Page 30 of Pucks and Coffee

CHAPTER 16

Eliza

Coleson stopped by the shop with my favorite drink this morning. I assumed, after a chaste kiss from his sweet lips, that it’d be a good day. I hadn’t expected him—or the kiss—that’s for sure. It was nice, and of course, my little romantic heart turned to goo. I had to remind myself that this is a marriage of convenience and he probably kissed me for good luck. He knew I was nervous after our call last night, but what he didn’t know was that it was more than nerves. I feel guilty for the planned lie, so the drink and the kiss were a little push I hadn’t realized I needed. It made me feel like this would all work out. That all would go off without a hitch.

I was dead wrong.

All the eyes of my family are set on me, and the tension is unbearable. Even on FaceTime, Austen’s jaw is gaping, and her eyes are wide. My sisters match her expression, while my peepaw just looks like he wants to flip the table, sending our food and drinks flying. I swallow nervously, willing myself not to be embarrassed or even ashamed of my choices. I want this. I want to help Coleson. I won’t be jealous of my sisters’ relationships or yearn for something, when I already have it. Even if it is all fake in Coleson’s eyes, at least I’ll be moving toward something I want, and I’ll be helping someone.

Someone I’m totally attracted to and have convinced to give me an orgasm daily.

No big deal. No problems to be had. All will be just fine. So fine. I’m fine.

Everything is just fine.

“You got married?” Louisa asks, her eyes scrutinizing me, along with the rest of my family.

“To whom?” Clara asks incredulously, her brows furrowed.

“And why haven’t you said you were dating anyone?” Elliot adds.

“Why weren’t we invited?” Austen inquires, her voice sad and basically kicking me in the gut.

I was expecting this reaction. We’re all one another has. It’s only been us five, and we love one another. We have protected one another all our lives. And they weren’t there on my special day. I should tell them it was neither special nor real, just to ease the hurt, but I have to protect Coleson. I don’t know why I have this burning need to protect him, but I do. Even if it’s fake, he’s my husband.

I’m so fucked.

Peepaw’s eyes are dark as he stares at me. “Please tell me it isn’t one of my hockey players.”

Oh…well, shit. I wasn’t expecting that. “Um, okay, lots of questions,” I say with a nervous chuckle. I take a long drink of my sweet tea to give myself more time as they all gawk at me. “So, what are everyone’s plans after this?”

“Eliza,” Louisa warns. “Start talking.”

I gulp as I hold her gaze. She’s my best friend and I don’t want to lie to her, but I have no choice. They’ll all freak if they know I did this for a coffee shop. They just wouldn’t understand how badly I need this. Especially after Clara had revealed she’s starting a mobile dog service that would take dogs to the park daily. I mean, come the fuck on! She’s a genius. Even I want to ride in a cool bus with the puppies and go play. It’s a dream job, and it’s perfect for my doggy-loving sister.

As I look around the table, I’m in awe of my sisters, and I want to be like them. Sometimes I feel like a poor excuse for an older sister. It was always more Louisa and Austen who ran things. I just was there. I’ve always been just there. While the younger two aren’t involved with anyone, they’re both killing it at life. I feel stuck.

I can’t tell them that, though.

I’m the optimistic one.

But lately, I haven’t felt that, which is why I think I jumped in with both feet at Coleson’s idea.

“Well,” I start before exhaling a deep sigh. I look down at my drink, so I don’t have to look in their eyes like the coward I am. “We’ve been dating on and off for over a year. Mainly just, er…” I pause, flashing my peepaw a shy look.

“Just say it,” he demands, watching me.

“Just friends with benefits. And we started it up again a couple months ago, and things got serious quick. I’ve been in love with him ’cause it’s me. I love love,” I say with a flip of my hand, laughing. But no one laughs. They just stare at me. “Come to find out, he fell for me and asked me to marry him. It was rash and quick, but we plan on having a huge party in a year or so.”

I need to remember to tell Coleson that last part.

Just in case someone asks.

Maybe I’ll still have a big party.

A divorce party.

Austen’s voice fills the space. “Who is he? Have we met him?”

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