Page 23 of Living for Truth
“I’m prepared. I’ll see you Friday. Goodnight, Hannah.”
“Goodnight, Morgan.” She hangs up before I do.
Aly knocks on the door, so I do my best to wipe the smile off my face, but it’s damn hard when I’m this excited to take Hannah out on a date. I just have to remindmyself that for her, this is fake. This is a means to an end for her, but if I can show her how good of a fake boyfriend I am, maybe she’ll want me to be her real one.
My daughter steps through the door already in her pajamas, and a glance at the clock tells me it’s almost bedtime.
“I just came to say goodnight. Mom texted and said she’s taking me to lunch the day before Mother’s Day.” She twists her pajama shirt anxiously in her hands. “Can you help me pick out a gift for her?”
I smile softly. “Of course, Bubs. Why don’t you make a list of things you think she’d like, and we’ll pick something together?”
“Okay. Thanks, Dad. I’m going to go to bed. I love you.” She rounds the desk and wraps her arms around my neck in a tight hug.
I engulf her in my own arms, relishing these moments before she decides she’s too old for hugs. “I love you too, Aly. Sweet dreams, sweet girl.”
Chapter 9
Hannah
My mom, as expected, didn’t believe I had a boyfriend. I told her I wouldn’t be going out with Doctor Blaine because I had a date with my boyfriend, and she laughed right in my face.
I can’t say I’m surprised, but it hurt nonetheless.
I told her to cancel the date anyway and that Morgan is going to come over and pick me up so I can introduce them. I told her we met at the flower shop when I picked up her bouquet from Dad, and we’ve been talking ever since. She’s skeptical, but I think she’ll buy it when he comes over.
At least, I hope she will.
I’m not going to lie, this whole thing is weird for me. I didn’t think Morgan was being serious, but I was also slightly relieved when he offered. I’m still a little skeptical we can pretend to date and still remain friends, but at this point I’m willing to do anything to stop the never-ending awkward first dates that don’t lead anywhere.
I’m also well aware if he acts like my boyfriend, my heart is going to fall in love with this man, and then it’ll end, and I’ll be devastated because none of it was real.
I’ll just have to constantly remind myself it’s not real, and I can’t get attached.
I’ve just finished applying my lip tint when the doorbell rings, and my stomach drops straight out of my body and onto the floor. I take a stabilizing breath to calm my nerves and head up the stairs.
My parents are sitting out on the back patio, so I answer the door, and Morgan’s smile is blinding.
“Hi, Hannah. You look very nice tonight.” He bends down and gives me a peck on the cheek, making them heat, and a zing of something travel down my spine.
“Thank you. So do you. Come on in, let’s get this over with.” I motion for him to come in, and he grabs my hand, intertwining our fingers. I look up at him with a puzzled expression.
“Gotta sell that we’re dating. Is this okay?” He strokes his thumb gently back and forth. The action shouldn’t make me swoon, but it does.
Lost for words, I simply nod, and he squeezes my hand in response. Why does something so simple make my stomach flutter so much? My brain is acting like I’ve never held hands with someone before.
Youlikelike him,the voice in my head taunts.
Ican’tlike him like that. I can’t move on so soon after having my heart broken.
I block that voice out.
We walk out to the back patio, where my parents are sitting on the swinging bench and scrolling on their phones. No idea why they came outside to ignore themagnificent pastel colors of the setting sun, but to each their own, I guess.
My mom nudges my dad, and they both put down their phones when they hear the back door close. My mom appraises my outfit, my dad appraises Morgan.
I’ve got on a black, form-fitting midi skirt with a slit up to my knee on one side and a plain, pink rib knit short sleeve shirt. I put the same wedges on as Sunday, and I have to say, I feel pretty.
Until my mom says, “Are you sure you’re comfortable in that?”
