Page 21 of (Not Really) Faking It With My Best Friend's Brother

He was charming, funny, and surprisingly easy to get along with. I was shocked when the app matched us, but the more we hung out, the more I realized how much we had in common.

My mom walked into the kitchen pulling me from my thoughts. “Good morning, sweetheart. You know I still haven’t heard any details on the wedding date or venue. And what about your dress? Oh, and the color scheme and flowers! Have you considered peonies? They’re so delicate and romantic!”

She paused for a much-needed breath, her coffee cup halted halfway to her lips, her eyes wide with the thrill of pending nuptials. I could practically see the Pinterest boards being assembled in her mind, each full of DIY decor ideas and whimsical wedding themes.

"Mom," I began, putting on my most reassuring tone. “Everything's still in the works. Nate and I are just enjoying our time together right now. We're not rushing anything." I prayed my face didn't betray the half-truth I was selling. The truth was, there were no wedding plans because there wouldn't be a wedding. But I couldn't bring myself to tell my mom that yet. Or anyone else in town, for that matter.

Before she could press further, I quickly changed the subject, “Oh, the time must have gotten away from me. I need to finish getting ready for work.” I jumped up from the table, put my dishes in the sink, and hurried to my room.

I had just finished getting dressed and walked into the living room to change out of my slippers when a streak of orange outside the window caught my eye. There was a stray cat prowling along the fence line. Baxter noticed it, too, and let out an excited howl.

Before I could stop him, he made a beeline for the front door. I had propped the door open to let in some fresh air, the screen door acting as a barrier against unwelcome pests. Somehow, in his excitement and exuberance, Baxter's paw hit the handle just right. With a loud creak, the door swung open.

"Baxter, no!" I yelled, lunging for his leash hanging on the hook. Too late. The door slammed shut, and he tore off after the cat, leash dangling uselessly from my hand. I stood frozen for a second, then took off running after him. Slippers flapping and hair flying. So much for a calm morning.

I sprinted down the sidewalk after Baxter, calling his name as he bounded gleefully after the fleeing cat. My eyes were glued to his floppy ears, bouncing with each step, willing him to stop before he got too far.

Just as I was gaining ground, Baxter made a sharp turn, nearly causing me to faceplant into a bush. I managed to keep myself upright and continue running, only to discover my path was now blocked by an enormous puddle hidden in the shadows of a large oak tree.

I tried to stop or go around, but my momentum was too much. One foot landed in the muddy water and instantly slipped from under me. Arms windmilling, I let out a surprised yelp as I landed on my backside with a giant splat.

I sat there stunned, covered in mud up to my elbows. The chill of the water started to seep through my clothes. Baxter paused to glance back as if to say, "What are you doing down there?" Then, he was off again, following the scent of adventure.

With a groan, I started attempting to get back on my feet, only to slip and fall again.

Just then, I heard footsteps approaching. Oh no. I looked up to see none other than Nate jogging around the corner. He slowed, taking in the scene with raised eyebrows and barely contained amusement.

"Susan? Is everything okay down there?" He grinned, though his eyes held a glimmer of concern.

I sighed, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Oh, just fabulous. Nothing like a morning mud bath to start your day."

This could go down in history as one of my most embarrassing moments. But maybe if I played it off with humor, I could retain a shred of dignity.

Yeah right. Dignity was currently oozing down the sidewalk in muddy rivulets. At least it was Nate who found me like this and not...

My thoughts were interrupted by the click of a camera shutter. I swiveled my head to see Frances grinning like the Cheshire Cat, phone aimed right at me.

"This is too good!" she exclaimed. "The headline writes itself: Librarian Takes Unscheduled Bath Break."

I dropped my forehead into my muddy palm with a squelch.

"Frances, please don't take photos," I pleaded, but my protest only encouraged her paparazzi instincts. She circled around, snapping more shots as Nate tried to lend me a hand.

"Here, let me help-" he began, reaching for my arm. But the mud had other plans. His expensive running shoes slid straight out from under him, sending Nate flailing backward with a yelp. He landed on his backside in the muck beside me with a tremendous splat.

For a moment, we stared at each other in shock. Nate's black hair was matted with mud, and his jogging clothes were equally filthy. Then his eyes crinkled, and he burst out laughing.

Despite myself, giggles bubbled up in my throat. Soon, we were both cracking up uncontrollably. Nate slipped and slid, trying to stand, only making us laugh harder.

Through it all, Baxter decided to make his triumphant return, sprinting towards us, the cat long forgotten.

"Nate!" I could barely get his name out through the sounds of laughter, pointing at the oncoming mass of canine fur and floppy ears.

Nate turned just in time to be bowled over by an enthusiastic Baxter, slipping straight back into the mud with a surprised yelp. Oh, this couldn't get any more absurd. The laughter was now a physical ache in my sides, but it was the best kind of discomfort.

Just as the hilarity started to simmer down, Baxter took the opportunity to shake off the excess mud. The airborne mud splattered all over us, reigniting our helpless laughter.

Frances, meanwhile, was in paparazzi heaven, phone clicking nonstop. "This is priceless! Wait until Rivermint Cove gets a load of Dr. Reynolds and the Librarian's mud bath madness!"

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