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I'm sitting at a café with my mom. I should tell her again how thankful I am she suggested rehab. With every session, my leg is improving. I’m going to ditch this cane soon.
We both stare absently as cars pass by the window. The clinking of cups and plates along with the murmurs of people around us form a chaotic harmony.
Tendrils of steam rise from my cup. I can only imagine what my mom called to talk about. It's been ages since we both sat down for a discussion. My parents have always played a vital role at Shieldify, crucial to its success. Despite their demanding jobs, they always carved out time for me growing up, still do.
"So, have you thought about where you want your engagement party to be hosted?" Mom asks, sipping her coffee.
"Not really."
I hate keeping secrets from her, but I can’t tell her this is all fake. It’s going to break her heart. I’m not ready for that.
"Well, there are a lot of places to choose from," Mom says, smiling. "I’m sure you're excited. I see how you look at her. I must admit, I didn't expect you to fall in love so quickly after the way you’ve been acting since your return.”
"I'm not in—" I clear my throat. I almost blew it. "How have I been acting?" I ask.
"Sad, withdrawn… angry. For Brinn to break you from that shell, she must be so special.”
I hadn’t given it much thought, but she’s right. The longer I’ve been around Brinn, the less I find myself dwelling on the past. I guess, for the first time in months, there is a sense of happiness in my days.
“You know, Dad and I would love to host the party at the house, but it’s whatever you want. You just name it. Jackson?”
I’m lost in my own thoughts again. “Sure, sounds great. Thank you.” My smile is strained, but she doesn’t notice.
“It will be an unforgettable night!” Her eyes light up with an infectious enthusiasm. When she grabs my hands, shaking them up and down like we’re schoolgirls, I can’t help by chuckle.
“I know it will.”
Chapter thirteen
Brinn
On Monday, I plunge back into the demanding world of academia, trying to focus on graduation.
But I’m distracted. Navigating the fake relationship with Jackson is proving more challenging than I anticipated. The lines between reality and pretense blur more every day.
I’ve been so consumed by school and Jackson’s family events, I haven’t seen Shae outside of class in almost two weeks. Today, we’re meeting for much-needed girl time. I told her about my arrangement with Jackson after his grandfather’s retirement party. I needed to talk to someone besides my brother.
Always up for some adventure in life, she thought it sounded exciting. Especially when she found out Jackson was offering the recommendation. She knows the work I’ve put in to try and graduate at the top of my class, plus how influential Jackson’s family name is. She made me promise to spill all the details when I got back from Malibu.
After class, I head to the cafeteria. Shae, my ever-enthusiastic friend, spots me from across the room and waves wildly. Her eyes light up with excitement when I approach her.
"Brinn! You won't believe what I saw!" she exclaims, her words spilling out before I can take a seat.
I raise a brow, bracing myself for her news. "What?"
"Your kiss with Jackson. It's all over the internet. Way to go!" Shae leans in, eyebrows dancing up and down. "I didn’t know kissing was part of the deal but good for you. He’s hot!” She fans herself while batting her eyelashes.
My heart skips a beat. Our kiss? How did that end up online? A knot forms in my stomach. I should’ve realized there were photographers somewhere. They show up at every event the family puts on.
Shae pulls out her phone to show me the post. The comments section is flooded with curiosity about our relationship. She tilts her head, “And then there’s this.” She searches for Shieldify’s social media page. The engagement party post. Ugh. It’s up to almost twenty thousand likes.
Thank goodness my parents don’t have social media.
But they are going to hear about this eventually. Someone they know is going to see it.
I force a smile, trying to downplay the situation. "It's just a kiss. People are blowing it out of proportion."
Shae raises an eyebrow, her playful expression turning more serious. "Brinn, I've known you for years. This isn’t just a kiss. Is there something more going on between you and Jackson? And why is there an actual engagement party planned? I thought this arrangement was supposed to be over already."
