Page 48 of Great Pretender
“Everything okay?” I ask casually as if I don’t know he’s probably been dying to talk to me about Piper.
“Everything’s fine. I was hoping to find out my son was dating his longtime best friend from my son and not the tabloids.” He quirks a brow.
“Oh, that,” I answer, feigning discomfort.Things happened exactly as they were supposed to.It’s more believable for him to have to find out from the papers than from me.
“Oh, that? Chad, I’m too happy at this turn of events to be mad at you.This is a good thing. A very good thing.Shame I had to lay down the law on you before you could see what was right under your nose, but hey, I can’t complain.”
“I guess we just became closer with her staying with me.”
“And her leaving that jerk Heath.”
“Yes. That too.”
“This is a good thing, son. I hope things go as planned for you.She’d make a fine daughter-in-law.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Good, because I’ve always thought so.Don’t screw it up. She’s definitely a keeper.” He nods."Why don't you two come around for dinner on Sunday?"
Bingo... Those few words alone are a tell I've truly done it.
I've made him believe Piper, and I are a real couple.
But... I don't feel the euphoria I thought I'd feel.
"That would be great," I answer with a grateful smile.
"Wonderful. Your mother's having a ball with this." He chuckles and leaves me.
I’m left to my thoughts again, and I track back in mind to the first sign of trouble.I'm not sure if it was the night I first asked Piper to join me in this fake relationship or if it was our first date.
If I'm honest, it was neither of those.
The first sign of trouble was twelve years ago when I first kissed her.
I knew she was a keeper then.
Keeper…
Is that what I want?
Is that what this odd feeling is about?
What if I did?
She thought I would hurt her. I agreed I would because what else could come of this?
But what if I didn't hurt her?
What am I thinking here...?
We're supposed to be getting married, then divorced.After that happens, we get everything we want.
What if the journey were different, though?
It could be more fun. We could explore things we've never explored before.
I won't lie to myself. I want her.
