Forever Love: A Friends to Lovers Collections Page 21

  “Exactly. Why do you think I’m avoiding it?”

  “Just be careful either way.”

  “I’m always careful.”

  “Normally I’d agree, but the fact that you’re even considering this brings that into question.”

  “I know.” I knew I sounded crazy and completely out of character.

  “And if you do go, remember it’s cooler up there. Make sure to pack a sweatshirt, and also figure out sleeping arrangements.”

  “I’ll pretend to be really old fashioned about sleeping with a guy before marriage, and thanks for the packing advice.”

  “Uh huh.” I could picture her raising an eyebrow.

  “Anyway, I never said I was going to say yes. I’m still leaning toward no.”

  “Either way, be sure to tell me.”

  “I will. Have a good night.”

  “You too.”

  I hung up. My talk with Cara had helped. I needed to say no, and I didn’t want to wait.

  I picked up and called Kyle.

  He picked up on the first ring. “Need me?”

  “Very funny. I made up my mind.”

  “It’s fine. I understand. I can find someone else.” His voice dropped.

  Someone else? The thought of Kyle bringing someone else made me lose all my resolve. “I’ll come.” I was pathetic. Completely pathetic.

  “Yeah? That’s awesome. I’ll get our tickets right now.”

  “Great.” I gritted my teeth. What had I just agreed to?

  Kyle

  I waited nervously outside the Delta Mu house. Maybe asking Jade to do this was a mistake. She’d seemed willing enough, but what if she changed her mind halfway through the week and admitted the truth? If I thought things with my parents were bad now, that would only make it worse. Jade wouldn’t do that to me. Would she? Despite knowing Jade for close to a year, I didn’t actually know all that much about her. Every time she seemed close to opening up, she stopped short. I couldn’t blame her though. I hadn’t exactly been forthcoming myself.

  I’d just headed for the front steps when the door opened, and Jade walked out wheeling a black suitcase. I hurried up the steps to take the bag from her. “Hey.”

  “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” Jade mumbled while I placed her bag in the trunk.

  “I can’t really believe it either, but I appreciate it.” Not only was she going to help me save face with my family, but I got to spend a week with her. I knew there were better ways to spend time with a girl, but maybe getting away from campus was what we needed. Dating on campus was complicated even when most of the students were away. It was hard to change up anything.

  “Why you need me to do this still makes no sense.”

  “I already told you why.” I held open the passenger door for her. She was going to have to get used to me doing those sorts of things if she was going to pretend to date me. I could be dumb about plenty of things, but I still believed in chivalry.

  “Why not tell your mom you broke up with the girl? Wouldn’t that be easier?”

  “No. She’d hound me like crazy about what I did to mess things up.” I closed her door and went around to my side. There was no easy way to explain everything to Jade. The full story involved years of depression and a mother who believed finding the right girl would fix everything.

  “You mean your mom wouldn’t side with you?” She scrunched up her nose in either confusion or disgust.

  “Not on this. You don’t know my parents.”

  “I wasn’t being judgmental. My mom would do the same thing.”

  I studied Jade’s beautiful face. I knew she didn’t see what I saw, but there was no questioning it. She was gorgeous. “Really? That surprises me.”

  “Your mom does the same thing, so why would it surprise you?”

  “Because you’re you, and I’m me.” I turned on the car. I hadn’t left much leeway for us to make it to the airport.

  “And that makes sense because….”

  “Forget it.” I pulled away from the curb. The street had only a fraction of the traffic it had during the school year. “You’ll understand more when you meet my parents.”

  “What if they don’t like me?”

  “You’re pretending to be my girlfriend, yet you’re worried about what my parents will think?”

  “I don’t know. I’m probably not the usual type of girl you bring home.”

  “Yeah, I don’t bring girls home much.” I didn’t bring girls home at all. First of all I hadn’t met any worth bringing, and second I knew how intense my family could be.

  “Wait. What name are they going to call me?” she asked in a strained voice.

