Page 39 of Hot Fake Husband
“I guess you could say that.” I secretly hoped we could renew our vows someday, so we could exchange meaningful vows, knowing we would be together forever this time.
We didn’t talk much about the future. We were just enjoying the present, and planning for the strangers about to invade our home for the next three months. I assumed once they left, and we knew whether the show was going to be renewed for another season we could start thinking about the future.
“You guess?” Briar asked, frowning. “What does that mean? You guys haven’t talked about it?”
“We have.” I reached for a piece of bruschetta, knowing I had to start eating, since I was already three martinis in and our entrees hadn’t even been served yet. “And we’re both on the same page. We’re in this for the long haul. And we want the same things for the future, kids—”
Briar squealed again before clamping her hand over her mouth when Deanna and I laughed in unison. “I’m sorry, I’m just so excited for you. It feels like I’ve been waiting forever for you to meet a good guy and Joel is the best. He treats you like a queen and that’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”
Cue the waterworks. Briar wasn’t usually emotional, but pregnancy hormones had gotten the best of her. “Stop it, girl.” I sniffled. “You’re going to make me cry.”
“I’m sorry.” She dabbed her eyes with a paper napkin. “I promise I’ll stop now.” Drawing a deep breath, she said, “Okay, tell us everything. What did you say? What did he say? How did you know—”
“Bri, take a breath,” Dee teased, nudging her with an elbow. “Let Gia get a word in.”
“Sorry, you’re right,” Briar said, shaking her head. “I just don’t want you to leave out a single detail. It’s not every day my best friend finds her forever.”
My forever. It was hard to remember what life had been like for me before Joel moved back to town. Even when we’d been ‘just friends’ he’d filled a void in my life that I hadn’t even realized was there.
He’d take me to the sappy movies I wanted to see, even though he claimed it was torture. We’d drive into the city to see ball games on weekends. I’d pick up a pizza from his favorite place when I knew he’d been working hard all day and probably forgot to eat.
He’d been plastered all over my social media accounts, since we were together practically all the time. Followers just assumed he was my boyfriend or husband, so it wasn’t a surprise to anyone when we announced we were engaged.
“During our first dance I asked him what was happening between us.” I smiled at the memory. “The way he looked at me, I knew he felt it too. I guess that’s when something shifted between us. That night…” I whispered, even though no one was in earshot, “In bed, he finally admitted he was in love with me and wanted this marriage to be real.”
Briar rested her hand against her heart. “Aww, I love that.”
“You’ll never forget your wedding night,” Dee said, grinning. “Maybe that was his intent.”
I didn’t think Joel planned it. Nothing about his admission felt contrived. It felt natural, like it was the next logical step in our love story.
“Now that things are moving full-steam ahead with you guys, how does Joel feel about having the TV crew there for the next few months, invading your privacy?” Deanna asked.
We all smiled our thanks as the wait staff delivered our entrees and provided fresh drinks.
“He claims he doesn’t mind.” If I were him I would probably mind if a bunch of strangers were hanging around my house all the time, stealing our honeymoon phase. But Joel promised we’d make up for lost time when they left, and I shouldn’t feel bad about the invasion.
“I’m sure he doesn’t,” Briar said, digging into her lasagne. “He knows this is your big break. He loves you. Why wouldn’t he support you through this, right?”
I nodded, taking a bite of my penne alla vodka. It was delicious, but my stomach was tied up in knots every time I thought about the chaos I was welcoming into our lives. Life at Joel’s farm was simple, sweet, and quiet. I loved the slow, predicable daily routines. It soothed the frenzied part of my soul that had been hustling for years, making me wonder if I really was tired of hustling and ready for a little slow living.
Briar tipped her head from side-to-side, looking thoughtful as she studied me. “Why do I get the feeling something’s off with you? Like you’re not telling us something?”
I should have known she would call me out. That’s what best friends do, and if I thought she was trying to hide something from me, I would have done the same. “I don’t know. This successful lifestyle brand is all I’ve ever wanted. I imagined the books, the TV show, the housewares lines in major department stores.” I shook my head. “Now it just doesn’t seem as important as it used to. In fact, it sounds exhausting.”
“Hey,” Deanna said, gently, “you’re allowed to change your mind, hon. Just because you’ve wanted this for a long time doesn’t mean you have to want it forever.”
“Yeah, but this TV deal—”
“You committed for the next three months,” Briar said. “That’s it. See how it goes. I’m sure they’ll want to renew, because you’re fabulous, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it if you’re not feeling it.”
“I’d have to be crazy to turn them down if the show’s a success. And that’s a big if. Let’s face it, there’s lots of competition and there are no guarantees viewers will even like me or want to tune in. Just because I’ve had some success building a social media following—”
“Let’s not forget your best-selling book,” Briar said, scowling at me. “Don’t you dare try to sell yourself short. You’re amazing and people are going to love you as much as we do. End of story.”
Was it any wonder I loved this girl? She was the sister I’d always wanted.
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