Page 34 of The Nicest Thing

Afterward, I was left satisfied, boneless, and very sure that our love was real.

There was just one thing I needed to do.

For Finn.

For me.

For us.

I just hoped it wouldn't kill me—or my career.

"I'm going to tell them," I said.

"Tell who what?" Finn asked.

"The readers, everyone, I'm going to admit the lie. It's the only way, Finn."

He sat up beside me in bed, suddenly alert. "But Rose, what about your books?"

I nodded. "I'm going to keep writing. I won't let this stop me."

"I know you won't. But—"

"My stories are good. They'll keep selling, or they won't." I gulped. "If I can't make a living as a writer, I'll just have to pivot."

"You told me other authors get a lot of hate for the smallest thing.

I don't want to see you go through that," Finn said, and I laid a hand on his chest, feeling his heart beating beneath my fingers.

The rhythm was steady and soothing. He put his hand over mine.

"It's just one more day. Why not ride it out? "

"Because I can't," I said. "I didn't realize it before, but this lie is killing me slowly, sitting like a weight on my chest."

"Spoken like a true writer," Finn said.

"Maybe not for much longer."

He didn't laugh, and neither did I.

"If I don't tell the truth, I'll never feel worthy of this," I said, running my thumb over his heart, seeing the realization in his eyes.

"You don't have to do this for me."

"I'm doing it for us." I leaned in and pressed a kiss to his lips. He returned the kiss with fervor. "I love you, Finn, and if this is going to work, I need us to be able to tell our story. Our real story."

He ran a hand through his hair. "Okay, if you're sure."

"I am."

"How will you do it?"

"By posting a video on social media," I said with a grim smile. "Feels right to end this where it started."

Finn blew out a breath. "Well, I'll do whatever I can to protect you from any blowback. I'm with you no matter what."

"I know."

And I did.

Finn never broke a promise, and it comforted me to know he was in my corner.

Through the good, the bad, and the ugly.

#

"This is bad, Rose," Emmy said from her square on the screen.

The rest of the book club members nodded in agreement.

"The video has almost 500k views," June said, "and it's been up less than an hour."

"That's what I get for having a smart friend who knows how to work the algorithm," I quipped.

"How are you so calm right now?" Honor asked. "The Rose I knew would be quaking in her boots over this—or buried under a pile of her own books."

"Doesn't sound like such a bad way to go," Charlie said. "But Honor has a point. What's up, Rose?"

I shrugged. "I guess I'm at peace with it. I did the crime, so now I'll do the time."

"That's mature of you," Maisie said, giving me a pensive look. "Even though, technically, you did nothing wrong. The podcasters assumed you were married."

"I should've corrected them."

Emmy shook her head. "I don't see why that's on you."

"I took it too far, dragging Finn into this, making him pretend with me." I said.

"Again, I was there. He volunteered."

Even with everything, a happy sigh escaped my lips at that. "Yeah, he did. Didn't he?"

"Where is Finn anyway?" June asked.

"Not sure. He said he had something to do," I said.

"Enough about Baby Shark Finn. How's the reaction at the conference?" Charlie asked.

Considering the fact that when I walked in, everything went from bustling with voices to dead silence, I figured they knew.

The other authors kept avoiding eye contact, but I felt their eyes on me.

I'd even caught Keely shaking her head, grinning in delight.

She didn't duck my gaze, and when our eyes connected, the look she gave me clearly said "I knew I was right.

" I hoped my returning stare communicated my acknowledgment.

Yes, I'd lied, and now, I was prepared to deal with the fallout.

"Well, no one's talked to me, no readers stopped by—which isn't much different from yesterday, but this feels more intentional. The other authors are treating me like I have the plague. It's as I expected."

Charlie frowned. "Those assholes, as if they're so perfect. Everyone makes mistakes."

"I wish we were there with you," Honor said.

"Want us to drive down?" Charlie said. "We can come and be your reinforcements."

That made me smile. "I'd love that," I said.

"Okay, I can be ready in five. You—"

"But you won't make it," I added. "The conference will be over by the time you get here."

Charlie cursed.

