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He’s right again.
I rub my jaw, trying to think of anyone who could do it. I haven’t gone on any dates since I’ve been back.
We refill our coffees multiple times. It shouldn’t be this difficult, but I’ve let my hometown connections suffer while in the military. I’m not close with anyone anymore except Greyson.
Greyson.
That’s it.
I slam my coffee cup down, warm liquid spilling out onto the table.
Kennedy grabs napkins, stopping the flow before it hits his lap. “What’s going on?”
“Greyson’s sister Brinn. She’s the only logical choice. I’ve known her all my life and my parents wouldn’t be suspicious. It makes perfect sense.”
“Except you didn’t seem to enjoy your latest reunion, remember?”
“Yes, yes I do.”
Why does he always have to be right?
It doesn’t matter. She is the only option to make this work.
***
A pebble bounces effortlessly over the ocean’s surface, a playful dance on the water's edge. I watch it in fascination, the rhythmic skipping mirroring the thoughts in my mind. I reach for a new pebble at my side, its smooth surface cool against my fingertips. With a practiced flick of my wrist, I send it skimming across the water.
The air is cool, a gentle breeze carrying the subtle scent of the nearby sea. I find solace beneath the branches of a tree, its sprawling canopy providing a perfect shade from the California sun. A bench beneath its protective limbs calls me, and I settle onto its weathered surface.
This secluded spot within our estate grounds is my comfort zone, a quiet retreat that connects me to the vast expanse of the ocean. The rhythmic lull of the waves soothes my restless mind. I can escape the suffocating grip of family obligations. This is where I find peace.
Footsteps rustle behind me. I turn to see Greyson approaching. I’ve asked him to come. I can’t move forward with my plan before getting his approval.
He joins me on the bench with a subtle nod. “What’s so important I needed to come see you in person? Texting is good,” he chuckles.
I exhale, the weight of the impending conversation heavy on my chest.
“Out with it. I took the afternoon off from work for this.”
That’s so Greyson. He always gets straight to the point. But this isn’t as easy as he thinks.
“So, I told you about my grandfather retiring, right?”
“Yep.”
“It’s between my cousin Trevor and me to take over. But to run the firm, you have to be married. Trevor has been married for years. I’m not, obviously, which creates a problem for me.”
“And that has to do with me how?”
“Brinn.”
“No way.” He stands and heads toward the water.
I follow. “It’s not for real. I just need her to be a fake fiancée. She’s the only one to play the part.”
“How? You barely spoke to her growing up. She’ll never do it. When’s the last time you even saw her?”
“Yesterday.”
