Chapter 1 #2
In the last year and a half he’s had plenty of chances, including posing as my fake boyfriend to keep my parents off my case.
But even then, he’s never tried to make it real, and I haven’t wanted to risk losing our friendship by admitting my feelings for him first. We’re already faking it because I’m pathetically friendless, I don’t want to make my situation more dire.
Two years ago, my parents’ concern surrounding my social life had grown from excessive to downright horrifying when my mother threatened to make multiple dating profiles for me if I didn’t leave my dorm room and socialize.
She had been operating under the assumption that my breakup with Dillon had devastated me, and I hadn’t corrected her.
The truth was honestly worst. I had, actually, tried to make friends, but all of my over-enthusiastic attempts at friendship had scared anyone but Caden away. He was the only one who didn’t seem to mind my big personality or the chronic illness that left me bound inside often.
Any other friendship, especially of the female variety—the supportive, loving kind that I was desperate for—had faded the minute my health acted up.
Caden’s too loyal to throw me out, I know that much, but I can’t tell if he wants more.
I had convinced myself he didn’t and that I could be content with our friendship, but when my parents started growing suspicious about my elaborate dating stories, he was the one to suggest joining me for the holidays.
And that’s when a dangerous dose of hope unfurled inside of me.
While we’re in Wellsport, Maine, I’m determined to be the best fake girlfriend ever.
Maybe then Caden will want to act on the truth I’ve known since we first met: we’re each other’s happily-ever-afters.
How could we not be after that kind of meet-cute?
We’re just the slow burn, friends-to-lovers kind.
In all honesty, I hope it won’t take two weeks of a will-he or won’t-he slow burn for him to be convinced.
Between the mistletoe my mom loves to hang on every doorframe and the constant Christmas-themed movie snuggles, hopefully Caden’s “Friend Like Me” tune will change to “All I Want for Christmas is You,” and we can share Christmas and a New Year’s kiss for real, together.
“Are you excited for our road trip?” I ask, not bothering to hide the dopey, dreamy expression on my face as I stare at Caden.
These morning chats, the ones where it’s just us, are my favorite part of the day.
I know it’s sad of me to admit that, but as far as Caden is concerned, I’m a pathetic woman.
See current intrusive thought: Hey, Caden, have you noticed that this kitchen island is the perfect pick-me-up-and-slam-me-down height? Maybe next time we’re in here together, you’ll opt for an alternative breakfast choice. Namely me. I would very much like to be the alternative breakfast choice.
“I’m excited to take a break from the gym for a week,” he says, stretching his shoulder.
“How’s the routine going?”
“I don’t know who thought doing a triple Russian into a handstand was a good idea, but whoever did was a dick.”
“Didn’t you think adding that element would help with your starting difficulty?” I ask. Caden has his eye on the Olympic team this year, so he needs as high a starting score on the pommel horse as possible to have a chance at making the team.
“I did think that, didn’t I? Do your parents know you’re dating such an asshole?”
His easy smile spreads wide across his face, crinkling the corners of his eyes under his thick black-framed glasses. A flurry of butterflies take flight in my stomach as his laugh lines make an appearance.
If there’s any scrap I cling to most, it’s that I know Caden enjoys my company—a fact I don’t take for granted.
My brain is itchy when I’m with most people, overanalyzing every word and action out of their mouth in case I’ve somehow missed that they secretly hate me.
While under-thinking every word that leaves my mouth until I’m alone and can spiral over everything, and how I’m obviously a terrible human being.
“No, my parents think you’re the drop of sunshine you are,” I say. “If I wanted them to think I was dating an asshole, I would have just said I was dating Cole.”
I didn’t believe in evil twins until I met Caden’s brother Cole.
He’s the grump to Caden’s sunshine, the slob to Caden’s neat freak.
He’s well known on campus for his one-night-in-heaven policy, while Caden told me that he, himself, hasn’t ever been on a date, (which is why I think he might be nervous to act on his feelings.) And if that weren’t enough to verify Cole’s evil status, his nickname is literally the Prince of Blood.
“I don’t think dating my brother would be that bad,” Caden says.
“Meh, I’d like my significant other to love someone other than a reflection of themself.”
“In all fairness, we share the same reflection, and it is pretty nice.” Caden runs a hand through his thick, wavy brown hair. A cut identical to his brother’s.
“Sure, the reflection is fine. It’s the conceited, self-absorbed ass of a hockey player thing that makes me want to vomit when I think about dating someone like him. Seriously, I think he might be the last man on earth I’d consider having a relationship with.”
“Well, this conversation has been a great way to wake up.” A voice thick with sleep interrupts us from behind.