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Sage turns her head to look at me. Her eyes spark with challenge. I know what she’s thinking, but if she’s not there, my parents will question it.
“Trust me,” I mouth.
She nods and takes a deep breath, focusing on the conversation. I talk to the guys, updating them on Spread Joy’s progress. Sage shivers beside me, and I look at her to see if she’s cold.
“That tickles,” she whispers.
My brows furrow, confused. I look at her to see what could be causing it.
“Your fingers.” She tilts her head in the direction where they rest on her upper arm.
“Oh, sorry.” I move my arm from around her shoulder. I hadn’t even realized I was touching her.
“It’s okay,” she says quietly with a tight smile.
Distance wedges between us, and I wish I hadn’t done that so I could still feel some of her warmth. She’s sunshine, illuminating the world so I can see all the beautiful shades. I am a positive person, always looking at the bright side, but lately, the bright side is more. It’s Sage.
All I can see and think about is her. It must be because of all the time we’re spending together. It’s only normal to experience this when you meet someone new.
In a few months, when I have my non-profit started, I’ll be traveling again, meeting with different people, and giving all my attention and energy to building Spread Joy. I just need my trust fund to come through so that I can start working on it and collecting donations, applying for grants, and creating merchandise to bring in more funds. I can’t lose sight of the effort I’ll have to put in in the coming months.
That’s my priority and where my focus should be. It’s what I’ve wanted for so long, and I can almost taste the success of it all.
I look at Sage again, taking in her profile. This is fake. I need to remind myself of that and not feel guilty. It’s not like we’re in a real relationship, and I plan to leave her. We both understand the assignment.
I shake off this odd feeling and smile. Everything is good, going according to plan. We have a deal to pull through, and that’s all. Sure, I like hanging out with Sage and have had fun getting to know her, but none of our rules say we can’t be friends.
14
Sage
“Honey, I’m home.”
The steamed milk almost slips from my hand when I look over my shoulder.
“Oh, my goodness!” I shriek, dropping the stainless-steel pitcher and burning myself with a splash of milk.
I shake my hand off as I round the counter and tackle-hug Daisy.
“What are you doing here?” I lean back to look at her, tears blurring my eyes. She said she wouldn’t be here for another two days.
Her laughter is high-pitched as she dances around in a circle.
“I wanted to surprise you.” Her proud smile beams.
“You so did. I’m so happy you’re here.“ I hug her again.
“Come and sit. I need to work, but you can keep me company.” I look around at a couple of people staring at us and smile apologetically.
“I’m all yours. After you finish, we can go have dinner and just hang out.”
“Sounds great. Ah, I’m so happy to see you.” I shimmy behind the counter and squeal.
“Me too, S.” She sits on one of the stools at the side of the counter while I continue working. I’m alone this afternoon, but it’s been slow.
This week has passed by in a blur. Since I met Tristan and his friends at Bottom’s Up, I’ve been more focused on what this fake relationship is supposed to be. I feel guilty at times, and then I talk myself out of it by telling myself I’m helping him achieve something good.
I haven’t seen Tristan much since the day at the bar. He’s been busy with phone calls that he’d rather take in private, which I totally understand. He also went out with Derek and Matt again. I’m glad he’s reconnecting with old friends, and a part of me selfishly wishes it would remind him that Hartville isn’t too bad. I don’t expect to spend time with him like a real boyfriend.
