I hired a fake boyfriend for a Fourth of July party to face my ex—but what he did next shocked everyone and changed everything

the grass while someone yelled at them to slow down.

The grill smoked near the patio, and the table was crowded with ribs, deviled eggs, watermelon, and cupcakes with tiny flags stuck in the frosting.

The pool flashed blue under the sun.

For one breath, I almost believed I could survive it.

Then I saw Ryan.

He stood by the grill with one hand on Lucille’s continue reading …