Page 14 of Faking Forever 1
FAKING FOREVER
smiles.
We give each other a handshake and a hug before we each split ways.
This particular thingisarealthing. I just don’t know what else to call it.
I had been working on a large wall bouquet in the greenhouse that Paisley and I had worked on before we left. It was only half of what it is now at that time, but once school ended, let’s say I had a plethora of time on my hands. This resulted in me planting at least three different versions of the same flower, which are now bloomed into her favorite colors.
It wasn’t intentional, but I realized it couldn’t have been a coincidence once I read the packaging.
I had kept this wall of greens and color pretty healthy for the past year. I ensure I water and pluck all the dead pieces off and mist them when it’s too humid. You get the picture.
I really care about it. Now that’s Pea is actually home, I’ve been wanting to show her. It just has to be perfect. Though, I can already hear her comments, I know she’s saving face so she doesn’t have to express herself emotionally. I’ll take
“lame-ass” and “dork” whenever it’s coming from her.
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bring me flowers
PAISLEY
Since I had already made it a point to visit Josh, I had to make it a point to see Sierra. I learned from socials that she’d been working at her cousin’s dinner on the boardwalk. The dinner had been there since we were both kids. Her moms would take us every timemymom would have them babysit me. Which usually was every weekend. That’s how I met Beau.
I drove my truck to the dinner myself. I’m still stuck on the fact that I have a vehicle even to call my own. Josh says it’s badass and that chicks don’t typically have anything like it.
Even though I agree, I’ve been waiting for it to fail since my dad warned me. So far, though, we were clear.
Sierra hurries over to the table I’d been waiting at, eyes as big as a deer in headlights.
“You’re here!” she yells, not caring for any of the attention from other guests.
Welcoming her, I stand from the table, opening my arms 37
FAKING FOREVER
for the biggest hug.
“I missed you so much. It’s crazy.” I say, taking her into my embrace.
She rubs my back, squeezing me as tight as she can before we both sit across from each other.
“So, we’re totally hanging out after I get off. I’m making them let me leave early—no matter what it takes.” she laughs.
“Sierra, I’ll still be here. I can wait.” I giggle, rolling my eyes simultaneously.
“Whatever it takes, Paisley.” she reiterates her previous sentence in a more severe tone, placing her hands on top of mine on the table.
The door flowed open, letting in Beau, who looked to be well-groomed with neatly shaven hair and a face neatly shaven. He walked straight to the front counter and listed an order for pick-up. He looked different but good—healthier than before.
Once upon a time, Beau was the biggest pothead and alco-holic to walk the streets of Wildwood. We never judged him or made him feel out of place, but others did. You could say he grew up in a troublesome home—his parents were unstable for various reasons—but if it wasn’t for having a decent couple of friends, he would’ve made some pretty bad decisions.
If it wasn’t forJosh.
There were a lot of nights that Beau would drive home or board home under the influence. Not just weed and alcohol, either. Josh would hear from someone or a few folks that he was acting up or getting ready to drive after one of his parties or something, and ultimately, Josh would freak out. It would start as an argument, and by the end, Beau would be crying in Josh’s arms.
