Page 25 of Caught in the Middle

Emma appreciated Lulu’s humor to try and take the heat off of her.

Lauren took the teasing in good stride. “No sense in fixing what isn’t broken.”

Emma looked at her, taking in the beautiful woman who was only a couple of years younger than them. It was true that she’d always been the more positive and bubbly one, though Emma knew better than to think it was because she didn’t have struggles or hard times of her own. Lauren had her own type of strength, not the kind that showcased itself in toned muscles and competition, rather the silent and sturdy kind that she used to get through even the toughest of days and carry more burdens than her own.

A feeling of gratitude and guilt washed over Emma as she realized she was sitting here with two of the most important women in her life, one knowing the truth and the other one being lied to.

“I like your positivity,” Emma offered. “The world needs more of it.”

“I need more of this,” Lulu said, gurgling her straw at the remains in the bottom of her glass.

They all laughed.

“I need the restroom, so I’ll get us refills on my way back.” Lauren stood up to leave.

“I’m good,” Emma said.

“Nonsense. You’re just hoping to remain sober before Cam gets back. You’ll thank me later when you’re seeing double that body stripping down to try on the new clothes.”

Emma and Lulu’s laughter was loud enough to earn some looks from nearby guests, but she didn’t care. It felt good to goof off with her friends.

After Lauren gave them a mischievous smile, as if to say she could still be just as funny without giving up her outlook on life, Lulu turned toward her friend.

“How are you holding up? I feel like I’ve not had a chance to talk to you alone since we got here.”

Emma bit at her lip. “So far so good,” she admitted. “But I still feel bad lying.”

Lulu waved a hand in the air. “Don’t bother. Everyone’s getting along great with Cam.”

She looked like she wanted to say more but didn’t, so Emma raised her brows in question. “And?” she prodded.

“And nothing. You’re both pulling it off so far. The subtle glances, cutting in for one another at dinner last night. I even saw you on the beach messing around with your camera. You look like a real couple.”

Emma tried to ignore the little flips happening in her stomach. Why did that admission cause her to feel giddy? “It’s all fake. We just need to get through this week.”

“What if it isn’t?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well,” Lulu hesitated, then pushed her sunglasses on top of her head as she turned to face her friend. “From the times I’ve worked or communicated with Cam, he’s always seemed like a great guy. And when I was looking at his pictures–”

“You creeped his profile?” Emma blurted, both shocked and intrigued.

“I’m not going to let you room with a man you just met unless I get a good vibe about him.”

Emma gave her a look. “And did you do background checks on every guy you took to bed?” Then she grinned. “Or that guy over there you keep ogling and eye flirting with?”

Lulu’s mouth gaped. “What? You’re insane. I’m not ogling him.”

“Oh yes you are, and don’t even pretend otherwise.”

“Fine, but I’m not ogling, I’m nonverbally letting him know he can approach me if he has the balls to do so.”

Emma laughed because only Lulu would come up with a retort like that.

“And don’t you try changing the subject, missy.”

“Fine. What conclusion did you come to after stalking my pretend boyfriend online?” She whispered the last part as she saw Lauren was coming back their way.

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