Page 58 of Just Act Natural

That reminder tones down our teasing. She doesn’t bring it up a lot, but Tess hasn’t had an easy time as a single mom. I’m nervous enough to think about dating again after a six month break—Tess is looking at ending a sixyearbreak.

“If he’s the right man for you, he’ll be understanding about all of that.” I don’t know where I’m getting this advice, but I have to believe it’s true. “He’ll want you just as you are right now. And if he can’t be patient while you sort things out, then he’s not the guy. But someone else will be.”

Tess’s cautious expression lifts. “Thank you.”

Hope takes a sip of water. “Wow. Out in the woods for a week, and she comes back a guru.”

I jab my elbow into her side. “Why did I agree to come to dinner with you?”

“Starvation.”

“Okay.” Wren aims double-barreled finger guns at me. “It’s your turn. You went into the woods single and came out with a boyfriend who looks like a Greek god. How does one recreate that? If one were to go into the woods looking for a Greek god?”

“First, Grant looks like a normal man.”

She drops her chin into her hand. “Funny. That isexactlywhat Tess said about Ian.”

I lock eyes with Tess. Her “I’m sorry” smile isn’t all that comforting.

“And Ian’s a total smoke show.” Wren’s only too happy to drop that bomb.

“Second,” I say, carrying on, despite her detour. “Boyfriend’s kind of a strong word after only a few days together. Isn’t it?”

I need an answer here, people.

“I would run with it,” Hope says. “Mom was about to invite that single pediatric dentist to the engagement party to keep you company. If you walk it back to friendship, she might change her mind and dump him on you anyway.”

“Does she realize I could have a good time at your party without a date?”

“Obviously not. When she said you had a boyfriend, I thought you were just trying to get her off your back. But she said she saw him, so he can’t be made up.”

My laugh comes out a little too high-pitched. “How sad would that be? Pretending to have a boyfriend just to save face at your engagement party.”

So pathetically sad.

Jodi brings out platters of burgers and fries, and Amy delivers our shakes before they leave us to it. I take my first bite of burger, and all my hike-shriveled cells cheer in celebration.

“Mmm,” I groan. “Real food.”

Wren wipes her mouth after a particularly big bite of fries. “Okay, but you haven’t said anything about the adonis yet, except that he’s not an adonis, which I’m not buying for a second.”

How to explain? I can’t tell them none of it’s real, not now. After Josh’s cheating, losing everything in Seattle, and scrambling to get by here in Sunshine, I needsomethingto feel like awin. Being with Grant, even just for a little while? That’s the biggest win around.

I think through our five days together, and land on the part I know my friends will find most impressive.

“He read to me at night in his tent.”

The booth fills with swoony, romantic sounds.

“That’s all I need to know,” Wren says. “He’s a keeper.”

The thing is, I’m starting to wish he could be.

EIGHTEEN

GRANT

In a strange caseof déjà vu, I see Lila before she sees me. She’s strolling up the sidewalk, peering into shop windows she passes, oblivious to me standing outside Perk Me Up. I don’t know much about fashion off of a mountainside, but her shorts and top combo looks effortlessly stylish but still entirely casual. She could be getting on a sailboat in Italy or boarding a private jet in Aspen. Or preparing to introduce a virtual stranger to boba tea.

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