“But we’ll see you tonight, right?” Elise asks. It doesn’t sound like a demand. It sounds like she’s genuinely hoping she will. Which, I hate to admit, actually feels kind of nice.

“Sure, of course,” I tell her. After our goodbyes, I watch the two of them walk off for a moment before jogging over to my truck.

When I hop in, Leo asks, “What took you so long? Who were those people?”

Cranking the engine, I grasp for an explanation. “They’re Brenden’s, uh... They’re May’s grandparents.”

“Ah, okay. I think I’ve heard something about them.”

I turn on the radio, then set my eyes firmly on the road as I take off, hoping to discourage him from asking anything more. It’s not my business to tell people about Brenden’s family situation. Especially one of his employees. I know his relationship with Elise and Grant is complicated.

Though I can’t help but wonder again if Brenden even knows their conflicted feelings about visiting Mayweather. Would it change anything between them if he knew how hard it was for them to come here? That they do it despite that for him and May? And is it my place to tell him these things?

If I were really his boyfriend—his partner—then maybe. But I’m not. We’re just faking it.

So I should stay out of any emotional minefields and simply enjoy the perks of this fake relationship while I can.

“Who’s ready for MayFest tomorrow?” Brenden asks cheerfully, as he passes Elise a mug of chamomile tea. He’s learned how to fix it perfectly to her taste.

I press myself farther into the arm on the opposite end of the couch to make room for him in the middle. He glances down at May, who is sprawled on the floor again with all her school stuff spread out on the coffee table. I probably should have scooted myself to the middle to make it easier for him. But I’m pretty glad I didn’t when he sort of takes a dive across my lap to get into the open spot. I catch his leg to prevent him from kicking May in the head, and we’re both chuckling by the time he gets settled.

He flushes when he notices Elise and Grant watching us with amusement. May hasn’t even looked up from her homework, her concentration unwavering.

“The festival sounds delightful,” Elise says, not commenting on Brenden’s less than graceful moves.

Brenden grins. “Oh, it’ll be absolutely delightful when May and I kick everyone’s butts at the May Games! They’re named for her, so obviously we always win.”