Page 4 of A Flighty Fake Boyfriend
“Don’t compare. People handle stress differently.”
“It’s becoming clear I don’t handle stress at all. According to you and the waiter of mystery, I store it on my body likeThe Picture of Dorian Gray.” I sank farther into the comfort of a buttery soft couch and pretended not to notice that one corner of the skirting had been chewed down to the foam padding.
“Maybe you should talk to a therapist?” Daniel always got to the heart of things.
“Probably.”
“I’m putting that on my checklist of things to badger you about when you get home. You can’t keep going like this.”
He was right, of course. “No. I can’t.”
“I’m glad you’ve at least taken these days to visit. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you.”
“Me too. I love it here.” I snapped my fingers for Blue the Queensland heeler. Between her, a border collie with one blue eye and one brown named Malarky, and Molly, a younger border collie, I’d rediscovered my love of dogs. I wished I could adopt a dog, but I lived in an apartment and spent long hours working. “How come you have so many animals? When you were with BreeAnna, you never had any that I knew of.”
“Cam grew up on a ranch. He adores them. I love watching him with them. There’s nothing in the world like a hot man romping with dogs at sunrise.”
“I work too much, or I’d get a dog.”
“We have plenty to share. Our place is turning into a petting zoo. Stop by any time.”
I smiled, wishing it was that easy.
“About your plus-one.” He grinned knowingly. “You never did say who you’re taking. Is he hot?”
I gasped in mock outrage. “Do I appear shallow to you?”
“Yes. Now spill.”
“I’m taking Lawrence Dunbar.” I tried not to sound smug.
He gasped. “The guy from the Marvel movies?”
“That’s the one. He’s meeting me in Santa Barbara on Friday night.”
“I am in awe of your choice.” He sat back. “Gorgeous, out and proud, A-list actors aren’t thick on the ground.”
“He’s a friend and benefactor. Lila brought up his name when we were working on our media campaign two years ago. He’s a great guy. He agreed to be in our public service ads, and while we were shooting them, he and I hit it off.”
“Go you.” Daniel widened his eyes. “He’s pretty hot. What’s it like, dating such a big name?”
“He and I don’t date.” I finished the last of my drink and set the cup on the coffee table. “We’re just friends.”
“Too bad.”
“He offered to act as if we’re more than that for the wedding.”
Dan snorted. “He’s a very good actor. Take him up on it.”
“I’m no good at that kind of subterfuge.” I stretched. “How can I be so exhausted right after breakfast?”
“Why don’t you take a nap. We’ll be lazy today.”
“That sounds wonderful.” I stood.
The food in my belly was comforting on both a physical and emotional level, and hanging out at Daniel’s place was a balm to my spirit.
I never slept like I did in St. Nacho’s. I put it down to the clean sea air. The taste of salt on my tongue. Being with friends I didn’t have to impress. But it was more. When I strolled along the boardwalk, everything around me seemed more vivid. Colors brightened. The air filled with music. Everywhere I looked, someone was smiling, laughing, performing some small act of kindness—like my mystery server and his grandmother’s hangover cure.
