Page 132 of Gold Rush

“Four hours and fifty-five minutes,” Collins supplies with a wry smile.

“Maybe he’ll sleep in,” Rory suggests. “Running after Ben and Jerry all morning must have tired him out.”

“That would be great,” Collins says fervently.

“Flynn!” A pair of hands lands on my shoulders. “I just talked to Lloyd Clarke. I didn’t realize you two knew each other. He’s incredibly excited about the foundation.”

Silence.

Rory breaks it. “What foundation?”

Oliver’s hands leave my shoulders when I don’t immediately respond. “Sorry for the overexcitement. I didn’t realize you hadn’t … announced anything yet.”

His apology is saturated with confusion. Because why would I tell Oliver about my plans before I shared the same information with my girlfriend?

“What foundation?” Rory repeats louder.

“It’s not a big deal,” I say quickly. “Just this idea that I⁠—”

“Flynn is being modest,” Kit chimes in with. “It’s a big fucking deal, and it⁠—”

“Might not even happen,” I interrupt. “I’m still finalizing the funding.”

My best friend frowns. “You are? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because it’s my problem to figure out.” I lean back in my chair, feigning nonchalance, then steal a quick glance at Rory.

She’s no longer confused. Her expression is smooth and resolute. She’s put it together.

I’m not sure why I never expressly told Rory I had a planned purpose for the money from my father beyond affording a nicer place.

Actually, I know exactly why. I knew she’d make certain assumptions about my intentions, and I wanted her to come to different conclusions on her own, not because I explicitly told her I had other plans. I wanted to present The Penn Ashbury Foundation to her as a finished product, hoping she’d be impressed. Possibly even proud. I can’t read any reaction beyond realization on her face.

“Lili and Charlie are close to leaving. Everyone’s meeting out front.” Bash breezes by, not waiting for a reply before continuing to the next table to repeat the announcement.

“Let’s go,” Collins says, jumping to her feet.

Rory rises, too, following Collins and the crush of other people toward the doors that lead outside without a word to me.

Kit falls into step beside me. “You never told Rory about the foundation?” he asks. Low enough not for anyone else to easily overhear, but loud enough that I can’t pretend I didn’t.

“Did it seem like she knew?” I snark, some irritation spilling into my tone.

Kit is undeterred. “Does she know about Penn?”

“Some.”

He shakes his head. “You told me you were taking things seriously. That means honesty, Flynn.”

“I don’t need a lecture, Kit.”

“Then you shouldn’t have started dating my cousin,” he retorts. “Rory’s done with liars. Be up front with her or end it.”

“I’m not lying to Rory.”

She’s the one person I’ve been consistently honest with for the past few months. Except, of course, about how our fake relationship isn’t feeling very feigned and isn’t serving the intended purpose of getting me the funds I need.

“Not telling someone something they should know is the same as lying.”