Page 10 of (Not Really) Faking It With My Best Friend's Brother

"Um, yeah." I clasped my hands together and twirled my thumbs around each other, resisting the urge to hide them behind my back and cross my fingers. "We're engaged."

"Isn't that something?" Grace mused. "You know, I've always believed that the best love stories are unexpected and genuine. Wouldn’t you agree?"

"Uh, sure," I responded, trying to keep my voice steady. "Life can surprise you sometimes."

"Yes, it can," she said, nodding wisely. "So, tell me, how did this lovely development come about?"

"Actually," I hesitated, searching for a suitable answer. "It just sort of... happened."

"Ah, well, I’m happy for you," she said, nodding in approval. "Life is too short to let love pass you by."

"Thank you, Grace," I replied, touched by her heartfelt advice.

She gave me a warm smile and patted my hand. "Now, back to business. Tara Robertson, you say. I'll give it a try."

As she walked away, her words continued to echo in my mind. Was it possible that this unexpected, pretend relationship with Nate could somehow become genuine? And if so, was I ready to take that chance?

I was still mulling over Grace's words when my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw a new message from Nate.

"Hey Susan, can we meet today after lunch by the river? I don’t have any patients until three p.m. I think I can get away for a bit. We should talk."

A walk with Nate—alone. The prospect sent a flutter of anticipation through me, tempered by the anxiety of navigating our fake relationship and the genuine emotions simmering beneath the surface.

"Sure," I typed back, my fingers betraying a slight tremble. "I can be there around 1:00?"

"Sounds good. See you then."

I had brought my lunch to work, and after eating in the breakroom, I headed to meet Nate.

Rivermint Cove was divided into an old town square and a newer area. The library and the hospital were in the old area. The town had made several improvements in the last few years, and new coffee shops, ice cream shops, and restaurants had opened. It was like our own Central Park in the center of town, with a river flowing through the middle.

As I made my way to the river, deep in thought, I almost collided with Mayor Tom Fletcher, whose larger-than-life personality seemed to fill the entire sidewalk.

"Ah, Susan!" he boomed, his eyes crinkling with enthusiasm. "I've heard some delightful news about you and our fine Dr. Reynolds. Care to share any juicy details?"

"Mayor Fletcher," I stammered, my face heating up as I tried to formulate a response. "You know how the rumor mill churns in this town. Nothing too juicy, I’m afraid.”

"No need to spill all the beans just yet. But I must say, I'm absolutely thrilled for you both. Love is a beautiful thing, my dear!" he exclaimed, giving me a playful nudge.

"Thank you," I managed to choke out, my cheeks aflame with embarrassment and amusement. "I should really be going now—Nate's waiting for me."

"Ah, young love." A grin spread across his face as he stepped aside. "Off you go then!” He winked and walked away, leaving me standing there with a face as bright red as a tomato.

I shook my head, chuckling to myself as I continued towards the river. Word traveled fast in Rivermint Cove, but I didn’t anticipate it traveling this fast. I couldn’t help but wonder if Nate was as nervous about our meeting as I was. Would he be able to tell that beneath the pretense, genuine feelings were there?

"Focus, Susan," I muttered under my breath, trying to steady my racing heart.

The river glistened under the golden glow of the sun, its gentle flow mirroring the soft rustle of leaves above. I spotted Nate leaning against a tree, his hands tucked in his pockets, and my stomach fluttered nervously. As I approached him, he looked up and smiled, his blue eyes warm and inviting.

"Hey, Susan," he greeted me, pushing off the tree to stand next to me. "Thanks for meeting me here."

"Hi, Nate," I replied, trying to sound relaxed even though I was nothing but. "I just ran into Mayor Fletcher on my way here. He already knows about us."

Nate chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, I guess Tiffany ran straight to the Rivermint Cove gossip mill. Truth be told, I never expected that our fake relationship would involve so much attention. It's a bit overwhelming," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

I couldn't help but giggle. "Welcome to the world of Rivermint Cove gossip, I suppose."

"Yeah," he said, his laughter mirroring my own. I couldn't believe how ridiculous the situation was, but at least we could laugh about it together. Maybe this unexpected connection was exactly what I needed.

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