Page 32 of Frosted Fakes

"To someone like your mother? Might as well be." Elliott set down her bowl. The familiar inadequacy crept in. Never good enough. Never serious. "This is a mistake. She'll see through me. Through us."

"She won't. We'll make it work."

"How?"

"I don't know yet. But we will." Julia reached across and took Elliott's hand.

The touch was unexpected. Warm. Julia's fingers squeezed gently, and something in Elliott's chest loosened.

"We're in this together, remember?" Julia said.

Together. Business arrangement. Mutual benefit.

So why did Julia's hand feel less like a prop and more like an anchor?

Jamie made an approving sound. "See? Almost convincing. Maybe not hopeless."

"Vote of confidence appreciated," Elliott said dryly.

"Anytime." Jamie turned, heading out. "Elliott? Not having formal training doesn't make you less of a baker. Your pastries are the best I've tasted. I've eaten at fancy places. Don't let Julia's mother make you feel otherwise."

He left before Elliott could respond.

Tara appeared. "He's right. You're really good."

"Thanks," Elliott said quietly.

"And you two? Getting better. That hand-holding looked almost real. You might just impress that potential mother-in-law yet."

Elliott glanced down. Julia was still holding her hand. Had forgotten to let go. Their fingers intertwined, Julia's thumb doing that stroking thing again.

Elliott's instinct was to pull away. She didn't do casual affection. Didn't do comfortable touching. But Julia was looking at her with something soft in her eyes, and pulling away felt wrong.

"Monster-in-law," Julia said, breaking the moment.

Elliott's mouth twitched. "Accurate."

"She's not that bad. High standards," said Julia, blushing at her own audacity.

"For everyone but herself." Elliott pulled her hand away gently. "Don't apologize for her. She's put you in an impossible situation. It's okay to be angry."

Julia blinked. "I'm not angry."

"You should be."

"Maybe I'm a bit angry."

"Good. Anger's better than that people-pleasing thing you do."

"I don't people-please."

"You absolutely do. It’s tiring to see."

"Well, you don’t have to live in my flat if you don’t want to watch me." Julia stopped. "Sorry. That was rude."

"That was honest." Elliott almost smiled. "See? You can do it. Now imagine talking to your mother like that."

"I'd rather not imagine my death."