our alone time is over.
“Oh my gosh, I have to take some of my pictures here. I don’t know how I missed it last time we were here.” Daniela says as her and Jacob approach.
“Funnily enough, I was going to suggest the same thing.” I turn toward them. “Actually, while I have the three of you here, you should come out again in a few weeks. We have a yearly Spring Blooms Festival. There are vendors, food, and carnival rides. It’ll really give you the whole small town experience.”
“That sounds like fun.” Jacob leans against the pillar. “I’ll make sure my mom doesn’t schedule Daniela. Maybe we can make a weekend out of it.”
“Will you come too?” I direct this at Jasmin.
