Page 53 of How To Fake A Fiancé

“One more week!” my mother says cheerfully. “I’ll let you go and call your sister. Bye.”

“Bye.” The line cuts off, and I lower my phone onto my lap. “I swear, that woman…”

“Everything okay with your mom?”

“She has a brand-new boyfriend of only one month and is bringing him to Thanksgiving.”

“That’s awfully sudden,” he replies.

“Right?”

“Is she happy?”

What does happiness have to do with it? “I give it three weeks.”

He looks surprised by my estimation. “You don’t think it’ll last?”

I scoff. “None of the others have. What makes this one so special?”

“Your mom has dated a lot recently?”

“More like my whole life. That woman wouldn’t know what a serious relationship was if it hit her in the face.”

“That’s a bit mean to say about your mom, don’t you think?”

In truth, what I am saying is harsh. But at the same time, I’m not wrong. She’s always been like this.

“I’m just saying, I know my mother.” If only he knew.

Chapter Sixteen

Friday, November 18

Kiera and Jonathan’s house

Dallas, TX

Kami

“Happy Friendsgiving, bestie!” I state excitedly, holding up a dish in each hand when Kiera opens one of the large iron doors of her and Jonathan’s house. Stuffing in one dish and brownies in the other.

She is all smiles, wearing a pink sweater and black sweats. “Kami, you’re here! Come on in.”

I walk inside. The elegance and decor of the house is something that never gets old for me. The beautiful, brown-with-white-trim, curved stairs are the focal point of the house along with the large, dark-brown table in the middle of the foyer.

As I admire the house, my mind goes back to the Halloween party. I’m amazed by how much has happened between Ian and me in such a short time.

“Is Ian here yet?”

She shakes her head. “Not yet. He called a bit earlier, though. Said he might be late.”

“Is everything okay?” Late? Why would he be late? Did something happen?

“Oh, yeah, he needed to pick up a few things at the bar. Why? Are you anxious to see him?” She winks.

I roll my eyes, but I know I’ve already been caught. “Just wanted to know.”

Kiera gives me a dubious stare before taking me by the arm and leading me into the kitchen.

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