  “Jade.”

  “Uh, they never asked your girlfriend’s name before?”

  “They did.” I looked straight ahead. “I never told them. I didn’t want my mom trying to snoop around. At least that’s the excuse I gave.”

  “Yet they bought that you’re now ready to bring the girl on a family vacation?” Skepticism dripped in her voice.

  “It’s all my dumb brother’s fault. He told them I would come, and I’d bring my girlfriend to meet everyone.” I sounded lame even to my own ears.

  “And you couldn’t tell them no?”

  “Not after that. My mom would know I was lying.”

  “But you’re lying now.”

  “Yes… but it’s different.” It was sort of.

  “Why, because she doesn’t know?” Jade put a hand on my leg. The touch was at once comforting and exciting. If I was getting excited over her hand on my leg I was in trouble.

  I glanced over. “And look you’re already playing your part.”

  “Oh. Sorry.” She moved her hand.

  “I meant it was good. This isn’t going to be that hard.” I missed her hand.

  “Your family isn’t scary, is it?” She stiffened.

  “Define scary.” I didn’t want to worry her, but I didn’t want to sugar coat it either. She was going to find out soon enough.

  “Oh boy. Maybe you should turn around and drop me off.”

  “They’ll be really nice to you. Just stay away from my brother. He’s a little crazy.”

  “Dylan, right? He dated Juliet.”

  I groaned. “Yeah. If you’ve talked to her about him then you know why I’m warning you. He’s an ass most of the time.” Dylan had dated one of Jade’s sorority sisters, and he hadn’t treated her well. The fact that I’d had a huge crush on her for years didn’t help my feelings on the subject either.

  “I’m assuming he’ll stay out of my way since I’m supposedly your girlfriend.”

  “Yeah… not really. Like I said, he’s an ass. Plus, he probably doesn’t believe you’re actually my girlfriend. It’s going to get worse when he sees you.”

  “Sees me?” She looked down at her clothes.

  “Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately? I don’t get girls like you.”

  “Uh, not exactly. You’re the rich boy. You’re the one who’d be unrealistic for me.”

  I laughed. I couldn’t help it. “Seriously? Is that what you think?”

  “Half my house has a crush on you. Ever since you stood up to Aaron last year you’ve been on the hot list.”

  “Yes, when I got my nose broken by Cara’s ex. Wonderful memory.”

  “When you stood up to one of the biggest guys on campus to defend a girl. That was cool of you.”

  “Glad you think so.” I’d tried to push that night out of my memory. I wasn’t sure what I’d been thinking. Really, I probably wasn’t thinking at all. I’d snapped when my friend’s ex called her a slut. He was a jerk, and I wasn’t going to stand by and listen to him.

  “Ok, start telling me everything.”

  “Everything about what?” I turned away from campus and toward the airport.

  “About your family. What I should expect.”

  “It’s not going to be all that crazy. Just my parents, my brother, my grandparents, and a cous
in.”

  “Is the cousin a boy or girl?”

  “A girl.”

  “Our age?”

  “Twenty-five.”

  “Ok. Got it. Any weird food stuff I need to know?”

  “About me?”

  “No, your family. I already know all your weird ones. You hate mustard and like mayo.”

  “You know I hate mustard?” I tried to remember when that would have come up.

  “It doesn’t take much to figure that out.”

  “Okay. Then nothing else. My family eats what other families eat.”

  “Alcohol? Yay or nay? For us since we’re underage?”

  “Yes to both. They’re not going to check your ID.”

  “Oh thank goodness.”

  I laughed. “I never took you to be so alcohol dependent.” Jade rarely drank, and when she did she usually didn’t even finish a single beer or drink.

  “I’m usually not, but you’ve never seen me pretending to be someone’s girlfriend.”

  “Have you done it before?”

  “Of course not.” She pushed my shoulder.

  “Glad I’m breaking your fake girlfriend virginity then.”

  “You just wanted to use the word virginity.” She crossed her arms.

