Fake Me

by Bonnie Edwards

  Funny, the rage he’d lived with for these weeks had faded to a dull acceptance. Things would never have been right with Veronica. She’d never given them a chance.

  Chapter Nine

  FARREN TURNED HER HEAD toward Grady. Since he’d bussed her cheek, his face was still kissing close. He’d asked her feelings about having children. She stared into his blue, blue eyes and the rest of the group fell away.

  “You’re asking me that now? Seems a little soon, don’t you think?” Grady’s eyes, so close, his clean-shaven chin firm and with his perfect cheekbones, previously hidden behind a scruff of facial hair. The man was devastating. At least, to her.

  “Time’s ticking for me,” Grady said softly. “I don’t want to be too old to toss a football around when my kids are teens. I’d also like to win at hoops once in a while.”

  He was fishing and bluffing and pushing this fake thing to the wall. She wasn’t sure why since his sister wasn’t here, but she could play along. Maybe this was all for Eva’s sake.

  “Yes, I feel the same way. Time’s drifting by for me, too. But first, I need to get this baby up and running. By baby I mean Singles Fest.”

  “I know what you meant.” Seemingly satisfied, Grady pulled back and settled into his seat.

  Farren blinked and the others at the table came into focus. Archie and Jesse were sipping their beer and looking toward the front of the bar, while Eva was holding in a chuckle. She shook her head with mirth.

  “Where were we?” Farren asked.

  “We were discussing the children’s activities,” Jesse provided. “I’m ready to sign up now.”

  “Really? That’s wonderful. I’m taking email addresses for a waiting list. You’ll be hearing back as soon as we launch. For now, I’m trying to create buzz online.”

  “My brother’s wife is an influencer with a decent following of moms. She focuses on self-care for busy mothers. I could mention it to her.” This, from Archie who snagged Farren’s and Eva’s attention with his comment.

  “She’d have single moms following her,” Farren realized aloud. She smiled right into Archie’s eyes. “You’d be my new best friend if you could help me out.”

  Her smile stretched wide, and excitement wrapped its arms around her. Or was that Grady sharing her joy by draping a possessive arm over her? From the accepting look on Archie’s face, it was Grady, laying claim again.

  And she was oddly okay with that. She leaned into the former grizzly next to her and he squeezed her affectionately.

  Eva clapped with excitement. She and Jesse shared a look. “You wanted lively conversation and look what’s happened.”

  “DO YOU HAVE BARNACLE Bill’s onboard yet?” Grady asked Farren.

  She shook her head. “I keep meaning to go to see Tom Fester again, but last time he made it clear he doesn’t want to give up any profit. I understand. Maybe he’ll offer a deal another time. Maybe during the shoulder season.” People who weren’t tied to the school year for their vacations provided shoulder seasons. They visited Last Chance Beach in the spring and early autumn to avoid the summer rush.

  “Have you tried talking to his grandfather?”

  “No, Bill Fester retired a few years ago.”

  “But he still owns the park. And Bill was a particular friend of Aunt Ellen’s.” He wagged his eyebrows at her.

  “Oh?” Her eyes widened. “Oh! I didn’t know that.”

  He pulled out his phone and called. “Bill? This is Grady O’Hara.”

  LATER, AT HIS PLACE, Grady enjoyed the sight of Farren standing by the kitchen window, the pink light of sunset giving her a glow. His phone interrupted the small talk they’d been engaged in since walking back from The Sandbar. “It’s Delphine.”

  “Take the call, Grady. She misses you.”

  “Okay. I’ll take it for you,” he said and was glad he did because a wide smile broke out on her pretty face.

  “What’s happened, Grady?” Delphine demanded on the phone. “You answered my call. What’s wrong?” Concern leaked from his sister’s voice into his ear. He shifted, stifling the effect her worry had on him. Maybe he’d been too harsh in ghosting her. Ignoring her calls had been churlish. And now she was worried.

