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I set my backpack on the mattress to secure my spot. “I call the bed.”
“Oh, come on.” Maddox puts his backpack on it too. “It’s king-sized—plenty of room for both of us. I’ll face away from you, and we can put pillows between us. Please don’t make me lie on the floor.”
I look down at it, noting that the log floor beams do look hard and cold. “You’re the one who wants separate rooms.”
“That’s just for sleeping. Not for sex…or for pretending to have sex. Plus, there are no extra blankets. I’ll freeze.” His tone is pleading.
I groan. “Fine.”
“Don’t worry. You’ll like it.”
I shoot him a glare. “Hardly.”
As I unpack, Maddox sits on the bed, his face turning stern. “Faking our relationship to strangers is one thing, but selling it to my extended family is an entirely different thing.”
“Okay.” Iwashaving fun, but suddenly, I can hardly breathe.
“Don’t forget to touch me often.” He puts a finger up. “And never feed me. They know I don’t like that.”
“Yeah. Me neither.”
His knee bounces. “Oh. And try to talk to my Aunt Lydia as little as possible. Her bullshit radar is FBI level.”
“Got it.” I want to puke.
Once I’ve been given a shakedown, we go outside where Billy and Skye have a fire roaring. Log seats surround a pit, enough for seven, and it reminds me of how many people are going to be here tonight. At least Maddox and I don’t have to fake it for Skye and Billy because I’m nervous enough having to pull it off for his aunt and cousins. It’s sad I’m here under pressuring circumstances because I’d normally be thrilled to be a part of a family, even if it’s pretend.
The weathered charcoal grill is fired up with Billy at the helm, and we make our way to it and get our vegan burgers and hot dogs. I miss regular meat, but at least I don’t have to worry about falling off the wagon on this camping trip. One downside of being on TV is having to stick to a strict diet.
Once Maddox and I have filled our plates, we sit around the campfire where everyone eats on paper plates with plastic forks,and I chuckle to myself. This is the polar opposite of the black-tie charity event we attended last weekend, yet it’s every bit as awesome. Maybe more, with the towering trees, pine-scented air, and the soothing sounds of chirping crickets and the rushing Blue Vine River beside us. This atmosphere is just what I need to temper the anxiety of the situation.
When Maddox reaches over and rubs my back, I tense at first—his touch is still new, unexpected—but then my body heats up, and I have to remind myself it’s just for show.
I sit quietly as we eat, intimidated, not to mention scared that I’ll out myself as a fraud.
After we finish, Billy stands. “Welcome to the annual Winter manifestation ceremony. We come under the blue moon to celebrate our bonds and humbly ask the universe for the highest and best on the most powerful prayer night of the year.” He shifts on his feet, uncharacteristically nervous. He smiles at Skye before he says, “Also, tonight, Skye and I have an announcement.”
The group nods, shooting glances at one another.
Billy glows. “We’re planning a non-commitment ceremony.”
“Wonderful!” Lydia, Maddox’s aunt and the widow of Billy’s brother, jumps up and claps. Then she raises her arms like she’s at a revival, the sleeves of her turquoise muumuu waving in the air.
“Non-commitment?” Maddox’s mouth hangs open.
“We don’t want marriage,” Skye cuts in. “I’ve done that six times, and a piece of paper means nothing. What Billy and I are doing, well…”
“We wanna choose each other anew each day.” Billy squeezes Skye’s hand. “We’re gonna have a celebration of our decision to move in together and join lives with no commitment to each other.”
“But moving in together is a commitment.” Maddox’s lip curls.
“A spiritual non-commitment.” Billy shoots Maddox a “cool it” look.
I know where Maddox is going—that this is all happening fast. Except, is it? Sophie mentioned they’ve been hooking up for a while. When I glance at Skye, I see a ring on her left finger. I stand and approach her, snatching her hand and pulling it closer. “Is that a…” I bring it to my face. “A mood ring?”
“Yes.” Skye beams. “It’s part of our daily decision to stay together. We wanna work to keep it orange or red. Then we’ll know the fire’s still hot between us. Billy has one too.” Skye points to Billy’s left hand.
“Jesus,” Maddox mutters under his breath. Then he addresses the group. “Well, then. A big congratulations to the both of you.”
