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“So, what would you do?”
“Programming, designing software, robotics. There are many options beyond that.”
“So very techy things. I was expecting science when I heard you speak earlier.”
“I love science. It’s a passion, and I’ve taken many classes. It is what the S in STEM stands for, after all.“ My voice is laced with sarcasm.
“Great, I not only got myself a smart fake girlfriend but a snarky one,” he deadpans, but the corners of his lips quirk.
“The sarcasm balances out the nerdy,” I throw out.
“You aren’t nerdy. And you like to draw. Pretty sure that balances out the nerdy and puts you in the creative category.”
“I thought I wasn’t nerdy.” I lift my brows.
“You’re not,” he agrees quickly. “You know what I mean. Hopefully.” His lips press together. “Anyway, we’re here.” He pulls into a parking spot.
My palms get clammy, and my heart starts to pound. It would be one thing if his brother knew about our ruse. It’s another completely that he has to accept me as a real girlfriend in his eyes. I take a deep breath before opening the car door.
Tristan smiles as we walk into Burger Shack. I haven’t eaten here in a while, but their burgers are good. My stomach growls as I look around the place, trying to see if I can pinpoint who his brother is on my own, but Tristan smiles and waves before I can finish my hunt.
A man and woman, whom I’ve seen come by the coffee shop separately, are sitting side by side in a booth. His brother’s eyes widen and his eyebrows lift when he realizes Tristan isn’t alone. Curiosity dances in his gaze as he says something to the woman. She lifts her head to look at us. Her eyebrows jump on her forehead as well.
It’s like a cartoon reaction in slow motion. If this were animated, their eyes would pop out of their sockets and snap back in place.
“Hey.” Tristan smiles at them. “This is Sage.”
“Hi, Sage.” His brother nods before looking at Tristan with a raised brow. Subtlety isn’t his strong suit.
“Sage, meet Hudson and Lex. My brother and future sister-in-law.”
“Nice to meet you, and congrats.” I hadn’t realized they were engaged.
“Oh, thanks, but we’re not engaged. Tristan just likes to throw that out there to ruffle Hudson’s feathers,” Lex says with a laugh.
“Oh, okay,” I nod, feeling all out of sorts.
This roleplaying is a lot more intense than the acting we did around his parents.
“Let’s sit.” Tristan offers his hand to help me slide into the booth before getting in beside me.
“This is why you’ve been going to the coffee shop every day,” Hudson says with a smirk. His combination of surprise and amusement makes me self-conscious.
Tristan swings his arm around me.
“Of course. Can’t stay away.” He winks, playing the part of the perfect suitor.
“So you two are dating?” Lex asks.
“Yup,” Tristan says confidently. “I asked her out, and she couldn’t turn down my charms. Isn’t that right?” His hand squeezes my shoulder.
“I made you work for it a bit more than that.” I arch an eyebrow.
“I like her already.” Lex laughs.
I let out a relieved breath, but it’s half-hearted until his brother agrees as well.
“You went to Mom’s together?” Hudson asks.
