Page 102 of Fall Fake-Out

I dump another packet of apple cider mix into the drink dispenser and glance out the kitchen window.

Outside, Dad, Jaxon, and Wade stand around the fire pit. The flames crackle against the darkening sky as a few scattered orange and gold leaves tumble across the green lawn. Large maple trees surrounding our property are finally beginning to turn, their branches painted with streaks of amber and crimson.

It’s the perfect night for a backyard bonfire.

The night temps are cool enough to see a puff of breath when you talk, and a thin cloud hangs low around the hills, creating the ambiance of fog.

Tonight is all about wool blankets, s’mores, hot cider, and getting Barb Langford to warm up to the idea of Wade.

Through the window, Dad gestures dramatically toward the lighter fluid. Jaxon laughs. Wade slaps my dad on the shoulder.

The sight of him in flannel and jeans has my heart working overtime, pumping out blood faster than I can keep up. Mostly because Wade looks like he belongs here, in Autumn Ridge, in my backyard with my family.

A comfortable thought.

I stir the cider and force myself to move on. Just like I’ve done with the kiss.

“Ari.”

I nearly tip over the orange Igloo container full of hot cider.

Landrie stands in the doorway.

“Good grief.” I press a hand to my chest.

She studies me. “You were checking Wade out, weren’t you?”

“Pfft.” I shake my head a little too aggressively. “No.”

“He’s your boyfriend. You should be checking him out.” She grabs a bag of marshmallows and opens them up. “But I think you like him more than you’re even letting on.”

I open my mouth.

Close it.

Open it again. “I like him the appropriate amount for what this is.”

“Okay.” She laughs. “So, what is it, then? I mean, you brought him here tonight to get Mom and Dad’s approval. You must be serious about him if you want that.”

“No, I want Mom’s approval so she’ll stop trying to set me up with other guys.”

“I don’t believe it. You’re totally into him. Like, a lot. You just don’t want to admit it.” Next, she opens up the graham crackers and arranges them in a small basket.

I don’t like the tone behind her words. And I especially don’t like the accusations she’s throwing around.

“I’m not into Wade.”

“Why are you acting so offended?” She smiles at me. “I’d be concerned if you were spending all this time together and you weren’t into him. I’m just saying this feels a little more serious than just a casual fling.”

A strong need to come clean takes over. “Wade and I are not actually dating. The whole thing is fake.”

“WHAT?” Her screech echoes through the kitchen.

“Keep your voice down!”

“What? You don’t get to tell me to keep my voice down after announcing you’ve been faking an entire relationship for weeks.”

“Shh! Mom can’t know. You have to promise not to say anything.”