Page 63 of Fake Engaged to the Enemy

“Uh-huh, and what makes you think that’s what I was afraid of?” Lynn grabs a roaster from under the sink and puts it on the counter.

I place the bird inside and cover it up before transferring the dish to the fridge.

Lynn is still giving me a hard look, though.

I steel myself. “Everything that’s between Catherine and me is just between the two of us. I don’t want to talk about it with anyone else.”

I expect her to push back, to tell me that as Catherine’s grandmother, she has a right to know.

Instead, Lynn’s expression softens. “Alright. We don’t have to discuss it if you aren’t comfortable.”

“Really? You’re going to give up just like that?” I frown doubtfully at her. “You, who would badger me for ages if I didn’t bring Catherine’s suitcase in? And you badger me nonstop about making sure I eat enough.”

“And what does one have to do with the other?” Lynn snorts. “One is common courtesy. The other is concern for your well-being. This is about your personal business as an adult.”

“You really are amazing, you know that?” I shake my head.

Lynn pats my shoulder, laughing. “Oh, I’m more than amazing, my boy. I’m terrifically awesome. That being said, if you ever want to talk about Cat, you know you can talk with me. I’m not about to choose sides but I think I can help.”

“Thank you,” I answer. I give her a smile as I shrug. “Really, though, I don’t think there’s anything to say. I have to respect her boundaries.”

“And she’s told you not to talk to her about this again, has she?”

I flounder. “Not in those words exactly. But she did say we need to just move forward with the assumption that we will never end up together. She told me not to wait for her.”

Lynn rubs her chin as she gives me a searching look. “Those were her words exactly?”

“Close enough.”

“Right. Then I’m changing my advice. You walk up to her, tell her that you love her, and ask her to stay,” Lynn says, with a decisive nod of her head.

I stare at her. “But Catherine doesn’t want to stay.”

“And she told you that in those words?”

“Well… not those words exactly.”

Lynn nods slowly. “Alright.”

I wait, but she seems to be deep in thought. “So you see why I can’t tell her again?”

“No. But I also can’t see through your eyes. I can’t know what was said and what feelings there were.” Lynn hugs me tightly. “If you think it’s best to let it lie, I’ll believe you. I love you, kiddo. You know that, right?”

“Of course I do, Lynn.” I hug her back, welcoming her grandmotherly embrace. “You warned me this would happen.”

Lynn pats my back as she releases me. She gives me a strained sort of smile as she shakes her head. “Nah. Prophecy is just wishful thinking coming true.”

The way she phrases it makes me snort.

Luckily, she doesn’t insist that I stay for supper. Though pizza sounds delightful, I don’t want to have to spend more time close to Catherine.

As I’m driving home, I wonder what I can do so that Catherine knows I don’t want to shut down the new blossoming of our friendship.

I’ve missed her a lot over the years.

And now that we’re back on friendly terms, I don’t want to lose that.

I’m crafting the perfect text message in my head when I arrive back to my home.

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