AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yeah?” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
“I meant what I said earlier,” Wade continues, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. “Last night was amazing. You played the part well, Callie Walker.”
Played the part.
My heart sinks at his words.
Played the part? Is that all it was to him? A game?
I glance over at him, trying to read his expression, but he’s still focused on the road. My mind races with questions, and I look out the window so he doesn’t see the disappointment written all over my face.
“I’m glad you think so,” I say, trying to sound nonchalant.
“I mean, you were the perfect fake fiancée this weekend, Callie. You fit in so well with my family and made it easy for me to play the part of the devoted fiancé. We had everyone convinced that we were a couple...” he trails off.
I turn to look at him again, and I can see the sheepish expression on his face.
“Did you really think it was necessary to bring a fake fiancée with you?” I ask him, confusion lacing my voice. “Your family seemed amazing, and from everything I saw, it’s apparent that they love you no matter what. I am really having a hard time understanding why you ever felt like you needed to impress them.”
“Callie, we’ve gone over this, they’re not bad people, I’ve just never fit in with them.”
“Says who, Wade? You seemed to fit in just fine this weekend. Just because you didn’t stay in town to run the family ranch, and you made a couple of mistakes in your life, doesn’t mean they don’t love you. They seemed really proud of you.”
“Callie, you’ve only known them for a couple of days, I’ve known them for my entire life. Please, just trust me.”
“Trust you? It’s a little hard to trust a man who was willing to go to such great lengths to lie to his entire family, Wade.”
“Yeah, well, you just wouldn’t understand...”
“Wouldn’t understand? What exactly do you think I wouldn’t understand? The feeling of your family not wanting you? The feeling of not being good enough for them? Because I know that feeling really well, actually. My parents abandoned me, Wade, so don’t even get me started on that.” I huff. “I would love to have a family even half as wonderful as yours. And I just can’t believe you’re willing to squander that away because you think you don’t fit in.”
Wade falls silent, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I can feel the tension in the truck, and I regret bringing up my past. But I also can’t stand the thought of him thinking that he’s alone in his struggles.
We drive in silence for a long while, and I’m not sure what to say to break the silence, but I know I need to diffuse the situation. “I’m sorry, Wade,” I say, my voice soft. “I didn’t mean to get so defensive. I just ... I don’t want you to feel like you have to lie to your family to be accepted. You’re a wonderful person, and they should love you for who you are.”
Wade doesn’t say anything, but I can feel his eyes on me. After a few moments, he clears his throat.
“You’re right,” he says finally. “I shouldn’t have lied to them. But it’s hard, Callie. You don’t understand what it’s like to grow up in a family like mine. There are expectations, traditions, and rules. I just never felt like I fit in.” He pauses before speaking again, “Can we just listen to some music now?”
“Yeah,” I respond, looking at the time, it’s 1 P.M. which means we’ve been driving for nearly three hours. Only four more hours to go. And after that awkward interaction, I’m certain this drive is just going to fly by...
I’m ready to be home.
Chapter Twelve
Wade
We’ve been driving for nearly six hours, and Callie’s words echo in my mind, making me feel like an idiot for ever involving her in this stupid charade.
I wish Roger never put that fake fiancée idea in my head...
Callie didn’t deserve to be dragged into this mess. I hate that she’s experienced so much hurt in her life. She’s such an amazing person—she certainly didn’t deserve what happened to her. And maybe she has a point, my family has never abandoned me.
If anything, I’m the one who abandoned them.
I steal a glance at Callie. In spite of my feeling like a complete and utter failure, I can’t help but feel grateful for her presence. She’s the first person to really challenge me, to make me see things in a different light. And dang, is she beautiful.
The sunlight casts a warm glow that highlights her features—from the strands of auburn hair that have escaped her ponytail, to her pale skin and forest-green eyes. The sight of her takes my breath away—she looks like an angel in the fading light.
