Page 58 of It Started at the Lake

“Good morning, dear cousin,” she says in a super chipper voice.

Yeah, something is totally up with her. “Have you talked to Millie since last night?” I ask. “She didn’t come down for breakfast.” I hope it’s because she slept in.

“Poooosssibly.”

“Evs…” I hedge. “Why are you acting all know-it-all-ish?”

She holds her hands up defensively. “Sorry. I’m just really happy. I’ve been trying to introduce you to Millie for a while. I’ve always known you two would hit it off.”

Wait. Does this mean Millie told Evie about our picnic? And Evs thinks it's a date? This is good. Great, actually. “Always?” I quirk a brow. “Even when I was married?”

Her nose wrinkles. “I figured you’d be friends. But since you moved to Amherst? Yeah, I had a hunch you’d be good for each other as more than friends.”

I’m quiet for a moment as I figure out how to make this fake relationship sound real. A big part of me loathes the fact that I’m lying to Evie, but for my sanity, it’s necessary. For the sake of this conversation, I evaluate how I would feel if Millie and I were dating for real. “I’m terrified,” I say. “What if I allow Millie in and I lose her?” It’s a big hurdle for me. One (of many) that’s keeping me back from truly giving someone else a chance.

Evie rounds the island, coming to stand next to me, rubbing my back. “This isn’t going to be easy for either of you. Millie had a rough childhood and lousy ex-boyfriends. You’ve been put through the ringer with Jen’s death. It’s okay to take your time and figure things out as you go. Don’t think this has to be some whirlwind. If you do, you both might end up burned in the end, and I’d hate that because I’d feel stuck between my best friend and my cousin who I adore.”

“Aw, you adore me?”

Evie smiles and shoves my shoulder. “Stop it. You know I love you.”

I pull her into a side hug. “I know. I love you too, and I’m very grateful for all the support you’ve given me the last few years.” Though I’d really appreciate her backing off the dating pressure. “I’m scared, but also looking forward to hanging out with Millie more.” As a friend. I chuckle awkwardly. “It's confusing to have such conflicting emotions. But man, Millie really is incredible. Even if she’s a little young.” That’s another plausible reason holding me back. Hopefully, Evie buys it.

“She’s not that young, but you’re right. She’s amazing and deserves to be treated accordingly.”

“Is that a threat?”

“It’s an advisement.”

“Understood.” I nod, piling the grapes into a reusable container. “Any last words of advice?”

“This is new territory for you. Don’t be afraid to tell Millie everything you’re thinking and feeling. Even if you’re scared of her reaction. She’s very loyal and supportive if she’s aware of what’s going on.” Evie’s voice softens. “It’s weird for her to date someone who’s been married before. It isn’t a deal breaker for her, but if you’re struggling and don’t explain why, she’ll think you’re wishing she was Jen and you’re either settling for Millie or using her for a rebound.”

Did Millie really say that, or is Evie projecting how someone who might date me would feel? Either way, ouch. This isn’t even real, and yet I can’t imagine how Millie would feel if this were. Way to take a knife to my heart. “Everything I’m thinking and feeling?” I tease, masking the confusion swirling in my head. This fake dating didn’t seem complicated when the idea came to me. Now? I’m as tangled as a junk drawer full of cords.

“Hold in the indecent comments.” She shoots me a dry look.

“You have my word.”

“Good. Now go have some fun with that gorgeous woman with a huge heart.”

Being around Millie is always enjoyable. I salute her. “Yes, ma’am.”

“I’m not a ma’am!” She stomps out of the room, giving me time to finish packing our picnic.

News is out. Millie and I are dating. How quickly will Evie tell the others?

CHAPTER 28

Camille

I’m pacing my room like a caged animal. Why am I freaking out this much? I’ve been on plenty of dates before and none of them caused a sheen of sweat across my forehead like I have right now. This is Bennett. Our date is fake.

There’s no reason to be this nervous.

A knock on the door sends my pulse skittering like a court reporter typing a witness statement. Running my hands down the front of my red eyelet blouse, I blow out a shaky breath. Everything will be fine.

Opening the door, my heart skips. Bennett always looks handsome. But right now? He’s like a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich. So incredibly yummy, I could eat him right up.

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