Page 29 of Silver Fake

She hands the phone to me, and I stare at captured image on the screen. To my surprise, I look...happy.

My eyes sparkle with genuine joy, a broad smile on my face, the corners of my eyes crinkling slightly. John's arm is wrapped securely around me, his eyes not on the camera, but glancing at me with a look of...adoration? For a moment, I hardly recognize myself.

Handing the phone back to Nancy, I say, "You captured a really nice moment there."

"I'll send it to you!" Nancy promises, her eyes still sparkling with excitement. "What's your number?"

"That would be great." I quickly recite my number to her, the digits rolling off my tongue almost automatically.

As Nancy quickly keys in my number, she stifles a sudden yawn. Seeing this, Bill chimes in, "Well, it looks like it might be time for us to head home."

We all rise from the table, the chairs scraping against the floor. Warm hugs and heartfelt goodbyes are exchanged. Nancy's embrace lingers just a bit, her motherly warmth enveloping me, as she whispers, "take care of our boy, Lisa. He's quite smitten with you."

As we part, I see Bill give John a firm pat on the back, a look of approval in his eyes.

Before long, the restaurant door swings shut behind them, leaving John and me alone.

John breaks the silence, smiling at me. "Well, that went better than I expected. What about you?"

I smile back, nodding. "I must admit, I was a bit nervous, but your parents are wonderful."

John chuckles, tugging at his collar. "I didn't know you had a sister. Is she as fun and charming as you?"

I wrinkle my nose at him, playfully responding. "I'm the fun one. She's the serious one."

His expression turns slightly more serious, though a playful glint remains in his eyes. "I meant what I said earlier, you know. When I meet your mom, I'm going to grill her for all of the embarrassing stories."

I roll my eyes, grinning. "I'm sure she'll be thrilled."

I say it like it's a joke. But inside, my heart skips a beat. Does he really want to meet my family? The question lingers, unasked and unanswered, as I study his expression, searching for a hint of insincerity. But all I see in his eyes is a playful challenge and, perhaps, a touch of something more serious.

John stands, extending a hand to me. "Want to head back to the room?"

I grasp his extended hand and push myself to my feet. "Yes, let's head back."

I don't know why this elevator always feels so small when John and I are in it together, but it does. And something about the way he keeps looking at me has my skin overheating. Every time I glance over at him, I catch John staring at my mouth. I chew my lip nervously as the elevator doors slide open and we walk back to his room.

Once we get inside, John looks down at his phone and groans.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

"It's Wyatt. He just finished a shift and wants me to meet up at the Silver Coop. But we can go another time. I'm with you right now."

"No," I shake my head. "You go ahead. I've got a book I've been dying to read, so this will give me time to finally get that started. When was the last time you came here for a visit anyway?"

His nose scrunches. "It's been a while."

"Then it's settled," I say, pushing against his chest to get him to move back. "Go have fun with your friend. I'll be here with my nose in my book when you get back."

John's eyebrows furrow together, concern flashing in his eyes. "Are you sure?" his is voice laced with hesitation. "I can always meet up with Wyatt another time."

"I promise, it's fine. I know how important friends are. Go out, catch up with Wyatt. This is your vacation too, remember?" Seeing the worry still etched on his face, I add, "Besides, I could use some quiet time. And don't worry about neglecting me. You've been nothing but wonderful."

The tension in John's shoulders eases and he gives me a grateful smile. "Alright, but this better not be one of those mind games. I'm expecting you to be here when I get back."

"I'll be here. Once I start a book, I lose track of time, anyway. Now go. Have fun."

He hesitates like he wants to say more, then says, "Okay." He starts for the door, but turns around and kisses me me on the forehead, smiling as he pulls back. "I'll see you in a couple hours."

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