Page 14 of Faking It With the Single Dad

“Nothing,” I say quickly as I try to mask my growing anger. But inside, my blood is boiling.

This town has always thrived on rumors, but this? This is low, even by Cedar Ridge standards. The last thing I hear before the women walk away is,

“Thinking about it, wouldn’t marrying her save them all some trouble? His daughter would have a mother, and her son would have a father. They could take care of each other.” And honestly, that doesn’t sound like such a bad idea.

Chapter Five

Bella

I’m standing in the center of yet another living room that smells faintly of mildew and disappointment. The agent, Roger, gestures halfheartedly at the peeling wallpaper, trying to sell me on its “vintage charm.” He’s been working hard to keep his patience, but I can feel it wearing thin, and to be honest, so is mine.

“And the rent is $1,800 a month,” he says as he forces a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes.

I flinch. “$1,800? Roger, this place is barely holding itself together. Did you see the ceiling in the bathroom? It looks like it’s one shower away from caving in.”

Roger exhales loudly and pinches the bridge of his nose. “Bella, I’m not the one setting the prices. It’s the market. You wanted affordable, and this is as close as it gets in Cedar Ridge.”

“Affordable?” I snort. “For $1,800, I expect walls that aren’t threatening to crumble if I sneeze too hard.”

He claps his binder shut with a sharp snap. “Okay, I’ve had enough. Bella, this is the sixth house I’ve shown you this week. And every single time, you’ve found something wrong with it. Either the price is too high, or the windows aren’t big enough, or—”

“Because they’re terrible!” I interrupt, throwing up my hands. “Do you want me to pay top dollar for a house that looks like it’s about to be condemned?”

Roger’s face flushes red as he steps closer, pointing an accusatory finger at me. “You’re wasting my time. If you can’t afford anything, then stop dragging me around town like your personal tour guide. Just stay in your old apartment if it’s so much better!”

His words hit like a slap, and my chest tightens with anger and humiliation. “You think I want to be here? You think I’m just doing this for fun?” My voice trembles, and I hate that it does. “I’m trying to find a place I can afford, where my son can have a better life, and I don’t need your attitude on top of everything else!”

Roger throws up his hands in mock surrender. “Whatever, Bella. Call me when you’re serious.” He storms out, leaving me in the middle of the sad little house, fuming and fighting the sting of tears.

I take a deep breath and square my shoulders. No way am I crying over this. Not today.

The walk back to my café should help me cool off, but Cedar Ridge seems determined to test my patience today. As I turn onto Main Street, I spot Marlene outside the bakery, chatting animatedly with another woman I don’t recognize. They’re leaning close, with their heads together like they’re plotting something.

I wouldn’t have spared them any attention if I hadn’t caught my name drifting through the air.

“…Bella and Luke,” Marlene says. Her voice is low, but not low enough. “You know, everyone’s saying Ryan is back to marry her and adopt the boy.”

The other woman gasps. “Really? That’s…well, I guess it makes sense, right? His brother is gone, and she’s already raising the kid.”

My blood boils. Before I can stop myself, I march right up to them with my hands on my hips. “Excuse me? What are you two gossiping about?”

Marlene startles, her cheeks flushing. “Bella! Oh, we were just—uh—”

“Save it,” I snap. “I heard what you said. What’s this nonsense about Ryan marrying me and adopting Luke?”

Marlene fidgets with the strap of her purse, avoiding my gaze. “It’s just…rumors, Bella. You know how this town is. People talk.”

The other woman, who now looks like she regrets ever leaving her house, tries to melt into the background, but I’m not letting her off that easy. “And you’re spreading those rumors? About me and my son?”

Marlene raises her hands defensively. “I’m not spreading anything! I just heard it. Everyone’s saying Ryan is back to settle down with you. It’s not like that’s a crazy idea.”

I glare at her, and my hands curl into fists. “Well, let me make one thing clear: Ryan and I are not getting married. He’s not adopting Luke, and I don’t know where this ridiculous story originated. So maybe you should stop listening to ‘everyone’ and mind your business.”

The other woman stammers an apology and quickly excuses herself, leaving Marlene to face the full brunt of my anger. “Bella,” she says, her voice small, “I didn’t mean anything by it. I just thought you should know what people are saying.”

“Well, now I know,” I snap. “And if I hear you repeating this nonsense again, you and I will have a real problem.”

Without waiting for a response, I spin on my heel and storm off, my heart pounding. This is ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. And I know exactly who I need to talk to.

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