Page 57 of The Friendly Fall

Or just dating anyone in general.

The sigh that escapes my lips catches their attention, and they both turn to me. I shrug, my head still swimming with how to make the best impression at the dinner tonight. “I don’t want to ruin our friendship. Things can get weird after someone admits to feeling something beyond just friendship,” I finally say, my eyes dropping to my boots.

Mara nods, her face shifting to an expression I can’t read. “Well, I get what you’re saying, but don’t wait too long … Then you might be too late.”

“I don’t know. I’d rather only ever be friends than lose her entirely.”

But hopefully this fake relationship will help her see me in a new light.

“Aw.” Mom’s lips stick out in a pouty, sweet face. “You’re such a good man, Nick. I know I’m biased, but you’re still something special.”

“Okay, that’s enough.” I laugh, shaking my head. “I don’t wanna talk about it anymore. You two are too much.” I take a long sip of my sweet tea and eye the pumpkin pie sitting on the bar with the rest of the deserts. “I think I might have some pie before I go, though.”

“I’ll get you some.” Mom beams, sauntering off.

I’m left standing here with Mara, who suddenly clamps down on my arm and drags me to the living room.

“What the heck?” I snap, pulling my arm from her. “What’s wrong?”

“Listen.” She leans in, her voice low. “Iknowyou’re going over there for Thanksgiving for something more than just friends. Why are you hiding it from us? I saw the pictures on the internet. Mom said they were just for fun, but I don’t believe you.”

I hesitate. “Well … the pictureswerejust for fun. But she needed some couple photos for her portfolio.”

She leans away, placing her hands on her thin hips. “Okay, but why’re you acting so nervous about going to the Willis Thanksgiving? You’re around them all the time, and if you’re reallyjustfriends, why would it matter about meeting her parents? Are you two sleeping—”

“No,” I cut her off before she can finish that thought. “There’s nothing like that going on. I’m just … I’m just…” My voice trails off as I hold my sister’s unenthused gaze, feeling guiltier than ever.

Jeez, I can’t lie to her.

I was originally hoping I could just skirt around the truth, but now that my sister’s right here in front of me, demanding for it, what am I supposed to do? I clench my jaw, wondering if she’d spill it to Mom, or if she’d keep it to herself.

“What is going on, Nick?” Mara presses. “If something about your relationship has to be a secret, it’s not a good relationship,trust me.”

I nod, and then let out a heavy sigh. “Well…” I peer around her into the kitchen, relieved to see that Mom got distracted with my niece and nephew. “It’s … weird.”

Mara’s dark brows shoot up. “Oh? Do tell.”

“I’m … I’m going to her Thanksgiving dinner to pretend to be her boyfriend—for her parents.”

Mara blinks a couple of times. “What? Why?”

“Because her mom apparently thought that we were a couple, and I guess they’ve been worried about her ever since her breakup. And yeah, I agreed to do it for her. She says that she’s going to tell them that we broke up afterward.” Saying it all out loud reminds me just how deceitful this whole idea sounds, but it is what it is.

Mara shakes her head. “You’re too nice.”

“I know … I just—”

“You gave in because you love her,” Mara finishes, her voice thick with disapproval. “What do you think will come from being a pushover?”

My eyes widen. “A pushover? Is that seriously what you think I am?” My tone stays at a near whisper, but the sharpness is there. “There’s more than one reason I’m doing this,” I add, my shoulders losing some of their tension.

“Oh yeah? What’s that?”

I’m silent for a few moments, not sure if I shouldactuallyadmit my dreamy—and a little far reached—plan. “I … I was thinking that I might … If I’m areallygood boyfriend…”

“Oh. My. Gosh,” she groans, facepalming herself. “You think that you can pretend your way right to her heart?Ugh.Nick, how old are you?”

I give her a questioning look. “Thirty-two?”

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