Page 51 of Fake Engaged to the Enemy

“Mom already told me about it,” she adds quickly.

I nod, leaving it there. Though, if June’s talk with Katherina was anything like the attempts she made to talk to me about it, Katherina needs a lot more.

Right now, I’m more than happy to leave the conversation.

“Oh, so you know I have an interview coming up,” I say, remembering. “I’ll take it in my room, but I’ll need to not be interrupted… but I’ll let you know when that’s happening, so you know when not to interrupt me.”

I really suck at this whole big sister thing.

To my surprise, Katherina’s shoulders slump. “Oh.”

“Oh?” I press.

“Congratulations,” she says quickly.

I study her, then stop our stroll. “You look disappointed.”

Katherina shrugs her shoulder. “Mom said I could stay here as long as you are. But that she expects me to come home when you’re not here to help Grandma look after me.”

Ahhh. Yes, that will do it.

“I won’t be starting it for a while, even if I get it,” I assure her.

Katherina nods, though she doesn’t seem so certain. I put my coffee down and slip off my own shoes.

The ocean water is cold, lapping against my calves. The deep purple of the sky has lightened to pink, sunlight reflecting off clouds and water.

It really is beautiful here.

“What does George think about your job? Where are you going to live?” Katherina asks.

I shrug lightly. “We haven’t discussed it yet. George knows I’m interviewing. We’ll decide what to do after we know if I have the job or not.”

Unbidden, an image comes to my mind. The old house that George just bought, fixed up and perfect against the beach.

Me, sitting on the front porch, drinking lemonade.

George sitting next to me, whittling.

And our children playing in the yard.

There are three of them in my imagination. They’re chasing each other and our dog. A medium-sized dog, one that will thrive in our open space.

The image is striking. It makes my heart warm and takes my breath away.

I’ve never thought of myself as the type to settle down. Oh, I’ve long wanted to marry and have kids, but it always seemed like something I couldn’t have in my career.

I like this possibility. Even though there was a time when Sandburrow felt like a cage, now it feels more like freedom.

There are reasons for me to stay.

Grandma for one.

As much as I don’t like the thought of her getting old, the fact is she’s not as young as she once was.

She’s kept me busy while I’m here. And even though she tries to brush it off, I can tell she’s more tired than she used to be.

It would be a good thing for me to stay here and help her out.

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