The idea of going to MayFest with him, May, and the Richardsons is pretty nerve-wracking. Not because I don’t like going to the town festivals (although I don’t), but because being out in public with them will be dangerous. But Brenden and I already talked about how we have to be careful, balance Elise's and Grant's expectations of our relationship with what we’re letting the town see.

At least it isn’t unheard of for Brenden to drag me around with him to do things I don’t want to do. We just can’t act too much like a couple while we do this.

“Everything’s going to be fine,” he assures me.” Even though I know he’s not entirely relaxed about this thing either.

“Right. Yeah. I’m gonna...” I gesture toward the bathroom.

“Right,” he repeats. “Go ahead. I know you need to hurry.”

I’m doing okay on time, but I do hurry in the shower, not wanting to give myself any extra time to stress. When I come out of the ensuite ready to leave, I’m not surprised to find Brenden back under the covers, eyes closed, breathing softly in sleep.

I allow myself a few moments to watch him, taking in every detail, then cross to the bed, unable to resist placing a featherlight kiss on his temple before I get out of here.

Don’t get used to this, I warn myself as I close his bedroom door quietly behind me.

Walking out of the diner and heading over to the green, I feel like I might be walking to my own death. This fake dating arrangement was complicated enough when we only had to do it in the privacy of Brenden’s house. Now it’s gotten even more complicated, since we somehow need to pull it off in public without anyone else catching on.

But would it really be so bad if they did?

I remember Mrs. Morris the other day, her colorful way of suggesting I give dating men a try, and I almost laugh. Then I think of my dad and those words he shouted to the football players on the TV screen, and the urge to laugh disappears.

You can see the green from the diner’s glass front. It’s right across the road, and yet I manage to cycle through all too many emotions by the time I’m stepping onto the grass. But then I spot Brenden and his little group standing off to the side on the outskirts of the festival activities. May is pointing out one of the booths to her grandmother, Grant is frowning down at his phone as he types something, and Brenden is looking right at me. He’s smiling, and the smile only grows as I walk his way.

And now suddenly, the only thing I feel is pretty damn happy.