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

harder. She laughed too brightly. She touched his arm whenever Daniel spoke to me.

Then her laughter thinned.

I noticed because I was trying not to notice Ryan.

Trying not to notice the way my own hands kept returning to my waist.

Lucille noticed Ryan watching.

Smooth the dress.

Pull the fabric.

Cross my arms.

Step aside.

Stay useful.

I carried paper plates continue reading …