Page 27 of How To Fake A Fiancé

I had a suspicion the feisty Latina was a bit cynical when it came to love and relationships, but to hear her own mother say this about her daughter gives me some perspective and clarity.

I realize it’s not just toward me that she’s resistant to love. She’s resistant to love in general.

Her father is also something to put onto my ever-growing list of questions. Are Kami’s mom and dad separated? Divorced? Is her dad no longer living?

“Your daughter is very independent, for sure. It’s what I love about her.”

“To be honest,I’vebeen calling you ‘mystery man.’ Like I said, she hardly tells me anything.”

I wonder why that is. Could the anger and disappointment on Kami’s face when talking to her mom on the phone have anything to do with it? If that’s the case, she must hold some kind of resentment toward her mom. Could it be over her sister? No. It feels much bigger than that. Whatever the reason, Kami shows clear signs she’s not talking about it any time soon.

The woman on the phone continues, “I usually stalk her on social media, and I know her friends through past pictures, but I saw a more recent photo she was tagged in with them, and you were the only person I didn’t recognize. I saw you were tagged too and knew we should talk. You two look so cute together,” she gushes.

Photo? What photo?

That’s right. Last night at the party, Kiera had a group of us come together to take a selfie. Posing for the photo, I stood close to Kami as I wrapped my arm around her waist. Her body was stiff, with her arms at her sides, as she pasted on a smile. She immediately walked off when it was over a few seconds later.

I spent the remainder of that night, though enjoying myself, watching her.

“Thank you, ma’am. Your daughter and I love each other very much.”

She just hasn’t admitted it yet, but it’s fine.

I glance over at my two friends again. There’s a shocked look on both of their faces.

“I’m so glad to hear that. Sorry about this, but I stalked you a bit on Instagram and saw you own a bar. Is that true?”

“Yes, ma’am. I own a sports bar run by my family.”

“A family-owned business. I love it,” she gushes some more. “I have so many questions to ask you, but I’d rather ask you them in person.”

“That makes two of us.” Given how Kami’s phone call with her mother went back at the party, I have an inclination about what she’s going to ask.

“In that case, would you and Kami come to Thanksgiving this year? I swear, it’s like hitting a brick wall with that girl trying to get her over to Abilene with you.”

“We’d love to come,” I say with a wide grin on my face.

“That’s amazing. Yay! I’m so excited to have both my babies home. My younger one just eloped this weekend so she’ll be bringing her husband. I hope you two are thinking about tying the knot as well. I’d love to see both my daughters married and starting families of their own.”

I know I should stop here. I’d be crossing a line if I said anything about marriage. But if I’m going to sell the boyfriend, and potentially fiancé, card, I need to do it right from the get-go. Otherwise, Kami’s lie will come crashing down and so will my chances with her.

“Actually, we’ve been thinking a lot about marriage lately.”

“Any chance you’ve thought about buying a ring?”

I pause. I may be laying it on thick but…

“I’ll be bringing it with me.” Mom’s engagement ring from Dad should do the trick. Inexpensive and convenient. Though the thought of that ring on Kami’s finger sounds incredibly enticing, ruse or otherwise.

She gasps. “You will? You’re going to— Oh, I’m so happy. Got to go. We’ll talk soon.”

“Yes, we will, Mrs. Hernandez. It was lovely talking with you.” The call disconnects, and immediately my two friends burst out laughing.

“What the fuck was that, man?” Jake blurts out in laughter.

An opportunity. “Kami’s mom. She thinks I’m her daughter’s boyfriend.”

“Why didn’t you say you weren’t?”

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