Page 101 of Flirty Fall Fling

“How long did you know?” she asks.

“I found out this morning. I didn’t want to ruin your day because nothing could be done until I spoke with Patterson, who was clearly on his way here.” I stare out into the darkness. “I wanted to have one good night before everything went to hell. I’m really fucking sorry. I thought we were safe,” I explain.

She sucks in a deep breath, and it comes out as a puff of smoke. “They’re trying to figure out who I am.” Blaire looks at me for a second too long, then back down at the valley. “I don’t think I’m prepared for what’s to come. I feel it bubbling under the surface.”

“Yeah?” I ask. “Is it bubbling like The Tower card?”

Her head turns so fast that the coat slides off one shoulder.

“Sudden upheaval. A collapse. This card burns down illusions. Isn’t that what you said?”

“I thought you didn’t believe it?”

“I might not, but you do,” I say. “You told me what survives is forever.”

She downs the rest of her wine. “You know what else is forever? The internet.”

“I guess you’re right. But even then, people forget.”

She read my fortune, knowing my present was The Tower card. If anything, she predicted this all. I remember every word of it. I remember everything she’s ever said to me. Forgetting her isn’t something I ever want to do.

“I suppose we can either laugh or cry about it. Those are our two options right now,” she says.

I take the empty glass out of her hand and refill it. She’s quiet for a second, eyes focused just past me. I glance over my shoulder and see Patterson making a plate of pasta.

“Meeting him was a strange experience. It felt … off.”

I snicker. “Great way to describe him. I’m sure he gave you the warning speech? The ruthless heartbreaker one?”

Her eyes trail back to me. “Yeah, he did. Word for word, I’d guess.”

“Did it work?”

“You tell me. I’m still here.”

“Yeah, it only scares away the weak ones early,” I admit. “We both know you’re anything but weak.”

It’s a test Patterson gives women who are interested. One that Blaire passed.

“I’ll have to make a statement to save my brother’s marriage from being scrutinized. What would you like me to tell the public?”

Blaire shakes her head. “I don’t know the answer. I’ve never been in this situation before.”

“I can have my publicist give the just friends spin with a plea for privacy.”

“Just friends. Perfect.”

I catch a hint of something in those words. Is it disappointment maybe?

I thought she’d be relieved.

“How long until they stop caring?” she asks.

“A week. Ten days max. As long as nothing feeds the flame.”

The breeze blows through her hair, and I can smell her sweet skin.

“Your statement won’t convince my friends or Doris Jean,” she says.