Page 108 of Fake it for Keeps

The restaurant Hallie had chosen was perfect, with cozy booths and soft lighting. It was the kind of place where you could actually hear yourself think. The smell of garlic and fresh bread filled the air, and I was already eyeing the bruschetta on the menu.

“This place is amazing,” I said, sliding into the booth across from my roommates. “How did I not know about it?”

“Because you’ve been spending every waking moment with your fake fiancé,” April said with a knowing smile. “Who, by the way, we need to discuss.”

Before they could pepper me with a million questions, a server appeared.

“This is on me guys,” I said. “And I feel like splurging.”

“Oh, someone is feeling rich,” Hallie teased.

We ordered stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta, cheese sticks, and an antipasto platter. I also insisted on a nice bottle of wine. A little day-drinking was in order.

The server returned, opened the wine, and poured three glasses. It all felt so fancy. We were more accustomed to burgers, fries, and cokes at whatever little joint was closest. It felt good to be able to do this for my friends.

Hallie held up her glass of wine. “We need to toast my promotion.”

“You got it?” I exclaimed.

She was grinning so big I just knew her face had to hurt. “I did. Big pay bump. Bigger office!”

“To Hallie,” April and I chorused, clinking our glasses together.

“Associate Director of Marketing,” Hallie said proudly. “With a corner office and everything.”

“You deserve it,” I said. “You’ve been working your ass off.”

It had been almost two weeks since I’d had a proper conversation with my best friends, and I’d missed this. I felt so out of the loop. I didn’t even know what was going on in their lives. By the time they got home from work, I was usually already heading out to Colt’s place. He always told me I could hang out at his penthouse while he was at work, but that felt too weird. So I usually spent the day home alone in our little apartment trying not to go stir crazy.

Two trays filled with way too much food were delivered. It all smelled and looked delicious. My eyes were bigger than my appetite. I wanted to eat with Colt later, too. I was going to snatch a couple of the mozzarella sticks to take to him. He loved Italian food.

“So, April,” Hallie said, stealing a mozzarella stick from the basket. “Tell us about this mystery man from the apps.”

April’s face lit up in a way I hadn’t seen in months. “His name is David. He’s a teacher. Fourth grade. And he’s just really sweet, you know? We’ve been on three dates, and he hasn’t once tried to pressure me into anything. He just wants to talk and get to know me.”

“That’s so healthy it’s almost suspicious,” Hallie teased.

“I know, right?” April laughed. “I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. But so far, he’s just genuinely nice.”

“I’m happy for you,” I said, and meant it. “When do we get to meet him?”

“Well, I was hoping he could be my plus-one for your wedding.”

I smiled. “Yeah! I can’t wait to meet the guy.”

“Okay, okay,” Hallie said, turning to me with an expression that meant business. “We saved the best for last. Hallie, what’s going on with you? And don’t try to downplay it, because we know you’ve been staying at Colt’s place all week. You guys are certainly taking this whole engaged thing pretty seriously.”

Before I could answer, a familiar voice called out, “Hallie!”

I looked up to see Frankie approaching our table, a warm smile on her face. She was dressed in a sleek work outfit, her coat draped over one arm.

“Frankie! Hey!” I stood to give her a hug. “Small world.”

“Yeah, I just finished lunch with a friend. I’m heading back to the office.” She glanced at my friends, and I quickly introduced them.

“These are my roommates, Hallie and April. Guys, this is Frankie, Colt’s sister.”

“Nice to meet you,” Frankie said with a pretty smile. “I’ve heard a lot about you both.”