Trouble with the Fake Boyfriend (Rock Bottom #3) - Holly Renee Page 0,22

she felt that way.

“She’s planning to open her own salon and spa.” I had to go and open my big mouth.

“That’s incredible.” My mom smiled across the table at her. “I’m sure Liam could be lots of help. He has done a great job with his businesses.”

“Yeah.” Brooke nodded and smiled over at me. “He’s been offering up some good advice.”

Please don’t say I bribed you with a building.

“Are you wanting to do something in the same downtown area that Rock Bottom is in?” My dad seemed genuinely interested.

Brooke nodded and I could tell from the way her eyes lit up that this was truly what she wanted. I wondered how many people had asked her about her dreams. I wondered how many had ever cared. “There’s this old house right in the middle of downtown. It almost seems a bit out of place with all the new construction and remodels going on, but I’d love to buy it and turn it into exactly what I want.” She barely took a breath as she spoke. “It has these big double doors up front, and I want to have a reception area and check-in right when you walk in. Then I would have a salon downstairs, and upstairs I would renovate the rooms to host different spa treatments.”

“It doesn’t sound like you’re going to need to much advice from him.” My dad pointed his fork in my direction. “It sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into this.”

“I have.” She was practically beaming. “I want it to be a place that women feel welcome when they walk in and better about themselves when they leave.”

“That sounds wonderful.” My mom was smiling at her like she was listening to the dreams of her own child. “Then when Jim and I come to visit Liam, I could come get pampered.”

“Absolutely. Maybe we could even serve some of Sarah’s biscuits in the little bakery I’d love to run out of the kitchen.”

My mom’s eyes lit up, and I swear I could see this entire thing blowing up right before my very eyes.

…

“Mom, we’re fine to take separate rooms. Brooke can sleep in the guest room and I’ll take my old bedroom.”

“Nonsense.” She shook her head, and I tried to avoid Brooke giving me the stink eye from behind her. “You’re almost thirty years old. I think it will be okay for you and your girlfriend to sleep in the same bed.”

“It’s not a big deal.” Brooke nodded toward the closed door that held the guest bed. “I don’t mind sleeping in there.”

“Now hush. The both of you.” My mom opened the door to my bedroom then stepped out of the way. “I put fresh sheets and blankets on his bed since his were a bit dingey. Goodnight, you two.” Then she smiled and headed toward her bedroom as I ushered Brooke into my tiny ass room.

She walked around the room looking at all the shit on my walls and shelves that had been there since I was in high school as I set our bags down near the window. There were loads of football trophies from my days on the field and a few posters of half-naked girls on my walls.

If I had thought my mother was going to force us to room together, I would have asked her to shove half of this shit in the closet.

“Your parents are really nice.” She ran her finger over the dust on one of my trophies.

“Yeah. They are. I think they like you a little too much though.” I sat down on the corner of my bed and started pulling off my shoes.

She turned toward me, and I could feel her watching my movements. “Is that an issue? Would you rather I make them hate me?”

I tossed my shoes into the corner of the room and looked up at her. “It would be easier when this is all over.” I waved my hand between the two of us, but we both knew exactly what I was talking about.

“Okay. So be a bitch from here on out.” She nodded her head, but I could tell she was irritated. “Got it.”

“I didn’t say you had to be a bitch.” I rubbed my hand down the back of my neck because I honestly wasn’t sure what the hell I was saying.

“Then what exactly are you saying?” She reached for her bag and placed it on the bed beside me.

She was going through it like she was searching for