Faking It

by Winters, Jade

  Brooke’s pulse began to race. “What are you talking about?”

  Megan narrowed her eyes and glared at her. “Oh please. Do you think I don’t know why you’ve been walking around like a lost puppy?”

  Brooke blinked rapidly. “Sorry?”

  “Oh, you heard me.” Megan leaned over the table. “It’s that Danni, isn’t it? This seems to be your normal routine, bouncing from one woman to the next,” she said disdainfully.

  Brooke opened her mouth to protest but Megan stopped her with a deadly look.

  “Listen to me, you’d better figure out what you want because I’m not going to play second fiddle to anyone. You’re making a complete idiot of yourself, trying to hit on a straight woman for God’s sake.” She shook her head in disgust. “You think you’re so noble don’t you? But you don’t give a shit about her fiancé.”

  “I–”

  “Save it, Brooke.” Megan caught the attention of a waitress. Brooke smiled awkwardly as she came to their table. “Can I have the bill please?” Megan said.

  The waitress looked down at the plates still filled with food. “Is there something wrong Madam?”

  “Oh no, the food is fine thank you. It’s just that there’s been an emergency at home.”

  “Oh I’m sorry. I’ll be as quick as I can,” the waitress said backing away.

  Brooke tried to get Megan’s attention. “Megan! Why are you behaving like this?”

  Megan ignored her and glanced around the restaurant instead.

  “Megan, please talk to me.” Brooke felt like she was losing her mind. She immediately started to have doubts. Was she really going to put their relationship on the line for something she could never have?

  As the waitress placed the bill on the table, Megan reached into her bag and withdrew some money. Standing, she threw it on the table, turned and walked towards the exit.

  Brooke stared at Megan as she hurried from the restaurant. Who was it that said the older you get the more sense life makes? Whoever it was had better have a rethink. She was more confused than ever.

  Less than three months ago, though her life wasn’t perfect she knew where she fit into it. She was a highly respected editor. She had a partner who she thought the world of, but who was reluctant to commit. Not perfect, but manageable. Now a few months on, things had really taken an unexpected turn. Something had happened that she could never have anticipated – falling hard for a woman she barely knew. Who would have imagined that her life would be turned upside down so easily. But that’s exactly what had happened.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Danni sat with her feet up on the leather foot-stool and glanced around their newly decorated flat. It was amazing what a lick of paint and a trip to IKEA could do. It had taken a few weeks but who’d have thought that a flat-pack could bring a girl such joy? She let out a contented sigh – everything was on the up and up. She couldn’t believe that only a month ago her life seemed to be at a dead end – she had nothing and was going nowhere. But now look at her – she was going to be published – her! Danni Gardener! Un-freakin-believable! On top of that, she was going to have money in the bank. Okay, so she wasn’t going to be rich … just yet … but if she didn’t dine out at Harvey Nick’s oyster bar every day, she would manage fine on her advance and her nan’s money. What’s more, she was even considering writing another self-help book.

  Danni’s thoughts of global stardom were rudely interrupted by the ringing of her phone. She picked it up without looking at the screen – figuring it was most likely Josh checking up on her now that she was a real lady of leisure.

  “Well, hello dahling,” she said mimicking the voice of Zsa Zsa Gabor.

  “Hello?”

  Danni jerked up into an upright position as she recognized Brooke’s voice. “Oh shit, sorry.”

  “Danni?”

  “Yes, sorry. I thought you were Josh. Embarrassing!”

  Brooke laughed. “If you ever give up writing, you would make a great Gabor impressionist.”

  Danni’s cheeks burned. Note to self – always check who’s bloody calling me.

  “Thanks,” she said awkwardly.

  Brooke was the last person she expected to hear from – most of their correspondence so far had been via email.

  “Is everything okay with the book?”

  “Yes, it’s more than fine. I would like to meet up for a coffee to go over some points.”

  “Points?”

  “Yes. There are a few places where I’d like to rearrange some sections and rather than going back and forth via email, I thought it would be easier if we just met and went through it in one go.”

