Page 115 of Faking Forever 1
FAKING FOREVER
“Well, I won’t lie. At first, we were fake dating. Hence why I said things were complicated,” I say, pursing my lips, “Now, it’s real. I got caught up in my feelings. You were right.”
“You don’t want that?” he asks, confused.
“Pop, I have beenwaitingforever, believe me—but now that I have my chance, the feeling is scary. The future freaks me out.” I say, fumbling with the covers on the bed.
“Josh, you’re young. Smart too. You may not see it, but you’re a great kid. She sees it. Women don’t stick around for just anybody. Take it from a divorced man.” he sincerely slips into small laughter, making me smile.
* * *
I was getting pretty good at hiding from the annoying reporter women who lacked self-awareness. Typically, they preyed on anything that would provide local news, but we were a pretty hot topic in their eyes. It’s nothing compared to the hell. I’m sure someone of a fame status would endure, but having someone invade your privacy is never comfortable—
especially hard-up locals. It has quickly become a pro on my list of reasons to leave Jersey. Wearing a black hoodie and tightening the drawstrings was enough to cover my face, but how long?
Convincing my dad to use his boat after finally getting a sufficient rental car was like playing a crane machine game.
He asked over eleven or twelve questions, interviewing me about my whereabouts. Once I broke down that wall, I had to explainthat I wasn’t proposing to Paisley, still getting my ass chewed even with an explanation. He almost didn’t let me speak the way his words were shooting out so fast. When 278
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it was over, I was ready to return his keys, tell him I never needed them, and that it was a big joke.
The scolding was about me moving too quickly, albeit reasonably considered. I don’t think that I am, though. When he told me to take time for myself, I took it seriously. Paisley is a part of my life plan, and if I’m insane for feeling like things are suitable for the first time, then sue me. I’ll take the judgment of a million juries before I give up my chances at happiness.
I picked up Beau at Sierra’s job and drove to my uncle Tommy’s shop. He’s been a jeweler for over forty-seven years. Most of my married family has gone through him, and he’s a beast around the holidays. Of course, it’s much more pleasant when you have a family discount—though once I tell him what I’m doing, I’m hoping he discounts it even more for me being such a gentleman. Beau was already questioning me once we arrived at the store. Their eyes were wide like he’d seen death firsthand.
“Dude, is she pregnant? I thought you said you guys didn’t get that far?” he eyeballs me as he removes his seat belt,
“I didn’t think this is what you meant by something more serious.” he holds up air quotes with his fingers.
“No, she’s notpregnant, genius. And don’t jinx it, either. I had a different idea.” I do the same with my belt, ignoring his facial expressions and hand movements. He didn’t need to know how far we’d gotten. It was like our secret.
“A pretty necklace, I’m hoping.” he opens the door, and we both get out.
We each walk to the door, me gathering my wallet and keys.
“Okay, a bracelet?”
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“Something like that.”
I open the door, and we both enter. On sight, my uncle is immediately pleased.
“Josh, you’re a grown man, now!” he claps his hands together.
“That I am.” I hold my arms out, matching his whimsical energy.
“Who’s your friend?” he says as he walks around the counter, coming from behind the glass displays to hug me.
“This is my friend Beau. We went to school together.” I say, grunting at his grip.
He lets me go to take a look at Beau, holding out his hand.
When Beau takes it, my uncle whips him in for a hug, gripping him like he did me. Beau’s eyes seemed to pop out more than when we were in the car.
