Page 18 of (Not Really) Faking It With My Best Friend's Brother

As the game continued, Nate shot me an impressed look. "Quick thinking," he murmured.

After the game ended, Nate and I found a spot on the grass to gaze at the night sky. The inky blackness was freckled with dazzling stars.

"When I was little, my dad taught me the constellations before he got consumed with work and traveling," Nate said. "That cluster there is Orion. And you see those three stars in a row? That's his belt."

I followed his finger, picking out the majestic formation.

"What else?" I asked, intrigued by this new side of him.

He pointed out Gemini, Taurus, and the Big Dipper. I listened, enraptured. Under the sweeping Milky Way, he told me about his dream of becoming a jazz singer when he was younger.

Lying next to each other in the grass, I felt a sense of comfort I hadn't expected. When he started humming, "Fly Me to the Moon," I closed my eyes, a smile spreading on my face.

Being with Nate almost felt… like it was meant to be. After a bit, we got up and headed back to our room. Nate made a pallet on the floor next to the bed. As I drifted off to sleep that night, I found myself wondering what it would be like to really be engaged to Nate.

I fell asleep to the gentle rhythm of his snores, a new sense of hope kindling inside me that maybe I could find true love after all.

Chapter eight

Nate

The morning light filtered through the dense canopy of trees, casting a beautiful glow on Susan's face. I couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions. My heart skipped a beat, but I forced myself to look away, trying to ignore the confusing feelings stirring within me. I told myself it was just the peaceful atmosphere getting to me.

"Hey, want to get away from the group and get some fresh air for a bit?" I asked, aiming for a casual tone. "I was thinking we could take one of the trails, just the two of us."

Susan's eyes lit up. "I'd love that! Being out in nature sounds perfect."

As we hiked along the winding path through the lush woods, I stole glances at the way the shadows played across her delicate features. Focus, I scolded myself for my wandering thoughts, turning my attention to the birdsong and rustling leaves.

"It's so nice to have some quiet time," Susan murmured, her voice hinting at wistfulness. "The retreat's been more fun than I expected, but..."

"But you're truly an introvert at heart," I finished her sentence with a knowing smile.

She laughed, the sound warming me like sunshine. "Exactly. Being around people all day can get tiring. Even people I really like. Add in trying to fake a relationship and be quick-witted in front of a group of people. It’s a bit overwhelming," Her eyes held mine meaningfully.

I nodded, touched that she felt comfortable enough with me to share that vulnerable part of herself. We walked in easy silence for a while, appreciating the natural splendor surrounding us.

We ventured deeper into the forest, spotting all sorts of wildlife. Squirrels darted along tree branches, their bushy tails flicking behind them. A rabbit slipped silently through the underbrush. A family of deer grazed in a sun-dappled clearing, raising their heads to watch us curiously before bounding away.

I didn’t realize that I had become distracted by watching the wildlife and had not paid attention to my surroundings.

Up ahead, the path forked in two directions. I paused, squinting at the weathered signpost with faded inscriptions, trying to decipher which route to take.

"Hmm, I think it's this way." I pointed to the left with false confidence.

Susan tilted her head, studying the signpost intently. "Are you sure? I think we should go right."

I shrugged off her doubts with a playful wink. "Nah, left is correct, trust me." I heard Susan sigh, but she followed behind me.

We walked for a good twenty minutes before the terrain started looking unfamiliar. The trees grew denser, enclosing us in shadow. I felt a trickle of doubt but resisted glancing back at Susan. I had to appear sure of myself.

"So, there seem to be a lot more trees than before," Susan said lightly. "Are you absolutely positive this is the right trail?"

I hesitated. "Of course! It's just...taking us somewhere more secluded."

Susan laughed, the sound echoing through the woods. "You have no idea where we are, do you?"

I slumped in defeat. "No, I don't. I'm sorry. I should've listened to you back there."

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