  “No I didn’t. It sounded funny in my head.”

  “No more use of that word. I need to stay in character.”

  “In character?” I turned onto the interstate. “What does that mean?”

  “Should I go with prim and proper? You are a rich boy after all.”

  “Stop.” It was my turn to put a hand on her jean clad leg. “You’re not playing anyone but you. The only thing you’re pretending is that you’re my girlfriend and not just my friend. Got it?”

  “Oh, you’re no fun.”

  “What were you hoping to be? An exotic dancer by night?”

  “No, I was thinking more pre-med trying to save the world.”

  “My parents are going to be cool with you as you are. The almost sophomore music obsessed Delta Mu.”

  “They know I’m a sorority girl?” She cringed.

  “My mom was Delta Mu at Harrison. Don’t worry, it’s a good thing.”

  “But I’m not really a sorority girl.” She folded her hands in her lap.

  “You are as much as I’m a frat guy. Whether you fit the stereotype or not, you’re one.”

  She sighed. “All of my acting skills are going to be wasted.”

  “Except for the ones involving pretending to be my girlfriend. You’re allowed to go over the top there.”

  “Over the top?” I heard the suspicion in her voice. “What, am I supposed to be all over you in public or something?”

  “Not all over me, but very happy with me. I’m not looking to make them think we’re breaking up. We can take care of that when we’re miles away from them again.”

  Her face fell slightly, but I wouldn’t let myself read into it.

  “What about sleeping arrangements?”

  “I’m sure my mom will put us in separate rooms. You might be with my cousin though. Would that bother you?”

  “Nope. That’s fine.” Jade continued to quiz me on my family as we drove closer to the airport. I told her what I could, but I didn’t want to scare her. I wasn’t taking the risk that she wouldn’t get on the plane.

  Jade

  I generally like flying, but I spent the entire flight up to Albany with my stomach in knots. Kyle tried to distract me, but all I could picture was how awkward it would be if his parents saw through the charade. Would they blame me? As the plane taxied down the runway, I knew I had to stay positive. There was no way I was going to make it through the week otherwise.

  I stalled as long as I could, but eventually I had no choice but to walk down the aisle and get off the plane. Kyle got right into character, wordlessly taking my hand as we headed to baggage claim. His strong hand comforted me as I struggled to pull myself together. I could do this. I could face his family.

  We walked through the doors into baggage claim. “Kyle!” A woman called his name as we rounded the corner.

  “Hey, Mom.” Kyle smiled and pulled us toward where a stunning middle-aged woman waited. Her gray hair was the opposite of the black that my mom always kept hers dyed. “This is Jade.”

  “Jade!” She pulled me into a hug. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you. We’re so excited you were able to join us.”

  “Thanks for having me.” All of my planning, and I couldn’t come up with anything better to say?

  “Of course! We’re thrilled that you’re here.” She put her hands on my arms and looked into my eyes. Guilt rushed through me. Was I really supposed to lie to this woman for a week? Cara had been right to deter me. I’d made a huge mistake.

  “Is Dad in the car?” Kyle asked without any hint of nervousness.

  “No, he’s at the hotel working.” His mother smiled sheepishly. “Are you surprised?”

  “No.” Kyle took my hand again while carefully avoiding my eyes. He probably knew I was about to lose it. “Let’s wait for our stuff.”

  I smiled. When all else fails smiling can get you out of some awkward situations.

  “I’m sure Kyle can handle the bags.” His mother put a hand on my back.

  “Sure. Be right back.” He winked before letting go of my hand. He was dead. Two minutes after landing and he’d ditched me already. It was also when I realized I still didn’t know his mom’s name. I couldn’t believe I had forgotten to ask Kyle that simple detail, and I couldn’t ask now. A boyfriend definitely would have told his girlfriend that.

  She waited for Kyle to walk out of earshot before turning to me. “I know I’ve already said it, but I’m so excited you’re here. Can I admit something to you? Woman to woman?”

