Page 21 of Faking it for Gran's Sake

He frowns. “It’s not for a particular birthday?”

I wave my hand, hiding a slight tremor. I avoid outright lying. “Just fit us in with the theater’s schedule. Sorry for the late notice. We recently thought of the idea. Gran will love it. I’m sure she has great memories of growing up in Georgetown. I believe she went to performances as a child.”

“I’m sure she did.” Ethan rakes a hand through his black hair. “No problem. I’ll check with Emily and get back to you.”

I stand abruptly. “Awesome. You’re the best boss.” I wink. Big suck up here, and he knows it.

“BBF. Best Boss Forever.”

I laugh. I refrain from telling him how ridiculous he is. I’m sure his wife tells him all the time.

“Say hi to Mason for me.” There’s a lot more he’s saying by the smug look on his face.

I ignore it. “Will do.”

***

I BREATHE IN THE CRISP air and shield my eyes from the sun as I squint at Mason. We’ve finished at the bakery, testing all sorts of wedding cakes. I have to keep reminding myself that this is for Gran’s sake. Otherwise, I’ll get too excited about the day. Heck. Who am I kidding? I’m so excited about this wedding.

We took a shortcut across the field to reach the parking lot, and now Mason has stopped at the playground wearing a mischievous grin.

“Who says I can’t be fun and spontaneous?” Mason shrugs out of his jacket and hands it to me. He proceeds to roll up his pants to his ankles, then slips off his shoes and socks.

“What do you think you’re doing?” I say, draping his jacket over my arm.

“Demonstrating my fun side.” Mason hops on a swing, runs backward, and juts his feet forward, swinging back and forth, gaining motion.

I smother a laugh.

“Weeeeeee.”

I glance around the playground. A small girl stares at Mason curiously.

“Woo hooooo.”

“Mommy, why is that man on the swing?”

The woman turns her child and leads her to the other side of the playground, but I can hear her mumble. “Men do silly things to show off.”

I hiss at Mason. “Not very fun.”

Mason swings higher and higher. “I want to see your face turn brighter than the sun.”

I prop a fist on one hip and shift my weight. “How about walking barefoot down Main Street in your business attire?” I quickly scoop his shoes to my chest and bolt for the field.

I hear a thud in the distance and glance over my shoulder. Mason is on my tail. I grin like a little girl and face the track and field, the wind blowing my hair back.

My heart thumps along with my stride. Not as fit and healthy as I thought. Nope.

“Come back with my shoes, girly.” Mason’s voice is right behind me.

His arms snake around my waist, and he thrusts me into the air. I squeal. Mason stumbles, and we’re going down together. He twists and takes the fall. My back hits his chest.

“Ouch,” he yelps.

I turn in his arms and hover over his face. “You okay?” My limbs turn weak, and I’m breathless when my eyes lock with his.

His grin comes easy, and his arm remains around my back. “I’m all good.”

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