  But he still didn’t want to tell her everything. Not yet. Maybe never.

  “Nothing’s wrong,” he replied. “You called and I answered. I know it’s been a while, but I had some stuff to sort out. On my own. Not everything is up for discussion or dissection.” Especially not with a sister who wanted to run his life.

  She sniffed. “You haven’t taken a call from me in weeks.”

  Six weeks, he thought, but didn’t say. Delphine would be devastated if she knew what he’d learned. His sister could be a royal pain, but she didn’t deserve to be punished for wanting to see him married and settled. And clearly, Veronica had faked her out, too. Best to let the sad revelations end right here.

  He glanced at Farren who was studiously pretending not to eavesdrop.

  He should take pity on his worrywart sister. Not long ago, he’d have turned the screws out of pique. She had a lot to answer for, but he didn’t see a time when he’d ever tell her the truth about Veronica.

  “Farren’s here,” he said to answer her “what happened” question. “We were having drinks at the Sandbar, then we walked home. I’m about to grill some burgers. Was there something you needed to tell me?”

  “Farren’s with you? Great. Why didn’t you say so?”

  “I just did.”

  “Well, then, there’s nothing I need to say. Have a nice evening.” She hung up.

  “That was quick.” Farren quipped.

  “Yes. She apparently called for no reason. Which never happens. There’s a reason for everything Delphine does.”

  “You make her sound like a schemer.”

  “Let’s just say being her brother gives me a clearer perspective.” He ran his hand over his hair.

  “Huh,” she said softly and turned to face him. “Are you really grilling me a burger or was that a ruse to get Delphine off the phone?”

  “I thought we’d check out the job done on the bathrooms and then eat. I’ll drive you home later unless you’d prefer me to walk you home.”

  “I can walk on my own.”

  “And what would Delphine say about me letting my date walk home alone?” He grinned and held the door open for her.

  “This wasn’t a date. Remember? You walked into the bar and found me there. A coincidence.” She passed through the door, brushing by him as she moved.

  “A happy coincidence,” he pointed out. Especially since he was able to give that Archie the signal to look elsewhere. Also, he’d been wondering where she’d been the last couple of days. Not that he’d been scouting around for her. No. He hadn’t done that. She’d been busy with all the social media she’d been developing. Not his area of expertise, so he’d left her to it. “We haven’t seen each other much.”

  “True, but we’re both busy,” she said with a breeze in her voice. “It was useful to talk to Archie and Jesse. I got great feedback and Archie’s sister-in-law will be a real boost. She’s on several platforms and will be an asset. Too bad she’s happily married and won’t need my services, or I would offer her a freebie.”

  “I’ll give her a weekend at the motel if she wants. If she’s got kids, I’m sure the family will have a good time.”

  She turned to face him; her face pleased and happy with him. If this whole thing was real, he’d open his arms and she might walk into them for a thank you hug. “Would you really give them a free room?”

  But it wasn’t real, so he kept his arms at his sides. “Of course. If she has the Singles Fest experience with her family, she’ll have firsthand knowledge and use it for good. Apparently, some influencers have superpowers.”

  He could get his marketing people onboard with a few well-placed posts and online ads. Couldn’t hurt. “We have a new intern, I’ll set him to work.”

  He opened the
door to the first unit. As before, the beds were bare, but the mattresses looked clean and fresh. “The air’s fresher. Nice job,” he said and headed to check on the bathroom. “Happy?” he asked as he indicated she should look for herself.

  She leaned into the doorway to see. Again, she was close, and he was tempted to touch, but kept his hands to himself. “Yes, it looks great. Exactly what we’re after,” she said.

  On the way to the other units, they strolled beside the pool. The gentle lap of the water soothed as the breeze kicked up. “After we eat, we could have a swim.” He repeated his request from the other day.

  “No suit,” she replied blithely. Her arched brow said skinny dipping was out of the question.

  “This could be our last chance to have the pool to ourselves.”

