Page 24 of My Fake Lover

»Who wouldn’t want to party for days on end, in general?«

»You took the words right out of my mouth.«

He held out his hand to me, and I took it. »Christian. It’s a pleasure to meet you.«

»Ivy. Likewise.« He almost completely enveloped my fingers before letting me go.

»And do you belong to the bride or the groom?«

»Kind of the groom. I’m his brother’s date.«

»Maxwell Holmes?« His eyes widened ever so slightly. Did everyone know Max?

»Yes, that’s right. Is that so unusual?«

»I don’t know Max well enough to judge,« he said quickly. »I didn’t mean to pry.«

»No problem, we haven’t known each other very long.« That wasn’t even a real lie.

»Okay,« he said with a cautious smile.

»And you? Bride or groom?«

»I went to school with the bride. We were practically neighbors and became friends.«

»How nice, so you’ve known each other forever?«

»You could say that. But there was never more than friendship, in case you were wondering,« he quickly added with a wink.

»I wasn’t,« I replied with a grin. The conversation with Christian was indeed very easy, just as I had imagined. A completely normal guy.

»Will we see each other later for dinner? Maybe Max will let me ask you for a dance?«

»Maybe you’ll have to ask me instead?«

»Of course.«

I stood up and straightened my dress. »Then, see you later.«

»Bye, Ivy.«

19

Max

Ihated small talk and had never been good at it. But for my brother’s sake, I had walked through a course of people who all wanted to chat with me. For whatever reason. Most of them I had only seen twice in my life. Some wanted to know what Lizzy’s dress would look like – as if I was the right person to ask – or if Ian was excited, how the food would be, or what was new in New York.

By the time I finally reached him, I was annoyed and just wanted to get back to Ivy. Whenever I was with her, she transmitted her calm and relaxation to me, and by now, I had gotten used to it. Something inside me longed for her laughter, the looks she threw my way, and her mere presence. In order not to have to fathom what that meant, I quickened my steps and reached my brother.

»You look like you need a drink. I think I have just the thing for you, come with me,« Ian said, gesturing in one direction. He was better at politely but firmly fending off people as we left the terrace and walked around the house.

»Not your thing, I know, but I’m glad you’re here,« he said as we walked side by side across the gravel driveway, which was now filled with cars of all kinds. I had no idea my brother knew so many people. While I generally kept my distance from people except for business matters, he attracted them with his demeanor like light attracts moths.

»You’re my brother, of course, I’m here.«

We reached an old barn, and Ian placed his hand on my shoulder so I would give him my attention. He smiled a little uncertainly. »I realized I never really thanked you properly, did I?«

»There’s no need for that.« What was he getting at?

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