I just decide to be honest. “Forget that things are supposed to be fake. For show.”
My phone buzzes in my back pocket, and when I read the message from Gus, I curse the world for its terrible timing.
Gus
Everything’s all set. Just lock up when you’re done and bring the keys in the morning.
Fuck.
“What’s wrong?” Oakleigh asks.
“Huh?”
She looks down to the edge of the table as if she can see the phone I’m hiding beneath it.
“You just said ‘fuck.’”
Shit. Didn’t realize I did that out loud.
“Oh, uh, it’s nothing. Just something I forgot about.”
She doesn’t look convinced, and I can’t blame her. I’m not the best liar.
“I’m gonna go and take care of the bill and use the bathroom. You take your time, okay?”
“Finn—”
“Hmm?”
She opens her mouth and closes it again.
I think about everyone watching us and, before walking away, I lean down to place a chaste kiss on her lips, my fingers lifting her chin up toward me. The kiss is momentary, the equivalent of a kiss on the cheek you give to your grandma before you leave.
As I make my way over to the reception desk, my mind decides to play devil’s advocate.
Give up. You’re not worth anyone’s love let alone hers.
Oh, fuck off will you?
“Excuse me?” The waitress asks, shocked.
Why do I keep accidentally talking out loud.
I offer a shy smile. “I’m so sorry, I promise that wasn’t directed at you.”
“Oh.” A relieved smile breaks out on her face.
“Sorry, I was just thinking about something.”
“Date not going to plan?” she asks, nodding toward Oakleigh.
“No, no, nothing like that. I think I’m just nervous.”
“Don’t be,” she smiles, turning to print off the check. “From what I hear, you’re a good guy. Mickey hasn’t stopped going on about you since you arrived.”
“He’s too kind.”
I pay the bill and leave a generous tip.
