Page 37 of Faking it for Gran's Sake

Chapter Twelve

LAUREN

Gold and silver balloons bob along the foyer walls of Clear Creek Theater. The live violin, cello, and bass fill the atmosphere. A waiter weaves around guests, and I snag a canapé from his tray as he passes. I tilt my head, slip the smoked salmon treat into my mouth, and let the flavors hit my tastebuds. When I open my eyes from the moment of bliss, I spot Mason watching me. I swallow the last piece of the cracker and smile. His gaze hasn’t left me all night.

Brielle swirls a drink in front of me. “This punch is divine.”

I take one flute glass from her. “Good thing it’s non-alcoholic, or you’d be flirting with some random guy like at that party you dragged me to last month.”

“Yeah. I couldn’t even taste the alcohol. Now I know to check. My head hurt so bad the next day.” She scans the room. “But there is one guy I’d like to flirt with here.”

I shake my head. “Brielle.” I’m the younger sister, but sometimes I feel like I’m the one who needs to look out for her.

“Do you remember Damien from high school?”

“Yeah. Who invited him? Ethan, I bet.” I stretch my neck to look for my boss. I frown at Brielle. “Damien married Bethanie and was divorced in six months. Maybe he’s not the greatest option.”

Brielle tsks. “That was years ago. Anyway, Mrs. Baxter told me what happened.”

I roll my eyes. “And you’re going to believe her?”

“Yes.” She wobbles her head. “Damien told Tommy. Who told Sarah. Sarah told her mom, and she blurted it to Mrs. Baxter’s craft group.” Brielle lifts her hands.

“And why is the woman telling you?” I narrow my eyes.

“Mrs. Baxter caught me gawking at Damien tonight. She feels sorry for him. Apparently, his ex-wife would get all crazy and throw things across the room. Once, he dodged a plate that smashed against the wall. He wanted counseling, but Bethanie wouldn’t have it.”

“Wow.” I’m one of those Looney Tunes cartoons with their jaw dropping to the floor.

“Mrs. Baxter thinks we’ll make a good match. She wants to help me.” Brielle’s eyes sparkle.

I touch my throat and groan. “You’re not going to let her interfere, are you?”

“She said she helped Ethan and Emily get back together.”

“I haven’t heard that from Ethan. I’ve worked with him for years. I’m sure he would’ve mentioned it at a staff party or something.”

“Well, I believe her.”

“Pfft.”

“But first, I’m going to say hi to him and see if he remembers me. He didn’t come to the ten-year reunion.”

“There’s a reason for that—Bethanie. He’s only just returned to Georgetown. Ethan and Damien have been hanging out.”

“Wish me luck.” Brielle takes one last sip and puts her glass on a tall table.

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