Page 78 of Just One Season
That’s it. I’m going to the Kellcy Fake Dating Planning Committee text chain
Me
NO
For a beat, I think about how Lachlan would normally threaten to snatch Lucy up himself like he did at the fall festival, but I’m then distracted when a string of texts buzz into the Kellcy Fake Dating Planning Committee text chain.
Lachlan
Hello, Team Kellcy. It’s time our lovebirds act like a couple
January
Take this seriously, Lulu! What are you doing? Lachlan, I give you permission to forcibly push them together
Lachlan
Working on it
As I’m considering a response, a picture from Bri of Ava with Mister Barky McBarkface pops up on my screen. My daughter was thrilled that Bri agreed to dog sit while we’re at the retreat.
And this picture is a perfect excuse to approach Lucy.
But halfway over, a hand wraps itself around my biceps. I turn.
Savannah.
“Hey, Kellie. How are you?” She’s wearing tight workout gear, and her hair is pulled back into a bouncy ponytail. Her makeup is minimal, and she looks genuinely pretty.
But no relationship—even just friendship—is worth it with this woman. Not with the trouble it’s already gotten me in.
“Hi, Savannah.”
She drops her hand from my arm. I look around to find Paul, but he’s not out here, thankfully. Lucy’s staring at us, and she nudges Lachlan, who rolls his eyes at me and shakes his head, as if to saythat’s what you get for waiting.
“I thought I’d update you on my plans for the bar exam. It’s been so long since we’ve gotten to catch up.”
“Yeah, I know, sorry.” I turn back to Savannah. “I’ve been really busy.”
I wouldn’t mind being Savannah’s friend under normal circumstances. I want to encourage her to find her own thing to do that will give her some kind of purpose outside of following Paul around and hanging out with Blizzard players.
But I bite my tongue.
“Busy with hockey? And your daughter?” She leaves the question hanging.
“And my girlfriend.” The perfect opening. “Lucy Knox. You’ve met her.”
“Right. I saw you guys together at the cafe. And the fall festival. And the game.” She smiles. “I guess it’s obvious you two are together.”
“Yeah, I suppose.” And this was the entire point of all this. Relief cascades through me. It really worked. “I believe Paul knows her father.”
“Now that I think about it, I remember talking to Paul about you two.” Her forehead crinkles. “I just forgot.” Savannah shrugs.
This couldn’t have worked better.
“She’s really pretty. Girl-next-door pretty.”
My gaze drifts to Lucy, and I catch her smiling at something Lachlan says. I nod because Savannah is exactly right.
