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“Harper and I make a better match.”
“Your mother and I have always thought so. I know she went through a lot recently in L.A. so I assume that’s why you didn’t approach her before.”
This is just too perfect.I hardly have to explain anything. “Yes. I wasn’t sure if she was ready for a serious relationship.”
“I’m glad she is. It will also be great to have her working here. When does she start?”
“Thursday.”
“And will we get to see her tomorrow at the Astoria?” He cocks his head and gives me a hopeful look. “It would be great for the press to get a better outlook on you. It would certainly tamp down any remnants of the scandal.”
“Yes, she’ll be there. And I agree, the press will get to see me in adifferentlight.”
“Wonderful. We have a few public events over the next few weeks. I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunity for them to see you as a changed man.”
“Yes.” I smile but inside I know that means Harper and I will be putting on the show of our lives. That’s all well and good, and it’s justactingbut it means getting closer. It means touching her in ways I wouldn’t normally and looking like a couple in love.
“I hope you two can make it work. I’m sure Josh will be happy to hear you’re together.”
“Sure.” I try to sound confident but my insides twist at the mention of Josh.
“Alright, son, I better run. I have back to back meetings so I won’t see you until tomorrow at the Astoria. I’m really looking forward to seeing you and Harper together.” Father smiles again and I can see that he was worried about me. Worried that I wouldn’t ever find my way.
“We’ll be there around eight.”
“Perfect. See you then.”
He leaves and I stare at the wall, hoping I can pull off my plans unscathed.
I doubt that will happen since I’m already seeing potholes in this grand plan of mine.
The biggest one being me.
Number one: I’m lying to Josh by omission.
Number two: I don’t want to come between Harper and her brother and I don’t want to ruin my friendship with Josh either. And that leads to number three.
When I take Josh out of the picture, I’m still my own worst enemy.
I could be setting myself up for a fall because in three months I have to let Harper go.
I’m not sure if I can handle knowing what it’s like to be with her, then letting her go.
It seems foolish to feel this way when there is no marriage contract to worry about anymore. Meaning the door is open to a future if we wanted it.
I shouldn’t entertain the thought, but it’s there. Having this fake relationship with Harper may give me a taste of what I could have for real.Ifwe wanted it.
But it’s not as simple as wanting it. Because of Josh.
Deep down I’m also worried because I’d never want him to be right about me. I’d never want to hurt Harper and disappoint her the way Nick did.
I’m not him but I already blame myself enough for her accident.
I wouldn’t want to break her heart too.
It’s show time.
Tonight is the night to put my fake dating plan into action and reveal Harper to my family as my girlfriend.
