Chapter 15
Samuel
Tip #15: If your coconspirator’s timeline doesn’t match yours, don’t be afraid to force their hand.
I waited in the parking lot of McBride Farm & Greenhouse for Natalie to leave. She rolled down her window to wave to me, and I returned the gesture, watching as she drove her car out of the parking lot and turned onto the road.
Once I’d seen her off, I slipped into my Porsche, started the engine, and speed-dialed Miguel via Bluetooth.
“Samuel, it’s the weekend. This better be important.” Miguel’s voice crackled through the speakers of my car, his tone dripping with annoyance.
“It’s an emergency,” I said, backing out of my parking spot.
“What’s wrong?” Miguel asked.
I watched for pedestrians as I rolled through the parking lot, pausing at the farm’s exit before pulling onto the road. “Things have changed with Natalie. Our dating act might not last much longer. I need to move up the plan deadline.”
“Are you sure that’s necessary? You know how much Natalie hates being manipulated,” Miguel warned. I could almost see him shaking his head in disapproval.
“There’s no other option that I can think of.”
“Have you considered, oh, I don’t know, talking to her about it?” Miguel suggested dryly. “You two have been getting along quite well. She might be willing to hear you out.”
Getting along wasn’t enough. Not when Natalie had mentioned breaking up since Jenna and Owen seemed to be heading toward a serious relationship. That would make our charade unnecessary, and I couldn’t let that happen.
“Things are more complicated than they seem.” I tightened my grip on the steering wheel.
Miguel let out a resigned sigh. “Fine. How long do you think we have until Natalie wants to start planning your breakup?”
“She said maybe a month or two, but I’m not risking it,” I said, my voice cold and determined. “I’m moving up the timeline and dealing with Natalie immediately.”
“If you say so,” Miguel said reluctantly. “It’s your call, but be careful, Samuel. Don’t rush into things you might regret.”
“I’ve gone too far to worry about that.” The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting golden hues across the windshield as I navigated the winding rural roads. “I’m going to see Grandfather. I think Natalie unintentionally charmed him enough for me to get what I need.”
“Good luck,” Miguel offered, his tone a mixture of concern and resignation. “I’ll be ready to shift your schedule as necessary come Monday morning.”
“Thanks, Miguel.” With that, I hung up, my thoughts racing as fast as my heart.
This had to work. I’d been working toward this for years.