"I know," I said. "Should've picked somewhere closer to home to end my writing career, but alas, I didn't come up with this until last night. Must plan better next time."

No one laughed at my morose humor.

"Damn," Maisie mumbled, "I was looking forward to taking off work and seeing you and the books."

"I would've loved to travel down," June put in. "Your writer life's not over, Rose. I still need you to sign the rest of my collection."

"We should be there," Charlie said again. "We would be if Emmy had told us she was going. We could've made it a big road trip."

"Hey," Emmy replied, "don't be mad at me. I came up with the book conference surprise and executed it flawlessly—but I can see how backup would be welcome at a time like this."

Her mouth pulled down in a frown.

"Sorry, Rose. I should've stayed, stood with you through the shitstorm."

I shook my head. "You didn't know it was coming. Neither did I until a few hours ago. Plus, Emmy, you had things to do. Hockey things."

"Rose," she groaned as the others perked up.

"Sorry," I said, speaking over the rapid-fire questions currently being flung at her from all the members of the book club minus Finn. "I needed a break from the attention. Love you, Em."

"Yeah, yeah," Emmy mumbled. "Love you too."

"Signing off now."

"We hope you and Finn enjoyed our present," Honor said, throwing me a wink, and I laughed.

"We did, thanks," I said.

Emmy frowned. "What present? Why wasn't I consulted?"

"Trust me," June said, "you wouldn't have wanted to be. Not this time."

"But I give the best gifts!" was the last thing I heard Emmy say as I ended the call.

After posting that video, I may have been a pariah, but I was filled with love and thankfulness for my friends.

Even if the world hated me, I knew they'd always have my back.

My girls, my family, and Finn were my real ride or dies.

Having friends like that was a powerful thing.

And though everything may have changed irrevocably, even if I never sold another book in my life, I knew in my heart I'd be okay.

"Excuse me, can you sign this for me, please?"

I looked up in surprise, meeting the eyes of a girl who looked young, like she must still be in high school or maybe just graduated.

Her mahogany hair was up in two cute little buns on her head.

Her t-shirt read "Chariot Public Library," and she had a stack of books under one arm.

The thing that really stood out, though, was her smile.

I wasn't sure I'd seen a brighter, sunnier one. And it was directed right at me.

"Sorry, I spaced for a second."

"That's okay." Her smile grew. "I do that all the time."

She held out her book—which was actually one of my books from the table.

"Could you possibly sign two? I'd love to have one for me and one for the library."

"Of course," I said, signing them both in record time. "I'm not sure how many people will want to read these after today, but thank you so much for stopping by."

Her cheeks glowed with pleasure. "Oh no, I'm sure they will, and thank you. I'm always recommending your books. I love them."

"Really?" I said. "That's amazing! Do you have a favorite?"

"I love them all," she said, "but A Love So Twisted is probably my #1."

"That's mine too—well, one of them."

She laughed then shifted from one foot to the other.

"I've taken up enough of your time. I better go."

"What's your name?" I asked.

"Charlotte Kent," she said with a blush, "or Lottie or Lotte. You can take your pick."

"So many good names."

A tall shadow suddenly fell over her, and I looked up…

and up into a pair of dark brown eyes. The guy was strong yet pretty, built like a soccer player with the face of a K-pop star.

But I was sure no one would ever say that to him.

The deep scowl he wore was a little scary, yet the girl didn't seem intimidated in the least. The way he placed a hand on her waist told me they were together.

How she melted against his chest let me know she liked his touch.

The sheer amount of romance books he carried in the other hand told me one or both of them loved the genre.

"You ready, Kent?" he said gruffly.

"Almost," she said.

"You said that 40 minutes ago."

"Don't rush me, Bo Stryker. I'm in my bookish sanctuary."

He sighed.

"I really will be finished soon. Just had to stop by and talk to my favorite author."

I nearly cried.

Literal tears filled my eyes, and my emotions were so all over the place. I didn't know if I could hold them back.

"Oh no," Charlotte said in concern, "are you okay?"

"I'm good," I said.

"Why are you crying?"

Before I could answer, she followed up with something that made me still.

"Is it because of that video Finn made?"

Brow furrowed, I asked, "What do you mean?"