  “I’ll bring a suit over tomorrow.”

  “Do that.” But he doubted she would. Maybe she was shy about showing herself. But she was born and raised here. The beach and swimming were second nature.

  “O’Hara Enterprises’ new intern is all over the internet. Nice kid and seems to know his stuff.” Grady wasn’t up on the newest platforms. Having gone to ground for six months meant he was behind and that was fine with him. His time here had convinced him he’d been too splintered to be effective before. Even with an assistant as effective as Veronica. He’d reassessed everything since her death, and more in recent weeks.

  “An intern has time to help me? You’re sure?”

  “Probably. I’ll check. If not, I’ll have HR find you one. I’m sure there’s an eager beaver looking for a placement with a start-up online dating service.”

  “You think?”

  “Especially if you offer a ground floor opportunity. A stake in the company.”

  She frowned. “I don’t know. I’d have to think hard about that.”

  “Suit yourself. At this point, it wouldn’t cost you anything and later, when the business grows, you’ll have built-in loyalty and that counts for a lot.”

  “What happened to the man who didn’t want to let me into his house or listen to what I had to say?” She crossed her arms and tilted her head as if discovering a new species of insect. The teasing light in her eyes warmed him.

  He laughed out loud. “That guy? Woke up.” He patted his chest. “I swear I’ve changed.”

  “How? What changes have occurred since holing up at the Landseer?”

  “I learned to delegate. And the world didn’t collapse.” It was true. He had good people working for him and for the good of O’Hara.

  “Amazing.”

  “I think so.” He wanted to laugh at the lightening of his soul, and he had Farren to thank. “Let me grill you the best burger you’ve ever eaten.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that.”

  “You’re a cheeky thing, but you’re right. You will judge my burgers by all that have come before.” He chuckled and held out his hand. She took it and let him tug her into a walk. Her hand felt warm and soft in his. So simple. Handholding. He absorbed the simplicity of the connection. “Before I fire up the grill, I want to show you what I’ve been up to for the past couple of days.” He took her toward the freshly painted play equipment. When he twined his fingers with hers, she allowed it. And they didn’t even have an audience. Warmth stole through his chest. “I painted here. The equipment looked sun bleached.”

  The playground looked bright and fun with primary colors glistening in the pearly light of dusk.

  “Thanks for doing that. I could have helped. I’ve painted before,” she said, looking delighted.

  “Wait ‘til you see the walkway.” He kept her moving toward the beach.

  “You’ve finished already?”

  “I extended it and added a platform on one side for people who have difficulty navigating on the sand. Seniors or people pushing strollers, or the disabled can sit there and enjoy the sights and sounds of people on the beach.”

  “Oh, Grady, that’s so thoughtful.” She flushed the most beautiful pink. It rose from her chest and up her neck. He waited for a kiss to thank him, but it didn’t come.

  Chapter Ten

  “THIS IS THE BEST BURGER I’ve ever eaten,” Farren admitted an hour after Grady had shown her the rebuilt walkway with the viewing deck. He was considerate of the needs of less-mobile people and that had surprised her. Beaches were great but only if walking was easy for the people on them. His humble kindness had touched her.

  But his humility had not extended to his culinary skills. He’d bragged unashamedly about his burgers. She chewed and swallowed another delicious bite.

  They sat on the balcony over the veranda. He had a wrought iron café set here. A small, intricately designed table and two heavy straight-back chairs that didn’t encourage lounging. But the view was spectacular from the second floor. And then it clicked. This fancy little table set was a leftover from his aunt. He’d brought Farren up here to enjoy the relaxing view.

  She preferred not to think about how they’d walked through his bedroom to get here. “This is a lovely spot for morning coffee.”

  “I forget it’s here half the time. Mostly, I swig coffee at the dining room table in front of my laptop.”

