Fake Marriage Box Set

I set about my morning routine of a run, then breakfast and coffee. Then I started some research on my laptop that would be useful for my study. I’d been at it a few hours when my phone rang. When I saw it was my grandmother, I wondered why she was calling when I’d just spoken with her and Granddad on Sunday when they’d returned from their trip.

“Hey Mimi.” I smiled into the phone. “How are you?”

“I am good, my sweet girl, but I’m afraid I have some bad news. Your grandfather has been taken to the hospital. I think it may be a good idea for you to make your way to Portland.”

“Is he okay?”

“We aren't sure, honey. He’s had a heart attack.”

“Oh my goodness.” My hand flew to my chest. “I'll be right on my way.”

“Thank you, dear. Please drive safe. See you in a hour or so.”

“Yes ma’am. Love you, tell him I love him.”

“I will as soon as I see him. Love you too, dear.”

I hung up the phone and ran up the stairs to change and pack a few things before I started the drive to Portland.

Chapter Eleven

Luke

We got to the event a little after three in the afternoon only to find some of my best competition already there. Nothing started until the next morning, but Ryan and I always arrived early so we weren’t tired from the drive when things started.

We moved to make our way to the sign-in tent, shaking hands with a few guys and making small talk along the way. There was some jesting and posturing as well. Ryan and I had been competing with most of these guys off and on for several years, and it made it fun, mostly.

After we were registered and set up, we went to the local bar and had a few drinks with some guys we hung out with on the regular circuit—Paul and Joseph. In many ways, they were just like us. Guys doing it for the love of it. Yes, I wanted to be a champion like my father, but love of the game was more important. We chatted for a few hours then made our way back to the camper and bedded down for the night.

“Dude, can you prop yourself up so you don't snore? I really need to sleep tonight,” I threw a pillow across at Ryan.

“I do not snore,” Ryan shot me a look over his shoulder.

“Sure you don't,” I laughed.

“Whatever, shut up.” Ryan threw the pillow back at me and then laid back down. I followed suit and found myself wondering what Emerson was doing. I picked up my phone and sent her a text under the guise that I wasn’t sure if I’d left the light on in my shop, but I didn't receive an answer. Considering it was after midnight, I figured she was probably sound asleep and enjoying the quiet of me not running power tools.

***

“Are you gonna dick around with your hair all morning?” I pushed at Ryan who was standing in my way, hogging the tiny bathroom messing with his hair.

“I was just trying to make it look decent,” he complained.

“Nope, you're trying to cover up that receding hairline.” I poked at his head and then moved quickly when he tried to hit me. “Come on, we’re going to be late.” I grabbed my boots and pulled them on.

“Just so we’re clear, my hairline is not receding, absolutely not.”

I chuckled and stepped out of the camper.

“If you say so, honey.” I laughed this time.

“You’re an ass,” Ryan said and followed me.

Our first day went as expected. The nerves got the best of me, but I still performed well while Ryan was a rock, as usual. We had two more days, then a final competition with a board keeping the scores. While they didn't count, it was nice to see where I actually was.

The next day, I was performing at my best. I had been unbeatable in my individual competition, and Ryan and I were neck and neck with last year’s title holders. We went to bed early, planning to get some decent rest. As we laid there, Ryan sat up.

“I sent Emmy an email yesterday, and when she didn’t resp