  “Over coffee?”

  “Yes. But if you’d prefer not to–”

  “No, no of course I’d love … like to meet up. Entice me with a latte and chocolate chip muffin and I’m anybody’s. Uhh, not literally, I’m not easy. Uhh.” She clumsily joked.

  Brooke laughed. “That’s good to know. So, are you free today? Say one o’clock?”

  “Yep, I’m free all day. One sounds good. Where?”

  “Do you know Banjo’s on Islington High Street?”

  “Yep, it’s that coffee house where all the yummy mummys go, isn’t it? I always feel left out because I don’t have a pram!” Danni retorted.

  “Ha! Don’t worry I’ll try and hire one! Right, I’ll see you then,” Brooke said with laughter in her voice.

  “See you then,” Danni gushed cheerfully.

  Danni placed her phone on the coffee table, and wiped her clammy hands on her jeans. Don’t overthink it; it’s only a latte, not a marriage proposal.

  Now, what should she wear?

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Brooke was acutely aware that she could have gone through the editorial changes with Danni over the phone, but she had the overwhelming urge to see her again. What she really wanted from their meeting could never be a reality, and yet she couldn’t help herself. The need was so urgent it eclipsed her common sense.

  Brooke arrived early at the café, hoping to grab a seat before the afternoon onslaught of mums with prams began. Too late. A row of robust three-wheel buggies were parked along the back wall like some kind of Pimp My Pram convention. As she walked through the heavy glass door, a tall stick insect of a man shouting into his phone brushed past her, knocking her with his elbow. Arsehole. She eyed the room and, not seeing any chairs available, started to feel uncomfortable at the thought of conducting her meeting with Danni standing up. Talk about awkward!

  Luckily, a choice spot became available. Brooke swiftly threw her jacket over one of the chairs to stake her claim. She joined the back of the small queue that was forming around the counter and minutes later, was served by a lanky teenage boy whose face was covered in red pimples. “It’s a ten minute wait for coffees, we’re having problems with the machine,” he said in a half-man half-boy voice.

  “No problem, I’ll just pay now. I’ll have two lattes,” she said as her gaze fell upon a tray of freshly baked chocolate chip muffins. “… and couple of those muffins, too, please,” she grinned as she handed him the cash.

  She made her way over to her table at the back. It was rather intimate with two old leather seats which would work well for poring over a manuscript. Brooke sunk down into the worn leather and removed her phone and IPad from her bag. As she clicked on the screen, Danni dropped into the seat opposite her with a wide smile on her face.

  “Oh hi. Good timing. I’ve ordered some coffees to be brought over,” Brooke said as Danni took her jacket off.

  “Great and chocolate chip muffins?” Danni laughed.

  “Of course.”

  Brooke’s eyes followed Danni’s hand as she flicked her hair behind her ear. “So how have you been Ms Soon-To-Be-Published Author?”

  Danni spread her hands over the edge of her seat. “Never better. I’m still having to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.”

  “I can assure you, you’re not. Listen, I wanted
to say something about that night we bumped into you and Josh at the bar.”

  Danni opened her mouth to speak and Brooke held up her hand. “No please. Let me say what I have to say. I didn’t want to say anything in front of Josh at the meeting with Roy, but I’m really sorry if Megan came across as a bit rude.”

  “Don’t be silly, it was fine.”

  Brooke’s features hardened. “No, it wasn’t. She was rude and there was no need for it.”

  “Well, just a bit. But it’s okay. Is she normally like that?”

  “Rude?” The frown lines on Brooke’s face smoothed out as she laughed. “She’s all right most of the time. She has her moments. You know. Sometimes it just feels like we’re not on the same page.”

  “Sometimes?”

  Brooke rubbed the back of her neck. “Okay, most of the time. Anyway, I don’t want to bore you with that.”

  “It’s fine,” Danni said reassuringly.

