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“Shucks.” I joke. “I’ll tell him you said so. He needs to be reminded sometimes.” Wait until I tell Mason. He’s going to crack up.
9
MASON
After visiting Gran, Lauren and I hang back in the foyer of the nursing home. We still have a few things to organize, but Lauren seems to have most of it under control. I rest my foot against the wall and dig my hands into my pockets. “Shall we have a traditional bridal waltz? Gran will expect one.”
Lauren raises a forefinger. “Yes!” She drops a hand. “Hold on. You’re hopeless at dancing.”
“And you’re hopeless at compliments.” I chuckle. “I can watch some YouTube tutorials. No problem. I’m sure I can avoid your toes for a few rounds of the dancefloor.”
Lauren’s eyes brighten. “My Area Manager, Dion, is engaged to a dance instructor. She’s a creative arts teacher too but occasionally offers dance lessons. She teaches at the local schools.”
“Can we pay her to give us lessons?”
“I’m sure she would love to help.” She taps some notes into her phone.
I tilt my head to one side. “You enjoy organizing this fake wedding. It’ll be good practice for a real one.”
“I’m not going to hold my breath. Our small town offers slim pickings. And don’t get me started on the tourists that come through.”
What about me? Why can’t we still have a chance?
Her cheeks flush pink as she looks at me. “I had an awkward date this week.”
My head snaps back, and I nearly get whiplash. “Huh?”
Lauren flaps her hand. “Not a date. Kind of like a late lunch. Early dinner.” Her gaze darts to the receptionist behind the plexiglass, who’s doing a miserable job of pretending she’s not eavesdropping.
“A super-fan asked me out for coffee, but we ended up ordering food.” She grimaces.
“Super-fan?” I cock an eyebrow, and it twitches.
“Social media stalker.” Lauren’s eyes go wide. “He believes the earth is flat.”
My foot slides down the wall, and I straighten. “What?” A laugh escapes me. I’m relieved—no need to worry. Lauren wouldn’t put up with such nonsense. She’s a realist, through and through. She sees through me too, so no point in hiding my feelings for her. She knows me better than anyone.
Lauren laughs as well and reaches for my arm. My gaze dips to where she’s grabbing me. I place a hand over hers and smile at her.
“I wish you’d been there.”
My thumb brushes the back of her hand. “I wish I had as well. I could be your bodyguard. Should you be going on dates with strange men?”
She slips her hand out of my hold and tucks loose hair behind her ear. “Men from outer space. Yeah. Next time, I’ll invite you.”
I tsk. “Lauren, there will be no more dates with other men. We’re getting married, remember.”
She rolls her eyes. “Sure. Fake wedding, remember? Where I spend your money for Gran’s sake.”
Not if I can help it. I don’t have much time to convince her we should tie the knot for real. Once the pretend wedding is over, we won’t need to see much of each other. Lauren can visit Gran by herself. And I’ll go back to being a bachelor. That doesn’t sound very appealing anymore. Not one bit.
Page circles around Lauren and me. “Shuffle closer a few more inches.” The tip of Page’s shoe nudges the back of my heel.
She peers over her blue-rimmed glasses and flicks her head upward. “Chin up, as I told you.” The woman is all high school teacher. Firm tones and no messing around. She places my palm on Lauren’s waist, grabs our joined hands, and pushes our elbows higher.
“Perfect.” Page walks backward and turns to the blue tooth speaker in the far corner. “Siri, play a classical waltz.” A blend of a clarinet, strings, and the trumpet play in the background.
I smile at Lauren. She glances away. Why is she acting shy? This was her idea. Well, the lessons were. I might not have the chance to dance with Lauren and hold her in my arms again. I’m going to enjoy every moment.
