Page 9 of Fake Situationship

A throat clearing has us jumping apart. The bride and groom watch us with amusement.

Claire fiddles with her hair and straightens her dress, while I smile at the newlyweds.

“We wanted to come check on you, but you’re doing just fine.”

Claire blushes. “Oh, yes. We’re good.”

Ellie laughs. “Yes you are.” Then her smile drops as she comes over to Claire. “Oh, cuz, I’m so sorry about Alan. I didn’t know he could be like that.”

“Yes, Claire, I’m sorry. I feel horrible. He can be a dick at times, but you said nothing. I never thought he treated you like that since you two were together for so long.” The groom shakes his head.

“And don’t worry. He’s gone. We told him he had to leave. We don’t want you to be uncomfortable with him around.”

Claire nods, as I rub my hand along her back, needing the connection to her. She says, “You guys didn’t have to do that. Carl, he’s one of your best friends.”

The groom shakes his head. “We haven’t been close for a while. And you’re family. So how about we don’t let this ruin the rest of the evening and we get out on the dance floor?”

Ellie whoops and I laugh as Claire looks at me shyly. I lean over and whisper in her ear. “I’m all for getting you on the dance floor, holding you against my body. It’s a nice way to spend the evening.”

Claire flushes and catches her breath while her cousin smirks at her. She had to have heard me.

I kiss her cheek. “You’re so beautiful when you blush.”

Claire laughs, grabbing my hand. “Okay, Mr. Smooth Talker, let’s see if you can shake what God gave you.”

Chapter 8

Claire

From all the newsarticles, pictures, and video of Zach, I wouldn’t have pegged him as a crazy, wild, and fun dancer, but he let loose on the dance floor. His confidence is contagious and I’m so comfortable around him I can’t help but join him in his antics.

My family can get a little wild and he fits in. Aunt Jean even cozies up to him in a slow dance that has my heart melting. She’s feisty, and he treats her with respect and care. I love it. He makes everything tip on its axis as I envision a future with him, making me excited and scared.

“You have yourself a keeper, honey.” My mom wraps her arm around me.

My heart drops as he isn’t mine to keep, and I didn’t think this all the way through because now my family will get worried all over again when Zach fades out of my life. At first I figured it’ll be okay because I’ll be fine, but I might not be because I’m falling for him and I can’t do anything about it. This is fake. Our situationship was always meant to be fake.

“I’ve never seen you light up as much as you do when you’re with him. It’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.” My mom hugs me before walking over to my dad. I snag a server who’s passing by and grab a champagne flute, down the glass, and take a second.

I’m not a drinker, but it’s all becoming too much and once this evening is over, Zach is gone.

I’m a little dizzy as Zach helps me into my apartment. The champagne wasn’t such a great idea. He leans me against the wall beside my door.

“Okay, sweetheart, which key is it?”

“You know, I can do it. I’m not drunk-drunk, just a little drunk.” I pinch my fingers together as I squint at my hand.

Why are there ten fingers on one hand? Huh. Strange.

Zach’s sexy laugh consumes me making me fall into a puddle of goodness, and I study him as the ideal man as I fawn all over him.

“You’re so beautiful, you know that.”

“Ha. No, sweetheart, you hold that title.”

Pouting, I shake my head. “Nope. It’s you. You’re the dream,” I exhale and lean my head against the wall, closing my eyes. I’m tired.

Zach gets the door open and I cheer, even though it’s weak with sleepiness.

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