Mister Fake Fiance

“Well, then, I guess I’ll play the mother of the bride for you. Unless you have somebody else in mind,” David’s mom says.

“I don’t,” I say.

“Excellent.” She smiles. “You won’t have to do anything on your own.”

“Exactly. I’ll fly out to L.A. to go dress shopping with you. Or anything else you need,” Cora offers.

I bite my lip. None of that’s going to happen, although from the way David is beaming, he’s probably imagining picking out silverware with his mother or something. Damn it. But this isn’t the right time or place to tell him my answer to his proposal is a no.

“Oh, sweetie,” Alexandra says, obviously having misinterpreted my reaction. “There’s no reason to stress. Stress is bad for you. David will help as much as he can, but whatever else there is, we’re here.”

I look around at the smiling faces. Unfamiliar emotions bloom inside me like spring flowers. I can’t remember a time I was surrounded by people who genuinely wanted the best for me, when I couldn’t do anything for them in return. I know they’re like this because they care about David. But regardless, I bask in it, wishing it could last forever, even after they come to know the real me.

“You wouldn’t believe how good the hamburgers are,” David’s dad says, sticking his head through the door.

“I’ll be right in,” Jimmy Darling yells from behind David’s dad. He’s a member of the C-suite, and I’ve only seen him looking put-together in expensive suits and ties. Right now, viewed through a window, he’s in a white T-shirt, a huge apron and shorts. “I just need to finish these venison sausages. You’re gonna love them, Erin. It’s my secret recipe.”

“Not that secret. It’s the one from Dad.”

I recognize George Darling’s voice booming from outside. He’s Cora and Alec’s father.

“I improved it!” Jimmy shoots back, before going back to the grill.

Alexandra shakes her head. “Boys.”

“You think he improved it for real this time?” David says.

Alexandra shrugs. “Always tastes the same to me,” she says. “But we should all agree they’re better. Otherwise, Jimmy’s feelings are going to be hurt.”

Everyone murmurs in assent, including me. It’s nice of them to try to cater to Jimmy’s pride, especially when it doesn’t hurt anybody. So different from my dad, who never pulled a punch to spare my feelings.

The C-suite executives from Sweet Darlings, Inc. walk in, each carrying a platter piled with grilled meat, sausages and veggies. Jan looks vaguely pale.

“Are you all right?” I ask.

“Yeah. I’m not going to throw up from the smell, if that’s what you mean.” She smiles faintly.

“Jan, hon, we have French toast for you,” David’s mom says.

“Aunt Sun, you’re the best.”

“I know.” She beams.

The door opens again. People turn, and I glance back, expecting more of David’s cousins.

Instead, it’s Shelly Morris.

I inhale sharply, feeling like I’ve been sucker-punched. What’s she doing here?

She’s in a fitted ivory dress and heeled sandals. Her hair’s pulled into a high knot that shows off her bones and slender neck. If I didn’t know better, I might think she was family, coming by to join a dinner she rightfully belongs to.

Did the Darlings invite her?

The thought does occur. It’s something that some of my old “friends” might’ve done to embarrass me. But I dismiss it instantly. David’s family is too nice to do something so cruel.

“Hello, everyone. I heard from Mom that David was back in town, so I figured I’d drop by.” Her gaze skims the huge gang, then falters on me. “My goodness. I didn’t realize he’d bring you here…considering.” A corner of her lip quirks.

Shock and fury clutch my gut. How dare she act like I’m the uninvited guest? Then I remember her threat. Is she here to out me? In front of everyone? The fury cools to icy fear…then congeals into simple resentment. I just wanted three months. Couldn’t she have waited that long?