Page 3 of Fake Engaged to the Enemy

“Just because I work for him doesn’t mean I do anything besides manage his social media accounts,” Catherine snaps.

“Cat, I’d never believe that you would get involved with a client,” I say gently.

Her shoulders hitch forward, and she folds her arms.

I’m not sure if she’s just feeling defensive or if she doesn’t believe me.

How did we end up here, anyway? We were the best of friends when we were kids. Whenever we were out, we were together.

Sure, things changed through middle school and especially once we were in high school. I wish they hadn’t. I miss my best friend.

“Hey, if you were thinking about visiting the tidal pools, just be aware that the old bridge over the creek got washed out,” I blurt.

We had so much fun in those tidal pools as kids.

We’d carefully collect the creatures left on the sand and return them to one body of water or another.

Now as an adult, I understand that the animals didn’t need our help. Sometimes it’s best to just leave them. Sometimes, when we try to help, we just end up doing more damage.

“When did it wash out?” Catherine asks, sounding relieved that we have something to discuss other than the rumors about her.

“Last month, when that big storm hit us. It did a number on Lynn’s house, too. That’s why I’m headed out there,” I add. “I’ve been working on fixing it up.”

Catherine’s brow pinches together. “For a month?”

I wince at the semi-accusing tone she uses.

“I originally was going to have my whole crew help, but Lynn refused to let me do that without paying me,” I explain. “And since she doesn’t get much of a pension, I decided I’d just do it all myself when I’m not otherwise working.”

Catherine lets out a ragged sigh. “I told her that I’d pay if she needed me to and she kept insisting that she had it covered.”

“Lynn Hart is the most stubborn woman I know,” I say. “Although now that you’re here, maybe we can trick her. You can take her into town for a few hours, and I’ll bring my crew out and get things finished up and she’ll never know that it was more than just me.”

“Are you kidding me?” Catherine gasps. “I can’t lie to my grandmother! She’ll find out and then do you know what will happen?”

I snicker. “You’re right. Nobody would ever find our bodies.”

Catherine nods gravely. “So that certainly is not an option here, Mr. Callahan. Nope, we’ll just have to find some other way. Maybe we could find a beau to distract her… is there anyone in Sandburrow she’s sweet on?”

“If there is, she keeps it close to the vest,” I say with a shrug. “It might be better to try to keep things in the status quo.”

I’ve been enjoying this teasing with Catherine so much that it surprises me when her expression grows closed again. She turns her face away, staring at the landscape as it zips by. The lightness that was there moments ago disappears so quickly it leaves me uncertain what happened.

What made the atmosphere shift so dramatically?

“That will be best,” she says to the window. “But… but thank you for helping out my grandma with this. It can’t be easy, working on your weekends and free time. I will pay you, if you need me to.”

“I’m not taking your money. I’m happy to do this for Lynn.”

Catherine nods. “I won’t argue with you then. But thank you. For her sake.”

“Cat?”

Her shoulders tense.

“It’s going to be okay, you know. Whatever fallout you feel is insurmountable right now. You did the right thing by taking some time away. And Lynn is thrilled to have you, too. She’s been talking about nothing else since you called.”

“Does she know?” Catherine asks, her voice low. The worry in her tone is obvious.

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