CHAPTER 26
“Someone was out late last night,” Evie sing-songs in my ear.
I smack in the direction her voice comes from. Getting out of bed is not an option after the little amount of rest I’ve had.
Evie laughs, grabbing my hand and shaking it. “Come on, sleepyhead, I want details.”
The bed is as soft as a marshmallow and I don’t want to leave it. Using all the effort I can muster, I try to blink awake, but my eyelids are as heavy as iron. I’m conscious enough to tell I’m lying on my side with Evie acting as my big spoon, heating my back. Her chin digs into my shoulder.
“Must. Sleep,” I mumble, nuzzling the pillow.
Evie lets go of my hand and sits up, bouncing me in the process. A dull ache thumps behind my eyes. There is no way I’m getting up right now.
“Are you kidding me? We looked for a solid hour for you two. Where were you hiding? What happened while you were squirreled away? I need answers. Now!”
I throw my arm over my eyes. “Later.”
“Fine.” She smacks my hip. “I’m going to eat breakfast. As soon as I get back, you’re talking. Understood?”
I think I nod, but I’m drifting back to la la land and can’t be certain my head communicates my answer.
What feels like seconds later, Evie’s back poking my ribs. “Let’s go, Mils. Up and at ‘em!”
“Go away.” I groan, trying to push her off my bed.
“You’ve slept long enough. It’s after ten.”
What!?! I have a picnic with Bennett at noon. Not that I’m looking forward to it as much as I would have yesterday morning, but I made a promise, and regardless of my feelings, I’ll fulfill it. Bolting upright and throwing the covers off me, I say, “Why didn’t you tell me it was so late? I need to get ready!”
By the time I came upstairs and laid in bed last night, my mind was buzzing with what Bennett said before we parted for the night. I journaled until four and fell asleep around five. It really is too early to be awake, but I won’t stand Bennett up. Especially since he’s helping me by doing the photo shoot today.
“Ready for what?” Evie asks, her brows pulling together. Her face is free of makeup and she”s still in her pajamas.
Keeping our pretense, I say, “Bennett’s taking me out before we do a photo shoot for one of Becca’s books.”
Evie’s eyes grow larger than the sun. Light shines like rays from her irises. Her lips form a giddy grin. “You’re going on an official date? Eeeek!” she squeals. “Oh my heck, I’m SO excited for you! How did this happen? When did it happen? Where is he taking you?” She bounces on my bed like a little kid. “Wait—what about your man-ban?”
I hold my hands up. “I need to pee, then I’ll answer your inquisition.”
Evie follows me into the bathroom.
“Excuse me?” I motion her out of the room. “Privacy please.”
She shakes her head. “Oh no. You can close the toilet door, but I’m not leaving. Talk while you pee.”
Only my best friend can demand that of me and I’ll comply. “Fine. But if I fart, that’s on you.”
She chuckles. “I’ve been warned. Now start talking.”
I close the door behind me and speak louder than the noises exiting my bladder as I sit on the toilet. “Bennett hid us at this alcove on the south side of the property. I think it’s by, or even under, the boulder he uses at night. Anyway, we hid there. But nothing happened except sitting super close together to stay warm.”
We straight-up snuggled, but I’m not confessing that to Evs since it didn’t mean anything to Bennett. “We fell asleep, which is why I’m so tired. I didn’t get to bed until five this morning.”
I finish my business, open the door, and go to the sink to wash my hands. Evie is leaning against the shower door, her arms folded across her chest, smiling like a lunatic.
“What?” I ask her reflection in the white framed mirror hanging above the vanity.
“How’d this date come about?”
Shoot. Bennett and I haven’t discussed exactly when we were disclosing our fake relationship. I hope he’s okay with me telling Evs. Turning, I face her, leaning against the sink. “Bennett asked me and I said yes,” I explain to her like I would a two-year-old.
“Nuh-uh. Nice try.” She wags her pointer finger. “I saw you two hugging early last week and now you’re going on a date? I want to know what you’ve been doing with Bennett while I’ve been off with Eric. And why you’re making an exception for him? Is this what you truly want?”
“I haven’t been doing anything except talking to him.”
“And after all this talking, you’ve decided you like him?”
I do, but it doesn’t mean anything. Not like Evie thinks. “I like him enough to go on a picnic with him.”
She stabs her finger in my direction. “You two would be perfect for each other. He’s who you’ve been looking for. Bennett has a career, he’s been in a long-term, committed relationship before, and he’s not into using women for a quick hook up. He’s settled, which is what you want. Right?”
Crossing the bathroom, I snag a towel from the linen closet. “On paper, you’re right.” Too bad Bennett doesn’t feel the same way. Why did I say yes to being his fake girlfriend? I’m such an idiot.
Evie takes the towel out of my hand, hanging it on the shower hook, then places her palms in mine. “What’s your hesitation?”
My stomach swirls like a tropical storm is brewing. I can’t tell her this is a fake relationship. But if it were real, there is another concern I’m willing to tell Evs about. I can’t hold her gaze as I say it though. “Jen.”
Evie gathers me into her arms, squeezing me tight. “I’m sorry. I wish I knew what to do or say to fix it. But don’t let a ghost stand in your way. She’s not coming back, Mils.”
She might not be here physically, but that doesn’t mean Bennett isn’t hung up on her mentally and emotionally, and because of it, he will never want me. “I know.”
“Go and enjoy your picnic and take it one day at a time, okay?”
“As usual, you’re right. Seizing the moment is my new mantra.” I’ll enjoy being around Bennett while it lasts. In the end, if he can help me figure out what I’m doing wrong, my next real relationship shouldn’t be too far away. Shooing her out of the bathroom, I say, “I’m hopping in the shower. Skedaddle.”
“I want to hear all about it later today. You’ll come find me?”
“Promise.”
She gives me a quick hug. “You deserve to be happy, Mils.”
“Thanks.”
Too bad this arrangement of mine with Ben will only lead to heartbreak.