Page 13 of (Not Really) Faking It With My Best Friend's Brother

Deciding some fresh air would be good for me, I laced up my running shoes and headed out the door, jogging my usual route through Rivermint Cove's tree-lined streets. My brain buzzed with thoughts, the steady beat of my running rhythm doing little to silence them.

Midway through my run, I found myself in front of Amelia's Flower Shop. I hesitated a moment before I pushed the door open. The tinkling bell announced my entrance.

I scanned the abundant array of dahlias, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers before spotting Amelia herself behind the counter.

She was arranging a bouquet with expert precision, her auburn curls bouncing with each movement.

"Hi there," she said cheerfully, turning to face me. "What can I help you with?"

I smiled back at her. "Just looking for something to bring to Susan for our engagement party tonight. I think she likes carnations and daisies."

Amelia’s eyes flickered with recognition. "Ah yes, Tom told me about that this morning. Let's see what we have here." Amelia moved towards a display of vibrant flowers, and I followed her. As she carefully chose stems and arranged them into a bouquet, I couldn't help but admire her skill and passion for her craft.

All right then, here you go." She placed the bouquet into my hands, the petal edges were a soft mix of white and pink.

"Thanks," I said, admiring the bunch of flowers in my grasp.

I left the flower shop, and the sight of an antique store next door caught my attention. A ring. I needed to get Susan a ring. I wondered if the store might have a reasonably priced old engagement ring.

With a nervous sigh, I pushed open the heavy oak door to the antique shop. I saw a little jewelry display case, and there it was, the perfect ring to match Susan’s vintage chic style.

After a quick shower and shave, I hopped in my silver pickup and headed across town to the little blue Victorian house where Susan had grown up. I could envision her there on the porch. Her petite frame swallowed up by one of her oversized cardigans, eyes wide with anxiety behind those black-framed glasses.

Sure enough, there she was, pacing the weathered boards like a nervous cat. She stopped when she saw me, pressing a hand to her chest. I climbed out and met her at the bottom of the steps. I handed her the flowers, hoping it would lighten the mood.

"Hey there, fiancée," I said, flashing her a crooked grin.

She laughed, but it came out tight and breathy. “I think my mom is watching us from the window,” She mouthed barely above a whisper.

"They’re beautiful. Thank you." She stepped forward, putting on a show, and wrapped her arms around my neck. I hugged her back gently, hyperaware of her body pressed against mine. She smelled like lavender.

We broke apart, and our eyes met briefly before quickly darting away.

"Shall we get going?" I held out my arm and she wrapped her arm in it.

We walked to my truck, and I opened her door to let her in, then hurried around to the driver’s side.

We drove through the quiet streets of Rivermint Cove, past the rows of tidy shops and colorful Victorians. Susan fidgeted with the hem of her dress, sneaking glances at me.

"So..." I said, trying to break the ice. "How does it feel to be the most talked-about couple in town?"

She let out a shaky laugh. "Oh, you know. Just dandy."

We pulled up to the community center, and balloons and banners proclaimed, in bold letters, "Congratulations!" I swallowed hard.

I reached for her hand. She turned to face me, her eyes wide and questioning.

"Before we go in," I interjected, reaching into the glove box. "I got you something."

She gasped as I pulled out the tiny antique box, opening it to reveal a delicate gold ring studded with tiny diamonds.

"It's just for show," I said quickly, seeing her shocked expression. "I mean, we need to sell our story, right?"

"Nate," she whispered, "it's... it's beautiful." Her hand trembled slightly as she held it out, allowing me to slide the ring onto her finger.

"Well, it's showtime!" I exhaled deeply. "We have to either give the performance of a lifetime or be forever humiliated. No pressure, right?" I playfully smiled at her, not entirely sure that we could convince everyone in Rivermint Cove of our "true love."

"None at all," she quipped back, her voice thick with sarcasm. I could see little beads of sweat forming on her eyebrows.

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