Page 19 of Faking it with My Boss' Son

“Amy?”

“Yeah. She is a friend of mine who plays soccer as well, and we have been talking a lot here recently.” I said, wondering how Michelle would respond.

“Oh, that's good, Ryan.” She said with a half-smile.

“I am also planning a party for him next Saturday, so you have to be there as my girlfriend,” I said, reminding her.

“Okay, Ryan, no problem.”

The evening went on, and we shared dinner together and went to our respective rooms to go to bed.

I wonder if Michelle is upset that I am spending time with Amy instead of her; she couldn’t possibly be jealous.

***

Saturday afternoon, Michelle walked into the living room, “What's on your agenda this afternoon?” She asked curiously, “Are you hanging out with Amy?”

“No, she went home to Florida to see her parents for a few weeks,” I said, wondering what she had in mind.

“Well, good. I'm glad you are free,” she smiled. “Maybe we could go grab a bite to eat for an early dinner?”

With a look of shock due to her spontaneity, I replied, “Of course, there is a new spot I have been wanting to try out. Let me get my shoes on, and we can go.” I got up and went to my room to find my shoes.

We headed to Charlie's Crab Shack in town. We settled down, facing a pile of crab legs that looked like they meant business. Armed with nutcrackers, we couldn’t resist laughing. It didn't take long before we were cracking up more than the crabs, sending shell bits flying like confetti at a food festival. As butter dripped and giggles flowed, I realized this wasn't just dinner—it was like our own private crab comedy show, and man, it was a blast. I really needed this.

We drove back home, and it was already getting dark. I hadn't realized we had been there for a few hours. Since it was late, we got home and called it a night. I hope Michelle enjoyed tonight as much as I did.

“Well, I am going to bed, Ryan. Thanks for tonight. I really enjoyed it.” She said as she walked towards her bedroom.

“Goodnight, Michelle.”

Was I starting to like her more than just a best friend? I thought as I dozed off to sleep.

***

The week went by without any hiccups. It is Saturday now, the evening of my dad’s birthday party. Michelle got home from spending the day with Leah. We both started getting ready for the night. I sat on the couch when I was ready and waited for Michelle.

When she came into the living room, I couldn’t help but give her a second look. She looked stunning in a V-neck, shimmering red dress with cap sleeves. Her hair ran down her shoulders, and her honey-brown eyes gleamed with a serene glow and radiance. Her lips were glossy with a nude-colored lip gloss, and her diamond studs were shining brilliantly on her earlobes.

‘‘You look simply amazing,’’ I couldn’t take my eyes off her until I noticed the crimson color on her cheeks, making me a bit embarrassed about staring at her.

‘‘Thank you. You’re too kind.” She said as she looked away from me.”You don’t look so bad yourself.” She smiled.

While I was driving, I had this strong urge to look at Michelle again and again. I looked at her in the front mirror of the car. Michelle looked out of the window in silence. However, that silence didn’t feel awkward; it was beautiful and comfortable.

The moment I stepped out of the car, I went to my dad to give him a hug. For the first time in all these years, I noticed Dadhad grown old. Dad smiled and put his hand on my head, ‘‘What’s the matter, Ryan? Are you okay?’’

‘‘Yes, Dad. I’m okay,’’ I lied. ‘‘I just missed you.’’ It brought a lump to my throat to see my Dad looking old and tired.

“Hello Michelle, I am glad you could make it.” He said as he hugged her.

‘‘Come on. It’s time for dancing and celebration.’’ Dad patted my back as we walked inside.

As we made it inside, I felt a tap on my shoulder. ‘‘Hi Ryan…’’ Ruth said as she turned me around to hug her before I could even realize who she was.

‘‘Hi,’’ I smiled, trying not to show her I was shocked to see her, but I was.

Ruth was looking at Michelle curiously. ‘‘Hey, it’s Michelle, right?”

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