Page 68 of Both Sides Now

Am I being dramatic? Hell yes, but I’m upside down in emotions—a place I don’t enjoy visiting.

The reality is that Keegan and I are faking a relationship—per his request. The issue is we've crossed that proverbial line in the sand, and now I have no idea where our boundaries lie or how far past them either of us will traverse again.

Only one way to find out. I may be his fake girlfriend, but until Monday, I have a role to play.

One that doesnotinvolve skulking in corners.

Grabbing my drink, I wander outside in search of the bridal party, pausing for a moment to appreciate the beauty surrounding me. The weather continues to cooperate, gifting the happy couple with sunshine and spring blooms.

Spring has officially sprung, but this is the first time since Charlie’s death that I’m able to appreciate it again.

Before Keegan, I resented every gorgeous sunrise. Every flower popping through the lingering snow. Every?—

It hits me like a ton of bricks. Before Keegan, my world was shrouded in darkness. Since knowing him, my world has been brighter, as if he turned on the light in my dark cave of grief.

I stride toward the section of lawn where the weddingparty is gathered. The urge to be near Keegan keeps growing stronger, or maybe I’m just weary of fighting it.

Fighting the idea of us.

No one can deny there’s something between us. Hell, his own mother commented on how different the man is with me.

Somehow, that gives me the strength I need for my next mission.

Locate Keegan and letmyfeelings be known, as well.

It wasn’t some drunken admission last night, spurred on by too many cocktails. It couldn’t have been. He meant what he said but he’s scared—an issue I plan to rectify immediately.

Brilliant plan.

Turning the corner, I screech to a halt, not ten steps from the group. Keegan stands off to one side, the blonde bridesmaid running her hand through his curls.

Oh, hell no, she isn’t.

Feeling a surge of jealousy I refuse to ignore, I storm over, my whiskey sloshing over the edge of my glass.

Keegan glances up from his private chat when I clear my throat, my arms crossed over my chest, and a ‘you’ve got some explaining to do’ expression on my face.

“Hi, Calli.” He waves off the blonde, dragging a hand through his hair and mussing up any semblance of a style. “What are you doing out here?”

My foot taps out an erratic rhythm on the ground as my blood pounds in my ears. “Better question is, what areyoudoing out here?”

His brows furrow in confusion before a look of realization passes over his face, and he releases a chuckle. “I assume you’re referring to Nadia?”

“I don’t care what her name is. Why was she touching you?”

“She was fixing my hair for the photos.”

“Sure she was.”

I shouldn’t be this angry. Keegan is not my boyfriend. At this juncture, he’s barely my friend.

But I swear unto everything that is holy, I will rip Nadia’s hands from her body if she touches my man again.

Keegan grasps my elbow, leading me to a secluded corner. “While I appreciate the overt demonstration of the jealous girlfriend, it isn’t necessary. I plan on telling my family about our arrangement.”

“Why? So you can screw Nadia?”

Am I being louder than necessary? Of course I am.

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