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By the time we leave, my parents say we’ll have to get together again soon, and I’m ready to scream.
“I’m sorry,” I tell Sage, immediately walking out the door.
“You don’t need to apologize.”
“I do, for numerous things. I never meant to make you feel uncomfortable. My parents have strong opinions, and I should’ve told my mom about your diet, even if under a different pretense, so you wouldn’t feel bad.” I should apologize for kissing her hand, too, but bringing it up right now will make it a million times weirder.
I’m also not sorry I did it. I’m sorry I freaked afterward.
“It’s okay, truly.” She nods and slides into the car when I open her door.
“Are you okay?” she asks when I sit at the driver’s side.
“Yeah, unfortunately, I’m used to it. I needed a moment when I went to the bathroom. I didn’t think you wanted to witness a Remington showdown.” It’s meant as a joke. I wouldn’t fight my parents, no matter how frustrated I was with them.
That doesn’t stop Sage from reaching over and squeezing my arm. Her touch once again grounds me. I want to wrap up this feeling and save it for a day when I need to be soothed.
What is it about her that brings me so much peace? Whatever it is, I shouldn’t feel this way toward her. I should focus on the plan, not steer away from it.
“Thanks for defending me in there.” I look over at her. She may be in this for the money, but she spoke with such honesty that I don’t think she defended me as part of the ploy.
“What kind of girlfriend would I be if I hadn’t?” She lifts her brows.
The light from the driveway illuminates part of her face, keeping the rest shadowed. In this moment, I wish I could lean in and kiss her lips.
“A terrible one,” I joke, clearing my throat.
“Exactly.” She leans back in her seat as if all is right in the world.
Maybe in our twisted agreement, everything is all right.
12
Sage
Tristan’s parents are . . . unique. They seemed nice enough, but I felt so bad for him when they started putting down his career choice. I had to defend him, unable to stay quiet. Not because of the role I’m playing or the money I’ll receive if this idea works, but because he really is so passionate about helping others that I can’t imagine his parents not admiring his dedication.
Then, he kissed the top of my hand, and I didn’t know how to react. In front of people who think we’re dating, it’d be normal. For me, though, the way his lips pressed against the top of my hand, his beard tickled my skin, and it made me feel anything but normal.
It felt as if the world stopped spinning, and I was suspended in the universe, unsure if I’d fall into the abyss or begin rotating in an entirely new solar system.
“Ow.” I remove the stainless-steel pitcher from the steam wand after some of the milk splashes on my hand. My mind has been in the clouds all day, and I need to pay attention to my job.
“Hey.”
My head snaps to the left, and I widen my eyes.
“Oh, man,” Tristan bends over in laughter. “Your face. I wish . . . I had . . . a picture.” His words are breathy between cackles.
His bag lands on the countertop in front of a stool as he continues to laugh.
“It was all . . .” He twists his face, widening his eyes, and pursing his lips. I know it’s not exactly what I looked like, but it’s probably pretty close.
“It could’ve been a meme.”
“Ha, ha.” I roll my eyes and set the pitcher on the counter to take a deep breath before I finish preparing the customer’s coffee.
“How are you?” he asks now that he’s controlled himself.