  Before Brooke could say any more, a young girl appeared at their table and laid down two coffees and a white plate adorned with two delicious-looking chocolate chip muffins. Brooke and Danni both looked up and thanked her in unison.

  Danni picked up her muffin and took a pinch out of it. “You were saying?”

  “I think what it all boils down to is that we both want different things out of life,” Brooke answered, sipping her latte before placing it back on the table.

  Should I really be telling her this much about myself? For some reason, Brooke just felt so at ease with Danni. She didn’t feel judged.

  Brooke pushed back a strand of wayward hair. “I guess some couples have that shared sense of where they are going. I’m sure you do with Josh.”

  A momentary look of discomfort crossed Danni’s face. Brooke saw it and, for a second wondered whether she had got it all wrong about Danni and Josh. Perhaps they were having problems as well? Is that why they hadn’t set a date yet?

  “Everyone’s relationships are different,” Danni answered. “I get on so well with Josh because we are best friends first.”

  “I can tell that.”

  Danni nodded her head, picked up her coffee with both hands and took a sip.

  “So, how many frogs did you have to kiss before you finally met your prince?” Brooke asked.

  “Not that many thankfully. I’ve never been in a serious relationship before, just fleeting ones.” She leaned forward. “Not that I’m, you know – promiscuous,” she added quickly.

  Brooke laughed. “Don’t worry, I know what you mean. So, I guess you’re getting all the questions about having children? I bet Roy has been on at you.”

  Danni choked on her coffee. “Uh … children. To be honest we haven’t really discussed it. How about yourself?”

  “Probably not wise at the moment – the way things are going. Wouldn’t be the best environment for a new arrival.” She picked up her coffee. “Anyway I didn’t get you down here to be my relationship counsellor.”

  “Brooke, I honestly don’t mind. I know we have only met a few times, but sometimes it’s good to speak to someone you don’t know that well. I’m very trustworthy and I promise not to tell anyone – unless of course you have murdered someone, in which case I would feel duty bound to turn you in.” She smiled, lightening the mood. Brooke burst into laughter.

  “Anyway, I’m here if you want to talk.”

  “Thank you, I will remind you of that when I call you at three a.m.” Brooke grinned, sipping her coffee. Nodding towards her phone she said, “Now, do you mind if I use the recorder on my phone – it will just be easier when I’m working on your book.”

  Danni shook her head and settled back into her seat. “Not at all. I feel like I’m being interviewed. Fame at last. Go right ahead.”

  For the next couple of hours, the two women discussed, philosophised, and guzzled several coffees – and a rather unhealthy intake of muffins of the chocolate variety. Danni spoke about her book with such passion that Brooke couldn’t help but be moved by her conviction. She was making her question her own life and the expectations she placed on others, namely Megan. Was she expecting too much of her? Was she holding the bar so high Megan didn’t have a chance of ever reaching it? Maybe. But maybe not. Perhaps Megan had been taking her for a fool and expecting her to put up with it.

  It had been a productive meeting, fascinating, and when Brooke noticed the time, she immediately pressed stop on the recorder and hurriedly put it back into her bag. As much as she would have loved to sit there all day with Danni, work beckoned.

  “Thanks so much for meeting me, I think we’ve made some great progress,” Brooke said beaming with enthusiasm.

  Danni held her gaze as she slipped into her jacket. “Anytime. It’s been so good to go through it like this – better than a dry old email any day. Though my waistline might not agree.” Danni laughed, looking at the empty plate before them.

  “So what are you up to for the rest of the day?” Brooke asked checking her bag to make sure she had everything.

  “Most probably do a bit of window shopping before Josh gets home. Are you going back to the office?”

  “Afraid so. I have a meeting at four.”

  Danni picked up her bag and swung it over her shoulder. “So, do you fancy coming round to mine for a drink some time? Not to discuss the book, just to chill out, put the world to rights.”

  Before Brooke could respond, a frazzled looking woman and her wailing child appeared beside them. “Sorry, are you leaving?”

  “Oh yes, we are,” Brooke answered, gathering her belongings and slipping past the woman and screaming infant.

