Page 52 of Falling for Finn

I grab her painting. Oakley explains it’s not completely cured yet, so it needs to be handled with care and to hold it on the edges. She takes the easel and cloth covering, then leaves the other one in the truck.

“I can’t wait to surprise your grandma with the other painting after the big reveal.”

“She’ll probably cry,” I warn. “Grandma is like a leaky faucet when she’s overwhelmed and happy. The woman sometimes laughs and cries at the same time.”

“And that’s why she needs to be protected at all costs,” Oakley says as we make our way toward the inn.

It’s not even nine in the morning, yet people eat pumpkin pie and candied apples. Kids run past us wearing fairy wings and superhero capes with painted faces. The smell of sugar wafts through the air, and there isn’t a person without a smile on their face.

“This is so cool.” Oakley smiles as we make our way through the crowd toward the large stage where the band is currently setting up. At the front, there is an area roped off for the painting.

“I don’t want anyone to see it yet,” she tells me as we make our way up the stairs. I hold it close to my body so no one can steal a glimpse.

“Grandma saved that spot for you.” I nod my head toward the velvet ropes. Set up your easel first and then we’ll cover the canvas before carrying it over.”

“Great idea.”

Oakley quickly brings the wooden legs out and checks to make sure the easel is sturdy. Before walking away, she gives it a little push for prosperity’s sake before returning to me.

“Do you want to set it up?” I ask.

“No, I trust you,” she whispers, carefully draping the thin black material over the canvas.

I lead the way, and she stands close as I cautiously put it in place. Oakley repositions the cover, and we take a step back.

I grab her hand and kiss her knuckles. “I can’t wait for everyone to see what you created.”

“What time is the reveal again?” she asks nervously.

“One sharp,” I remind her, leading her off the stage and through the steadily forming crowd.

I run into Uncle Jack and my dad as we make our way toward the food trucks.

“We saw Levi,” Dad tells me.

“Yeah? Where is he?”

“He was in there flirting with Willa.” Uncle Jack chuckles.

I shake my head, not at all surprised. “Thanks.”

“Ready to meet my best friend?” I ask Oakley.

“Uh. Yeah.” She lowers her voice. “And how exactly do I introduce myself?”

I laugh. “As Oakley, the pain in my ass painter who sneaks into my bed. He knows about ourarrangement.”

“Which one?”

I lean in and whisper in her ear, “The fake relationship, not fucking each other’s brains out.”

She laughs. “Ah. Good to know.”

We enter through the back door and pass the common room and fireplace. I can hear my best friend laughing with my grandma in the kitchen.

When I enter, they both turn and look at us.

“There’s the happy couple now.” Grandma shoots me a wink. We still haven’t told her the truth, and though I feel guilty about that, it’s easier this way for now.

---