Page 28 of Pretending with the Mountain Man
"Don't mind the silence," she says quietly. "Small town syndrome. Everyone's curious about the new girl."
"Is that all they're curious about?" I ask, an edge of anxiety in my voice.
Caroline's eyebrow raises slightly. "Well, there have been some... rumors. Something about you and Sage's father at Forbidden Chains last weekend?"
My stomach drops. "What kind of rumors?"
Before she can answer, a tall man with salt and pepper hair joins us at the coffee station. "Ryan Peters, math department." His smile seems genuine but holds a hint of curiosity. "Welcome to the jungle."
"Thanks," I manage, pouring coffee into a mug emblazoned with Shakespeare quotes.
"So," Ryan continues, leaning against the counter, "you're friends with Sage Harris, right? She mentioned you were coming to town."
"That's right." I add cream to my coffee, avoiding his gaze. "We were roommates in college."
"Word around town is you and her dad made quite the entrance at Forbidden Chains," he says, watching my reaction closely. "Didn't peg you for the type."
My face burns as I realize what he's implying. "That's... that was a misunderstanding."
"Oh?" Caroline's interest is piqued.
I take a deep breath, making a split-second decision. "There was a guy harassing me at the club. Malik happened to be there. I panicked and told the guy Malik was my fiancé to get him to back off." I force a laugh. "Just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"So, you're not actually involved with him?" Ryan presses.
"Of course not," I say firmly, hating the lie but knowing it's necessary. "He's Sage's father. That would be weird. He was just helping me out of an uncomfortable situation."
The relief on their faces is palpable. "That makes more sense," Caroline says. "Though I have to say, if any older man in town could turn heads, it would be Malik Harris."
"He's a piece of work," Ryan adds. "Keeps to himself mostly, but there are all kinds of rumors about what goes on at that club he works security for."
My grip tightens on the mug. "I wouldn't know."
"Hey, a bunch of us are going to The Velvet Antler after the faculty meeting," Ryan changes the subject. "You should join. Get to know the crew."
I hesitate at the door. "I'll think about it."
Back in my classroom, I set down my coffee with shaking hands. The rumors have already started. How long before someone discovers the truth? The guilt of denying Malik weighs heavily, but what choice do I have? I can't be the scandalous new teacher who's sleeping with her best friend’s father before classes even begin.
The afternoon crawls by, and by the time the faculty meeting ends, I'm exhausted from smiling and making small talk while dodging personal questions. Against my better judgment, I agree to join the teachers at The Velvet Antler, telling myself it's important to build collegial relationships.
The wine bar is rustic yet sophisticated, with mountain lodge aesthetics blended with modern touches. Wine bottles from Iron Vine Estate line the walls, and soft jazz plays in the background. Jordyn and Silas McCrae have created a space that feels both upscale and welcoming.
"First round's on me," Caroline announces, sliding into a booth beside me. Ryan and three other teachers I've just met join us.
"So, Melody," says Sharon, the science teacher, "tell us about yourself. What brings you to our little mountain paradise?"
I deliver my rehearsed answer. "I needed a change after teaching in Toronto. When this position opened up, Sage recommended me to Jordyn Kane McCrae, and here I am."
"Quite the coincidence that you knew someone here," Ryan comments. "Most people don't even know Crimson Hollow exists."
"Lucky break, I guess," I say, taking a sip of my wine.
The conversation flows around me, school gossip and local politics. I start to relax, thinking maybe this will be okay after all. Then the door opens, and my heart stops.
Malik walks in, followed by Jake Winters and a tall, striking woman I don't recognize. They head to the bar, and I spot Jordyn McCrae greeting them warmly.
"Look who's here," Ryan says, following my gaze. "It’s your fake fiancé and Talia Kane. She's Jordyn Kane's sister in law, runs the local marketing firm."