  “I’m glad you thought of coming up here, then.” The breeze caught wisps of her hair and she tucked them behind her ears. She’d thrown together a Caesar salad and watched as he’d mixed a combination of beef and pork to make the burgers. He’d added a spice concoction of his own making.

  “Are you sure you’re not a chef? Or maybe a short order cook?” He could’ve put himself through college by grilling burgers. A painter, carpenter and cook, Grady O’Hara was a man of many talents.

  The buns were fresh from the bakery, and he’d clearly hit the farmer’s market in Summerville for the crisp romaine lettuce. Looking at his eager expression as he watched her reaction to his food, you’d never believe he was the same man she’d met a few days ago. Whatever had changed for Grady, she approved. He’d become friendly, open, and helpful and not at all like the grumpy bear he’d been.

  “Not a chef, but my mom was a good cook and she liked to teach me because she said I was a good listener. Delphine, not so much.” He shook his head.

  She chuckled. “I wonder if my brothers are as opinionated about me.”

  “Do you interfere in their lives? Try to set them up with women you don’t want?”

  Unwanted women like her. She shook her head. “I never set them up. They’re older. But I do have one who’s going through a divorce.” Ben had married too young, too wildly and he and his wife had been apart for more than a year. “Maybe I could find someone for him?”

  “Don’t. It won’t end well.”

  She frowned. They were treading dangerous waters. He’d lost the love of his life and Delphine had been the one to set them up. But Veronica drowning on a dark lake could hardly be laid at his sister’s feet. Farren decided to keep the conversation away from his past and on her future. Anything to ease his burden of grief.

  “But isn’t that what I’m proposing with Singles Fest? That I play matchmaker to the most vulnerable group of singles?”

  “Vulnerable?” He spoke after a good chew and held his burger in both hands.

  “Sure.” She wiped her chin because she was sure she had mustard on it. Or pickle juice. “For instance, Jesse’s concern was for his children first. A person he dates must like his children and their children have to like his. There’s way more at stake for a parent. When the stakes are that high it equals vulnerability.”

  “There’s a lot to lose when kids are involved.” Grady nodded, getting it. “Especially for a guy like Jesse whose wife has died. His kids have already dealt with the worst kind of loss. So, him finding a partner is delicate.” He turned thoughtful.

  “Jesse’s children are still dealing with losing their mom and will have that loss for the rest of their lives.”

  He cocked his head, and she realized that Grady’s mom had been right. He listened well. “Sounds lik
e experience talking.”

  She sighed. “No, but a friend lost her dad young and it’s still a problem today.”

  “Tell me about what else you’ve been up to since we last saw each other.”

  “I’m checking so much off my to-do list I can’t believe it. My website’s finished, my newsletter has been designed, my social media campaign is ready to launch.” She tapped three fingertips. “With your intern to help, I’m ready to roll out.”

  “I’ll get Delphine on it too.”

  “She’s already offered. And so have all my friends and family. I’ll send them posts and tweets and pictures in the morning.”

  “I had no idea you were so close to launching.”

  “Once I knew I had you onboard, it all became easier. I kept working, of course, but when the Landseer came into play, the last major obstacle disappeared.”

  He laughed at being described as an obstacle. “Would you have come to see me without Delphine’s urging?”

  “Eventually, I guess. But I hadn’t considered the motel because of your aunt’s passing and your—um, how to put this—.”

  “My grief?” He finished her awkward sentence in a kind tone.

  She shifted in embarrassed discomfort. She’d brought them right back to his biggest sorrow. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned anything.”

  “It’s okay,” he said. “The worst is over. To be honest, your arrival came at a good time. Wallowing is not a good look on anyone. It tends to turn men into grizzled old guys before their time.”

  She smiled at that, her embarrassment easing. He was being understanding and sweet.

  “The truth is,” he continued, “I don’t know what I was grieving most. My soon-to-be-wife or the family we’d have made? Or the business future I’d mapped out with Veronica at my side? What we had was half business, half personal.” He blew out a strong breath at the end.