"It was just so romantic, so I figured maybe it made you cry."

"I almost cried because you called me your favorite author."

"Oh, that's awesome."

"Kent," her boyfriend said, "she's obviously going through it. We should leave."

"I love you, Bo, but I feel like this is where I'm meant to be."

"Love you too," he murmured, sounding grumpy yet sincere, "enough to carry your books and follow you all around this conference."

She shushed him.

"Finn posted a video?" I said, having a delayed reaction to her words, but in my defense it'd already been a long day. "When?"

"A few minutes ago. You haven't seen it?"

I shook my head.

In seconds, Charlotte had the video cued up. "I saved it," she explained. "To remind me of what true love looks like."

She hit play, and I watched Finn appear.

That face that I loved so well caused a fluttering inside my chest, making my heart pound. What he said stole the breath from my lungs.

"Hey everyone," he said with a smile. "I'm going to keep this short and sweet.

My girl, Liv Lamoreaux just posted a video admitting that she lied.

Yes, she let people think we were married with the goal of selling more books—to help keep her grandmother from being thrown out of senior living by the way.

We went to an author brunch as a couple—when we weren't—and we pretended to be together.

A real-life fake romance. That's what she called it. But I have to set the record straight."

Finn ran a hand over the back of his neck, looking gorgeous, confident, and better than anyone had a right to.

"I need you to know the truth," he said. "And the truth is…I'm the one you should be mad at, not her. I volunteered for this because, well, I've been in love with her since the moment I saw her."

I covered my mouth with a hand.

"Of course, I never told her that. That's not something best friends do."

Finn sent the camera a smile.

"But yeah, when I found out she needed a fake husband for a day, I was all in.

I convinced her to use me. When she agreed, I ran out and got her a ring.

Even went down on one knee. I assured her that I wouldn't rest until we sold more books—oh, by the way, you can check out Liv Lamoreaux's entire catalog in my bio if you want. Highly recommended."

I released a watery laugh, but Finn wasn't done.

"Anyway, I love her," he said. "I've loved her all along. That is the truth. She's my everything, and I would hate to see the book community turn on her. Especially when I have every intention of making her my wife in the future—if she'll have me. So don't hold this against her. Please."

His eyes felt like they were looking straight at me.

"I love you, my Rose. That is and always was real. You can believe that."

Finn blinked then cleared his throat.

"Anyway," he said, "that's all. Thanks for…ah…tuning in. Remember to check out Liv Lamoreaux's romances, and yeah. Guys read romance too. Okay, I'm done. Love you, Rose. Bye."

The video ended.

Tears were streaming down my cheeks.

A strong hand landed on my shoulder, and I heard Finn murmur, "Thanks, I've got it from here."

He rubbed my back in soothing circles.

"Please don't cry."

His voice only made me bawl harder. "I can't help it," I sobbed.

"Okay, okay, let it out then. Just know I'm here," Finn whispered.

"I love you."

"What was that?"

"I love you, Finn," I said, sitting up to look at him, taking in his face, the piercing gray eyes that watched me with nothing but love shining back. "I love you so much."

"After that grand gesture, how could you not?" he said which made me laugh through the tears.

"You're my forever favorite."

"And you're mine."

I kissed him with every bit of love I felt in my heart. The kiss grew in intensity until Finn finally broke away for air.

"Not that I want to stop," he said, "but I think you have people waiting to get books signed."

I looked over and saw that he was right. A line had formed near my table while we talked and made out. But I wasn't done yet.

Pulling him back in, I said, "One more minute."

"But…"

"I'm kissing the love of my life, O'Brien. They can wait."

Finn's smile was swift and devastating.

"Plus, they're book lovers. They'll understand."

"I guess you're right."

He breathed the words against my mouth.

"Love you, love you, love you."

And I believed it.

"Can I use that in one of my books?" I murmured.

Hands on my waist, he pulled me closer and spoke softly.

"You can write me into all of your books," he said. "Just so long as we end up together in the end."

"Always," I said.

And as he kissed me breathless, I knew it was true. Finn O'Brien was my best friend, my soulmate, my living, breathing happy ending. And loving him really was the nicest thing.