  “Uh, sure…” I stammered. Did things have to get awkward already?

  “Kyle’s brother tried to convince us that you were made up. Can you believe that? And part of me believed him. I’m so happy we were wrong!” She pulled me into another hug.

  Oh. My. God. I was going to hell. I was completely and certifiably on my way. And why was this woman so excited that Kyle had a girlfriend? He was twenty years old, not forty. Would it matter if he were single?

  “Uh, yeah. I’m real.” I fought the urge to chew my nails. That would only make me look stranger and possibly more guilty.

  “Of course you are.” She stepped back and looked at me. “And you’re absolutely beautiful. No wonder Kyle is so taken with you.”

  “Oh. Thanks.” What was one supposed to say to that?

  “Kyle mentioned this is your first time to Lake George. You’re going to love it, especially the hotel we’re staying at.”

  “Oh. Cool.”

  “And don’t worry, you and Kyle can stay together.” She winked. “I’m not going to be old fashioned.”

  “Oh, it’s fine. You don’t have to make yourself uncomfortable for me.”

  “I won’t be uncomfortable. If Kyle brought you here it means he’s serious about you. You might as well be family.” She nudged me.

  I glanced over my shoulder to where Kyle waited by the baggage carousel. A loud beep signified that it was finally starting to move. I hoped our bags came off quickly. I wasn’t sure how long I was going to be able to handle his mom on my own before saying something stupid.

  “Where are you from, Jade?” She smoothed out her long white linen skirt. “Kyle hasn’t shared all the details yet.”

  “South Carolina. A small town about three hours from Charleston.”

  “Oh, how lovely. South Carolina is such a beautiful state. You know we have a house out on Kiawah. Has he taken you there yet?”

  “Not yet.” I hoped Kyle didn’t fabricate that detail earlier.

  “What?” She turned and strode over to Kyle.

  I watched nervously. Hopefully we weren’t already getting caught. After several deep breaths I walked over to meet them.

  Kyle gave me a sheepish smile. “
Mom says I owe you an apology for not taking you to the beach yet this summer.”

  “No apology needed, it’s been busy.”

  “You and that radio station. You’d think Kyle owned it for the amount of time he spends there.” His mother gave me a knowing look.

  “She knows, Mom.” He rolled his eyes. “She works there too.”

  “You do?” She turned to me. “How nice. I had no idea.”

  “Yes, Kyle’s a wonderful boss.”

  “Boss? Is he your boss?”

  “Technically he can fire me. He doesn’t pay me though.”

  “I never considered that Kyle’s position came with that sort of responsibility.” His mom seemed pensive.

  “Of course not. Who’d trust me with responsibility?” He let out a deep breath.

  “That’s not what I meant.” His mom narrowed her eyes.

  “There’s my bag!” Like a beacon of hope, my black rolling bag with the tie dyed belt came out onto the conveyer belt.

  “I’ll get it.” Kyle shot me an apologetic look before walking over to grab it. Thankfully a few seconds later his bag showed up too, and we headed out to the car.

  Kyle held open the passenger door to his mom’s Mercedes for me.

  “Oh, I can sit in the back.” I bent down to move under his arm to the back before he could stop me. He wasn’t making me sit up front with his mom. I preferred sitting in the back where I could hopefully be forgotten about. I’d looked it up, and the drive was going to be close to an hour.

  Kyle didn’t say anything. He just got in the front and closed his door a little harder than he needed to. I hoped he snapped out of his funk. I was the one in over my head on this one. He could at least try to keep things reasonable for my sake.

  “Have you told Jade much about the plans for this week?” His mother broke an awkward silence that had set in since the conversation in baggage claim.

  “I wasn’t sure of the plans myself, so I couldn’t tell her.” Kyle rested his arm on the center console.

  “Well, that’s the whole fun of it. We have almost no plans at all. Isn’t that a hoot? A break from the usual.” She inserted her ticket into the toll booth machine and the lever moved to let us out of the lot.