Page 3 of Faking It With the Small-Town Bad Boy

turmoil of my eight-year relationship falling apart was nearly

unbearable. Now I’m sending off my little sister to the big city to be

the world’s best fashion designer.

Everything is falling apart, but I don’t let her see that. She has better

things ahead of her to live in the city and create masterpieces. For

me, the biggest perk of my life currently is the coffee maker nearby,

finishing with the timed brew of caffeine, and the immeasurable love

my sister and I have between us. I’d move the world onto my

shoulders for her, and I’m happy to do that today—even if it will

leave me penniless.

“Go upstairs and start packing for college. I’ll get that money wired to

your account this afternoon by going to the bank in town.” I brush

my hair back, watching her grow increasingly uneasy.

“You’re going into town?”

“Yeah, I can go into town, Ainsley. It’s fine. One quick trip can’t hurt,

right?

Still, she bites her bottom lip with raw skepticism. “I just… I know it’s

been hard for you to go into town since Dad passed away. Everyone

asks about you, you know? They want to make sure you’re okay.”

“They can see I’m just fine today, then. I don’t need to hang out at

the spinster’s quilting club or the gossip table at Richey’s diner, for

people to know all of my business. I’m fine, Ainsley. I can handle a

quick trip to the bank, alright?”

She holds out her hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. I am just looking

out for you.”

“I’m pretty sure it’s me looking out for you,” I remind her. “I am the

oldest.”

“By seven years, Leah. It’s not that much older than me.”

“You’re nineteen, and you think the world is a fun and fair place. Just

promise me something. When you get to New York, be careful. Be

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