“Not me, not now. I came here to talk about the inn, and somehow we’ve gotten sidetracked by my nonexistent love life. I need to get my mom off the scent of a man for me. She’s got way too much time on her hands since she’s not busy at the restaurant.” Angi checked her watch. “I haven’t told her I’m still working at the inn, so she thinks I’ve got time, too.”

“Make up a boyfriend,” Mariella suggested as she straightened a display of colorful scarves.

“Lie to my mother?”

Mariella lifted a brow. “Are you saying you’ve never done that before? Because I’m fairly certain you just admitted to a lie of omission with regards to the inn.”

Angi shook her head. “That’s different. It’s for my mom’s own good.”

“I’m not sure I agree.” Mariella took a step toward the counter as the customers made their way there with several bath items and a set of matching earrings and a necklace. “Perhaps this is as good a time as any to think of your own good. You do a lot of living based on what will make other people happy, lady.”

Angi couldn’t deny it so she didn’t bother. But to make up a boyfriend seemed needlessly complicated and like it would backfire on her in the end. Surely if she had someone, her mom would want to meet him. What kind of guy could Angi possibly come up with that would do the trick and not be too much work?

An image of Gabe once again flashed in her mind and she practically groaned out loud. He’d be the perfect pretend boyfriend. Hot, a great kisser, nice to her kid, and clearly interested in avoiding her as much as she wanted to give him a wide berth.

The idea of it was ridiculous. He wasn’t made-up. He was an actual person, one who had every reason not to want to be involved with her.

He’d be a perfect choice.

The customers left with their packages, but before Mariella could make her way back over another group walked in. The store seemed to attract women of all ages and shapes, and Angi had yet to see someone leave without a bag and a smile. There was a market for retail in Magnolia these days. Looking around gave her ideas for home decor and small gift items Gabe could add to his inventory to attract a wider range of customers.

Maybe she could offer to help him update things in exchange for him pretending to be her boyfriend—strictly to give her a break from her mother’s matchmaking. They were already going to need to spend time together for festival planning. It would be easy and uncomplicated for both of them.

“Give me a call later,” Angi called to Mariella as she headed for the door. “I have a meeting at town hall, but I’ll be around all afternoon.”

Mariella waved and Angi headed out, a new spring in her step. She had a plan for her holiday fake boyfriend that just might work. At least she could get one aspect of her life under control before Christmas, and that was enough for her right now.