CHARLOTTE
AS A TEACHER, I am used to putting on a fake smile, making my rounds, and saying hello to everyone I'd rather not talk to. My least favorite day of the year is parent-teacher conferences. I mean what could kindergartners have to work on? Unless they're one of those kids, it's unlikely I have much to say. So, a lot like then, tonight I plant a fake smile and make small talk with strangers all night.
Engfa is busy with her brother at first, helping all over the place but after I witness that bitch giving her a hard time, I know it's time to swoop in. I'm hoping it isn't too much. I know Engfa can defend herself, but she shouldn't have to all the time. For the rest of the night, that woman keeps giving us dirty looks. I stay glued to Engfa's side, just in case she needs anything. The anxiety I feel radiating from her seems to calm as I do. I hold her hand when it's empty, rub her shoulder when she needs it, and refill her glass as it becomes empty.
Being introduced to more of Engfa's family is daunting, but they all seem nice. It's her brother who keeps looking between us all night that has me wondering if Engfa told him the truth. It's too crowded to ask or even have a second alone, between the toasts and meeting everyone. By the end of the night, my feet are killing me, but I'm powering through. At least I'll look good for all the photos I'm in.
"Thank you so much for being here! I know it's hard being an outsider, but I'm sure it's made it easier on Engfa," Chanda smiles when Engfa disappears to grab another drink.
"I hope so." I smile back. I know there are reservations about how quickly this is, but Chanda is a walking green flag in my eyes.
"It does. I've seen how she is with you." Chanda touches my shoulder gently.
She's called away by one of her sisters before she can say anything more, but her words are just enough. She's an outside source only confirming that there's something between Engfa and me. Of course, that could be because of the act we're putting on, but some things are too real to fake.
***
ENGFA
Most of the grownups, aka our parents and grandparents, have left for the night, so a group of us gather by the old fire pit. Sun, Chanda, Char, and I all sit on old deck chairs, sipping on ice-cold beers as the fire roars in front of us. The night is cool, I probably could've grabbed a jacket, but I'm just thankful it isn't hot. It's almost July, and I've gotten used to unbearably hot New York summers.
"Did you guys have fun?" I ask Chanda and Sun.
"It was better than we hoped." Sun chuckles.
"I'm glad we had a better reaction to the wedding," Chanda agrees.
"It was nice seeing Win. I can't believe you didn't warn me he was divorced! I put my foot in my mouth with that one." I make a face at Sun.
"Shit, I thought I told you. He was definitely flirting with you though, Char," Sun winks.
"Well, he should know he doesn't have a chance with your sister's girlfriend." Chanda laughs.
"What?" I almost choke on my beer. Everyone looks at me with an eyebrow raised.
"So, how did you and Sun meet?" Char interjects.
"Oh, you don't want to hear that story." Chanda blushes.
"I do!" I insist. Anything to keep the topic of conversation off Char and Win. Something about the thought of them together makes my blood boil.
"Well, I was at Seaside swimming alone, which wasn't the smartest idea. But then a riptide took me under. Your brother happened to be there on a run, saw me struggling, and saved my life." She looks at him admiringly.
"Damn, now that's a story."
"That sounds like a Hallmark movie!" Char gushes.
"I refused to get in the water ever again, but he helped me overcome that too." Chanda smiles.
"I just knew when I saw her, she was something special." Sun leans over to kiss her cheek. It's nauseatingly gross and sweet at the same time.
We all talk, getting to know each other better in a much more relaxed way. It's clear to me that my future sister-in-law and I will get along great. She's kind, and it's obvious how much she loves and cares about my brother. She just wants to spend her life with him, as simple as that.
We watch fireworks light up the sky in front of us. The blues, whites, and reds illuminate the darkness, and our neighbor's dog barks in the background after each boom. My parents eventually joined us, too, my dad convincing my mom that cleanup could wait until tomorrow. She drinks a beer and lets her hair down—metaphorically and physically.
It's hard not to notice how easily Char fits in perfectly with our family. She understands our jokes, is great at holding conversations with them, and they like her. Part of me wonders what it would be like if we were actually dating. But as quickly as that thought appears, I push it out of my mind. Where the hell had that come from? I can't afford to lose my friendship with her. Not over a little crush; no, I won't do that to us.
****
"So, why are you pretending to date someone you're clearly in love with?" Sun says, coming up behind me. I've gone in to grab water while he goes to the bathroom. Everyone else is still outside.
"I'm sorry, what?" I look, mouth agape.
"So, you're not in love with her then?"
"W-what?" I gasp. Have I been that obvious? It's a small bud of feelings, a little nothing, but Sun has noticed.
"Come on, it's so obvious. She's in love with you too, but I can't for the life of me figure out why you're pretending you don't."
"No, we're just friends. She's my best friend."
"Mmm. Well, maybe she shouldn't be just your best friend." He shrugs as if what he's saying is no big deal.
"Someone gave me shit about being single, so she came to my rescue. Maybe that's why she looked more girlfriend-y?" I explain.
"Who gave you shit? Someone at the party?" Here he goes, right into protective older brother mode.
"It doesn't matter."
"Engfa, please." He only uses my real name when he's serious.
"Just someone we went to high school with. Just please don't make it a thing," I plead. He pauses, studying my face. I can tell he wants to ask more but knows he shouldn't push.
"You don't have to tell Chanda. If it comes out eventually, she'll understand, and who knows? Maybe it'll become reality," he says with a smirk and heads back outside.
I watch as he walks back to his fiancée, placing a kiss on her lips and taking her hand. They say goodbye to everyone and walk holding hands toward the front. Char follows soon after, saying good night to my parents and walking into the house.
"Hey." She smiles brightly. Her hair and makeup are still as put together as it was this morning.
"Hi," I say softly. The alcohol must be getting to me. Why am I noticing these things?
"Want to watch some more fireworks? Your mom said it's a good view from the deck in my room."
"Sure." I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks. Why was I suddenly so nervous?
I follow her to her room. She pauses to take off her heels and puts them by the closet. I follow suit and put my shoes by the door; they have been killing me all night. Char pushes the glass doors open and stands in the moonlight.
She sits in one of the rocking chairs, and I take the other. She rocks back and forth slowly and watches as the fireworks explode in front of us. There's still chatter from my parents, probably drunk in the backyard. They can't see us from here, the deck overlooking the garage.
"So, about what happened..." I start slowly.
"Don't worry about it. I saw that woman being a bitch to you. You would've done the same for me." She smiles as if she lent me a pencil in class or a cup of sugar and not signed up to pretend to be my girlfriend to my family.
"Well, I appreciate it." I smile.
"It's not so bad being your fake girlfriend." Char winks. My mind is torn between the flirty wink and the cracking sound of my heart as she says the word fake. I knew what I was signing up for, but it still hurts.
"Only for the summer." I nod, reminding myself.