Page 46 of Falling for your Fake Boyfriend

“No, I don’t mean a lab, but out of a plastic surgeon’s operating room.”

“Even so, it doesn’t matter. She’s gorgeous and rich and something tells me she gets whatever she wants, and she has her sights set on Luke. I hope they’ll be very happy together.”

“Well, I hope she grows a big hairy wart on the tip of her nose,” Ella said. “What will you do now?”

“First, I’m taking another bubble bath because—it’s just a fabulous tub. Then I’m going to bed, and I’ll see what fresh hell awaits me in the morning. The problem is—I’m out in the country, probably an hour from a town with a bus stop. I could get an Uber ride to town, but it’ll cost a fortune.”

“I just got that three-hundred-dollar check from the magazine I wrote the story for. I’ll send you the money.”

“No, Ella, you were going to put it toward a new laptop. I can’t take that money.”

“Look, I’ll send it just in case things get really bad and you need to escape. Then you can pay me back when you get home.”

“Thanks, El. I’m going to try to stick it out just so I don’t have to waste money on a trip home, but it’s not going to be easy because I have to keep reminding myself that Luke was never meant for me. Darn Nonna and all her romantic endings. She gave me too much hope that there was a prince waiting for me somewhere in the world.”

“There is. He just doesn’t happen to be Lucas Greyson. Now go jump in that tub and do a few laps for me. The money will be there in the mobile app, so you have an emergency fund if you need it.”

“Thanks, El. Love ya.”

“Love ya.”

ChapterTwenty-Two

Luke

Gretchen sent word that she had my favorite breakfast—runny eggs and toast—waiting in the kitchen. I felt like I was ten again as I hurried past the breakfast room where guests were helping themselves to whatever overly lavish breakfast fare Mom had ordered for the morning. I passed Dad’s study and stopped short as I heard my mom’s voice slide out into the hallway.

“This is a perfect match, and I can tell Luke is smitten. Alex is obviously over-the-moon, too. It’ll be the wedding of the century.”

“Maggie, don’t you think you’re getting ahead of yourself?” Dad asked. I didn’t stay for her response because it was all too predictable. Mom would just scoff at the question, wave Dad off and remind him to make an appearance at the breakfast table.

Gretchen was busy chopping vegetables for lunch. She smiled and nodded toward the plate at the end of the worktable. I hopped up on the stool behind a plate of three sunny-side up eggs and a stack of buttered wheat toast. I picked up the cup of coffee first.

“Just like old times, only coffee instead of chocolate milk.” I raised a questioning brow at her.

She smiled as she set down the knife. “Of course, there’s chocolate milk. I knew you were coming, after all. I just wasn’t sure you’d want it.”

I tapped the worktable. “Make it a double.”

She returned seconds later with a tall glass of chocolate milk. “How is Bryan?” she asked.

“I haven’t seen him this morning. He’s probably sleeping late.”

“Poor baby. I’ll send up some of his favorite biscuits and gravy this morning. Where’s your sweetheart?” she asked with a wink. She knew. I was sure Hazel let her in on the secret. Not that it mattered anymore. Mom invited the Carltons, regardless, and the three women couldn’t be pushier or more blatant about their scheme. Alexandria had put on quite the drama act, insisting she felt faint during the party, but she was miraculously better once we left the room—and Isla’s performance.

“I sent Isla a text this morning but no response,” I said. “I don’t blame her. I wouldn’t respond either.”

“Nonsense. You can’t leave that poor girl up in her room.” She refilled the glass with chocolate milk. “It’s a beautiful day, and there’s nothing but chaos here at the house. Why don’t you take a couple horses out?”

“Isla doesn’t ride.” I put down the glass. “But she does ride bicycles. Good idea, Gretch. I think we both could use some time away from the house.”

I finished breakfast and went upstairs to the guest wing. Alexandria was just leaving her room. She was wearing a sheer beach cover up, swimsuit and slip-on shoes. “I was hoping I’d run into you. I’m going to the pool for a swim and a little sunbathing, so I’m not so pasty white.” She stuck out her long leg. She was tanned from head-to-toe. “Join me. Please. It’ll be so boring otherwise.”

“I think I heard Rachel and Chloe mention sunbathing today. I’m sure you’ll have plenty of company.” I walked past her. She paused for a second and then walked with loud steps down the hall.

I reached Isla’s door. It took me a few seconds to work up the courage to knock. “Isla, it’s me. I was thinking a bike ride would be fun, and as I thought more about it, I realized it would be much more fun with you.” I could hear movement inside the room. “We could get away from the chaos, the guests … my mom.”

The door opened. Isla was wearing llama print pajamas. “I’ll go but I’m not promising fun. I just need the exercise, so it’s strictly that—exercise and fresh air and avoiding your mom, and if we happen to laugh about something—don’t read anything into it because it’s exercise and exercise is not meant to be fun. You know what they say, no gain—wait—” She crinkled her brow cutely. “Isn’t there something about pain in there.”

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