On the drive home, Simon and I squeezed into the very back, leaving John in the middle with Mom. Simon put his arm around me, and I leaned in, resting my head against his shoulder. It felt warm. Right. Like I belonged there and nowhere else. It was probably wrong to feel that way. Probably more wrong to sit that way. But the longer we were together, the more I found myself wishing that Simon wasn’t pretending. That our time together was more than a candlelit fairy tale. Granny Grace told me the heart wants what the heart wants. My heart seemed bound and determined to prove her right.

Jamie: Brothers. I have news. Serious, big, exciting news.

Dave: What time is it in California? I’m still asleep, and we’re three hours ahead of you.

Jamie: 5:30 AM. Can’t sleep. Too much on my mind.

Simon: What’s the news?

Jamie: I’ve found a house.

Simon: Yeah?

Jamie: Just down the street from the office. In a nice neighborhood but still close enough to the city. Lane will be able to commute into a hotel without any trouble.

Simon: So you’re asking her to move to California with you?

Dave: It’s about time if you are. All this back and forth has to be killing your relationship.

Jamie: I’m asking her to marry me. I just bought the ring.

Dave: Congrats, bro. I’m happy for you.

Simon: Are you sure you’re ready?

Jamie: I have to go for it. She was worried I had doubts. I have to show her I don’t.

Simon: When will you ask her?

Jamie: Not until I’m home. Wednesday or Thursday, probably. Don’t blow my cover. I want it to be a surprise.

Chapter 22

I blinked my eyes at the alarm clock sitting on the nightstand in my old bedroom. Well, sort of my old bedroom. The dimensions were the same; the closet and adjoining bathroom were still in the same place, but otherwise you’d never know the space had ever been mine. The second I’d left for Berkeley, Mom had redecorated, creating what she called a “tasteful, functional guest room.” I didn’t really care. I’d probably be mortified to sleep among my BOYBAND 2.0 posters with my boyfriend on the next floor anyway. No. My pretend boyfriend. I sighed. For a brief, happy moment, I’d forgotten how complicated my love life presently was.