  Danni came to stand beside her.

  Brooke shivered inwardly as the two touched shoulders. “Yes. I’d like that very much.”

  “How about this weekend, Saturday perhaps?” Danni asked, moving out the way to make room for a man and buggy to pass by.

  Brooke’s nails dug into the softness of her flesh. “Saturday, sure.”

  “Brilliant. I thought we could have a girly night. You know cocktails, something to eat and lots of chat. I can’t resist a mojito.”

  The skin on the back of Brooke’s neck prickled at the idea of spending an evening alone with Danni. “Sounds like just what I need.”

  “Good. Saturday it is then.”

  They walked to the exit together. Once outside the two women stood for a minute rather awkwardly before saying a quick goodbye and heading in the opposite direction.

  What the hell was she doing? She couldn’t help but get drawn closer and closer to her. She knew all this, she knew it was perhaps folly, but still the urge to walk this path was too strong. Brooke had to follow it, wherever it might lead.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  “I’m packed and ready to go,” Megan called out from the bedroom.

  Brooke eased herself to her feet slowly. For the first time in their relationship she didn’t feel a sense of dread at Megan’s impending departure. In fact, she was glad to be having some space.

  The past few days had been tense – not because Megan hadn’t been trying her hardest to be attentive and affectionate, but because Brooke had more than enough distractions on her mind. Editing Danni’s book as well as meeting up with her had intensified Brooke’s feelings to an almost unbearable level.

  Hearing the sound of the suitcase being dragged towards the front door, Brooke exited the living room and went out to see Megan. As Megan rummaged through her bag, she looked up as Brooke neared.

  “Found it,” she said with relief as she withdrew her ID pass and hung it around her neck.

  Brooke smiled. Megan was forever misplacing her ID, it was a miracle she found anything in her bag considering it was filled with so much junk.

  “So I’ll see you in a couple of weeks, have a safe trip, say hi to your mum for me and have a lovely Christmas,” Brooke said feigning a sad smile she didn’t feel.

  Megan moved around her case and pulled Brooke into an embrace. “I will, and don’t work yourse
lf too hard.” She pulled back and looked Brooke straight in the eye. “I’m going to miss you.”

  Brooke’s body stiffened. “Me too.”

  Megan leaned her face forward and kissed Brooke on the lips. To her surprise Brooke felt nothing. It was as if the link that had once held them together had been broken. Not that it could all be laid on Danni’s doorstep, their demise had been a long time coming. Meeting Danni had provided the catalyst Brooke needed to put things into perspective.

  “Well, I’d better get off. Don’t want to miss my flight,” Megan said.

  “No, of course not.”

  Megan stopped in the open doorway and turned to Brooke. “This time apart will do us good. We will really get things back on track when I return. We’ll have a brilliant New Year’s Eve.”

  “Let’s just see how we feel when you get back,” Brooke answered truthfully. Megan bowed her head and headed down the communal hallway.

  Brooke gently shut the door and slowly walked back to the living room. What was she going to do? Maybe she would use the time to sort her head out – really figure out what she wanted.

  The problem was – she already knew.

  ***

  The Captain’s authoritative voice resonated through the taxiing aircraft.

  “Flight time to Tenerife today will be five hours and twenty minutes. Weather along the route looks good so we are looking at a nice, smooth flight. Please sit back, relax, and enjoy your time with us.”

  Megan’s body tensed as the plane increased its speed along the runway. This was the most exciting part of the journey for her. The speed, the anticipation, the exhilaration of leaving the ground and everything behind each time. It was her escape. Her freedom.

  She smiled at the sight of the young couple in front of her, hands tightly entwined as the plane steadily climbed in altitude. Megan’s petite, auburn-haired work colleague Jackie nudged her, drawing her attention away from the couple. “So, you told Brooke you were going to visit your mum in the US for two weeks. What if she calls her house and asks to speak to you?” she asked, as if getting some vicarious thrill from hearing her friend’s tales of deceit.