Page 21 of Faking It with My Bossy Ex

There are plenty of people in town that know who Dylan and I are. I'm not convinced that everyone isn't gossiping about us already, considering the show Dylan put on last night with Mrs. Parker.

After we order, Dylan leans over the table. “Cheer up, honey. You wouldn't want people to think there's trouble in paradise, would you?” He winks and I shake my head.

“There is no paradise,” I remind him. “Mrs. Parker is looking this way, probably trying to see if we are cheating her out of a couple’s cabin.”

I shake my head. My exhausted brain got the best of me the night before by going along with this charade. Even if I do find a suitable place to stay in town, I'm going to have to come up with a clever way to explain the situation to Mrs. Parker without it looking like I lied.

The waitress sets two plates in front of us. My stomach growls at the sight of scrambled eggs, hash browns, and turkey sausages. I bite into one and close my eyes, sighing as the flavor takes over my senses.

“It’s been a while since we got breakfast together,” Dylan says, mimicking my reaction when he takes a bite of his food.

“This isn’t breakfast together like you’re saying.” I remind him. “We’re just both here and need to eat.”

“Same difference.” Tense silence sits between us as we eat until Dylan puts his fork down. “You haven’t been back here much, have you?”

“No.” A wave of emotion surges through me. Snowfall Springs holds so many memories, both good and bad.

“Why didn’t you ever come back?”

“There was nothing left to come back for.” I meet his gaze. He would have been my only reason to come back.

“Ames …” He clears his throat.

He’s the only one in my life that has ever called me that besides my dad. I’m not sure if I like it or hate it.

He shakes his head and tightens his mouth into a thin line. His eyes darted away, focusing on some invisible point in the distance. The air between us grew thick with tension, weighted by whatever he couldn't bring himself to say.

“I’m going to talk to Mrs. Parker about some snow shoes to get into town. Take your time.” His tone is taut with tension as he stands up and leaves the table. He turns away, but not before a flash of pain flickers in his eyes.

It makes no sense.

He was the one who left, who tore everything apart. So why does he look hurt? Why does it feel like he’s carrying pieces of the past that should be my burden alone?

I don't think I'm in love with you anymore.

He was the one who ended everything, moving on with Clara like I was a chapter he’d finished reading. He wouldn’t have any painful feelings about our split.

When I left for Europe, it felt like the world just stopped. And he’s not supposed to be the one making it feel like it’s spinning again, not after everything. He shouldn’t still have this pull on me. I shouldn’t feel anything at all.

Movement by my table yanks me back to the present.

“One fudge brownie and vanilla ice cream with a cinnamon cappuccino,” the waitress says, setting the treats in front of me and yanking me back to the present.

“What?” My eyes drop to the mouthwatering dessert, the vanilla ice cream dripping down the sides of the brownie. “I didn’t order this.”

“Oh, your boyfriend did. He said it’s your favorite.” The waitress smiles, a look of wistfulness on her face as she hurries away.

My boyfriend. My heart turns into a gooey mess as I take a bite of my favorite dessert.

It’s pretend, and it has to stay that way.

My phone pings and I fish it out. It’s another email from Leo. I’d forgotten to write him back the day before.

So, what did you think of the news I sent you yesterday? Pretty cool, right? You’ve been MIA for a while now. Check in so I know you’re still alive.

Leo

His message makes me smile. I’m definitely still alive. I finish up my brownie and type out a response.

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