Page 13 of Knot Really Engaged
Dad claps me on the back, his grip firm and reassuring. “I always knew you two would end up together. Even when you were kids, you had a special bond.”
I force a smile because I doubt he did know shit but now is not the time to argue with him oranyone. I know I should feel guilty for lying, for giving them false hope in the face of such devastating news. But in this moment, I can’t bring myself to care. Because for just a little while, I want to believe in the fairy tale, in the happily ever after that’s always seemed just out of reach.
I want to believe that love can conquer all, that it can ease the pain of loss and give us something to hold onto in the darkest of times.
Even if it’s a beautiful lie.
“Your grandma will be over the moon, Liam. To think she’ll see you engaged before . . .” He trails off, but his eyes brim with hope. The unspoken words hang in the air, a reminder of the ticking clock we’re all too aware of.
“Glad to hear that,” I manage to say, the words feeling thick in my throat. I swallow hard, trying to dislodge the lump that’s formed there, but it remains stubbornly in place.
“Liam, Audrey is like a daughter to us already.” Mom’s voice is warm honey, sweet and comforting. She reaches out, cupping my cheek with her hand. “We couldn’t have handpicked a better match for you.”
“Thanks, Mom. That means . . . a lot.” My voice falters, because it does mean everything—but it’s all a lie. The guilt twists in my gut, a sharp, nauseating sensation that threatens to overtake me.
And fuck, there’s a lot I have to do to pull this off. For starters, I need to talk to Audrey about the little thing I just did. The silver lining is she’ll be able to tell her parents that I’m her secret boyfriend—see, we’re helping each other already.
“I should go talk to her, let her know that the cat’s out of the bag.” I glance at Mom. “And that you’ll be keeping it on the down-low until Sunday.”
As I’m heading toward the door, Dad calls out, “Liam, are you alright?”
I pause, my hand on the doorknob, my back to them. I close my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady myself before turning to face them.
“Ah, just . . . overwhelmed. You know, with all the stuff happening.” I offer a lopsided smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes.
“Of course, Son.” Dad nods, understanding—or believing he understands—my behavior. He steps forward, placing a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm and reassuring. “Take all the time you need. Mom has lived a great life. We’re here for you.”
“I should go check on Audrey,” I say, my voice sounding distant to my own ears. “This . . . I’m sure she’ll want to know what’s happening with Grandma.”
No shit, as of right now she’s unaware thatwe’re engaged and madly in love. Fuck, what if she doesn’t agree to do this for me?
She will, it’s just a matter of selling it well enough that she’ll be actually helping me with the details.
Mom nods. “Of course, honey. She’s probably feeling overwhelmed too, with all the family in town. If she wants to stay with us, she’s more than welcome.”
“I’ll let you know if she decides to spend the night here.” I swallow hard, the guilt rising like bile in my throat. After that, I bolt. The fresh air hits me like a slap in the face, a shock to my system after the suffocating atmosphere of the house.
I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with the crisp air. The gravel crunches beneath my feet as I make my way across the lawn, toward the McCallisters’ house.When I reach the front door, my hand hovers over the bell. I take a moment to compose myself, to steel my nerves for the conversation ahead. I’ve no idea what Audrey will think about this. Will she tell me I’m crazy and push me into the brook outside the backyard?
Not that much can happen to me in shallow water, but it’s obviously the thought that will count—the thought of drowning me.
Still, I have to try to talk to her about this predicament and convince her to go along with it.I’ll give Grandma the hope and peace of mind during her treatments. In exchange, Audrey will have a loving and doting fiancé to show at home, so they don’t think that she was making shit up, like what happened during one of her summer camps.
I take a deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment before pressing the bell.
When the door swings open, Audrey’s surprised, yet beautiful face welcomes me. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating. She seems more upset or . . . “Are you okay?” I ask.
She leans against the doorframe, her arms crossed over her chest. “What are you doing here? Did you already burn down a house and need an alibi?” Her gaze darts behind me, as if she’s expecting someone else to appear. Probably her brother.
I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry. “We need to talk,” I say, my voice sounding strained even to my own ears. “It’s important.”
“How important?” she asks, skeptical.
“It’ll help you with the little issue you had at the airport,” I say, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
She yawns, her hand coming up to cover her mouth. “I don’t follow.”
“The cheating ex issue you encountered.” Myeyes dart around to make sure no one else is listening.
