Page 26 of Fallen Stars

Fuck.I wish I knew.

Tapping on the notification, I read Abigail’s message.

Abi

Sorry to bug you at work. We should grab a bite tonight. Mom asked me how things were going. She didn’t like my lack of details.

A little more than two weeks have passed since we agreed to fake date. Since that night in the gardens, Abigail and I have spent maybe two hours together for dinner. And, of course, our parents were present. After the night ended, she texted to suggest we get to know each other better. That way, we can answer mundane questions our parents ask when we’re not in the same room.

So we’ve been texting almost daily. Nothing life-changing. More like the small details—favorite foods, music, sports, things we’ve done recently. Considering she works with her mom, she has a higher chance of being asked questions.

Over the past couple of weeks, a friendship has formed as we’ve chatted. It’s nice to add another person to my small list of friends.

No worries. I needed a break. I’m good with dinner. Where?

Anywhere our parents won’t be lol

At this, I laugh.

We both come from wealthy families with high expectations, though her family is a bit more laid back than mine. A lot of people think money equals happiness. For us, it’s a prison sentence with unattainable expectations.

I can’t wholeheartedly speak for Abigail, but all I want is to be myself. Just Levi. Not some stuffy politician with an overinflated ego. Not someone deemed town royalty because his great-times-however-many-grandfather was dubbed a town founder over a hundred years ago.

All I want is a simple, normal life. One that includes Oliver.

Sloppy’s BBQ

My family wouldn’t set foot inside the local laid-back barbecue joint. Abigail’s dad or brother, maybe, but unlikely.

Good choice. 7?

7 works

Meet you there. Have a good day ??

I react with a thumbs-up, lock my phone, and toss it aside.

Elbows on the desk, I drop my head in my hands and fist my hair. Pinch my eyes closed and groan at the reality of my life.

Secrets. So many damn secrets. My own concealed truths. The ones I unearth at work. And now this… pretending to be with someone I have zero interest in romantically just to appease my parents and hers.

It’s too much. A weight that grows heavier by the day. A weight I won’t be able to support forever.

“Last weekend, we went to Lake Lavender for some R&R.” Abigail sighs from her side of the booth. “It was so nice to walk around and hold hands and not worry about people seeing us together.”

I pick at the baked beans on my plate and hum.

“Have you been there?”

Swapping my fork for my drink, I take a long sip and shake my head.

“Such a cute town. Small like ours, but less pretentious.” She laughs.

I remain mute on my side of the booth.

Has Abigail always talked this much?

I think back to every occasion we’ve been in the same room together. Not once do I recall her prattling on like this. If I’m honest, it grates my nerves.

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