Page 40 of The Love Hoax

The irony in her words isn’t lost on me. “Funny you should mention falling.”

“Oh no! Are you hurt? I’ll send Paul to get you. The medical care will be far better here in New York?—”

I cut her off. “Not me. Actually, not anyone. I’m fine. I’ll explain in a second. First, tell me how you’re feeling. When are you getting discharged?”

“Calvin says it will probably be Monday. Then I’ll need physicaltherapy twice a week. He recommended his colleague on Park Avenue.”

“Calvin? I’ll take a stab in the dark here. He’s your doctor.”

“He’s an outstanding physician. Very dedicated.”

I hear the smile in Caroline’s words. “Is he, now? What else is he?”

“Hold on. He’s my doctor. That’s all. And we’re not talking about me. What’s been happening there? You’re all alone traipsing through the mountains. I don’t know what I was thinking pushing you to go without me.” Then, “How’s the resort?”

“It was great.”

“Was?”

“Um, I’m staying at a . . . friend’s house.”

“You don’t have any friends near Yosemite.”

I could argue, but Caroline knows everyone in my life. “Fine. I met someone.”

I hear shuffling, as if Caroline is sitting up. “You’re having afling? I’m speechless.”

“What? No! Adam is?—”

“Adam. Nice name. Wait, Adam and Eve. That’s priceless! Okay, spill it and don’t leave out even one single detail.”

I lean back against the sofa cushion, wrapping the throw around my shoulders, and proceed to tell my best friend all that transpired. I lower my voice, hoping I didn’t wake Adam.

“That’s some insane story. I can’t believe you’re going to that wedding as his fake fiancée. This is so out of character for you.”

I know it’s not a judgmental comment. If anything, Caroline approves.

“It’s crazy. But honestly, who’s going to be hurt by this? It will help Adam, and I’ll make up for almost killing him.”

“I see what you mean, Evie, but how can I put this?” She pauses. “Lying is an art. And you are a novice. No offense.”

“Nonetaken.”

“So, his sister . . .”

“Steph.”

“Right. She works for the FBI.” Caroline says it with a touch of disbelief.

I force my toes between the velvet cushions. “That’s what I’m told.”

“If you’re caught, she probably won’t take it too well.”

Caroline has a point. “She won’t find out.”

“How exactly are you going to explain your quick departure from Adam’s life the moment the wedding weekend is over?”

“Well . . . we haven’t worked out that detail yet.”