Page 79 of Counterfeit Connection

She’s so happy he’s finally bringing someone home, and it’s a sham. I never expected to feel as guilty about this as I do, but when he looks over at me and gives me that signature grin, those dimples I get to call mine for a few more days make it somehow worth it.

I think.

Bianca wasn’t kidding when she said we needed appetites. I think she prepared enough food to feed a small army.

“Mum, don’t you think you went a little overboard?” Griffin asks as he pulls out my chair.

“I’m Italian, Griffy. You know our love language is carbs.”

“You’re a woman after my own heart,” I tell her. “I could be wooed with only carbs.”

“That explains why our first date was such a hit,” Griffin replies as he sits next to me.

Memories of that night flood my mind. I know it was for show, but it was honestly one of the best first dates I’d ever been on. Even if that date had big air quotes around it.

“Oh yeah? Where did you take her?”

I answer for him, “The most adorable, little Italian place in New York City. He filled me full of pasta and wine.”

“Is that the night ofthekiss?” his mother asks with an arched brow.

“Um, what are you talking about?” Griffin responds, confused.

I look between them and shake my head. I have no idea what she’s referring to.

“Oh, Griffy, you know I keep tabs on you online, even though I shouldn’t, and I saw all the pictures of you two kissing outside of a restaurant. It looked so romantic and passionate. It made the hopeless romantic in me swoon.”

Our first kiss.

My heart races at the memory.

“Is there any part of our relationship that is private?” I ask her.

“I’m certain there is amore.” Bianca pats my hand. “The kiss was the most passionate thing I’ve seen. I’m sure there are things a mother shouldn’t or wouldn’t want to see or know about.”

“Mum! For fuck’s sake.”

“You act like I’m a prude, no? You should know better than that. I’m just glad she’s lovely, she’s smart, and she’s finally the only one.”

Jesus. I feel so guilty. This mother is so happy I’m with her son. It’s a lie. All of it is a lie. I look up at Griffin with a real pain flowing through my body. I’ve known this woman for all of three minutes and there’s an instant connection. I don’t know if I can do what we need to do. It was hard to do with my father. This feels worse somehow.

“Griffin?” I ask. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Is everything all right?” he asks in genuine concern.

Bianca rises to her feet. “I need to check on the cake anyway. You two chat. I’ll be right back.”

She even looks like she glides when she walks. This woman is a literal angel.

“What’s the matter?” he asks, turning in his chair to face me and take my hand.

I immediately shake my head. “I can’t do this. I can’t lie to her.”

“Whoa, where is this coming from?” He cups my cheek lovingly.

“She’s so happy for you. It’s like she’s been waiting for you to be with someone real for so long. I can’t lie to her face. Everything in my heart is screaming at me for doing this to her.”

“Kaitlyn…”

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