Page 41 of The Fiancé Hoax

Eva looked at her dad. “Do we have to go to school today?”

“No school today,” Cooper said.

“Yay.” Eva tried to cheer, but it came out weakly.

Cooper looked at me. “There’s some ginger tea in the kitchen if you want it.”

I gave him a smile. “Thank you.”

He looked at his phone. “I’m staying home to take care of them. If you need to go upstairs and rest, feel free.”

“Okay.” I pushed myself to my feet. “I think I’ll go get some tea first.”

“Sounds good.”

He was avoiding looking at me. It stung.

I trudged into the kitchen and poured myself a mug of the hot tea. While it cooled, I retrieved my phone from my robe pocket. Several notifications from Lauren popped up.

Lauren: Did you sleep with him yet?

Lauren: You did, didn’t you?

Lauren: I need details, babe!

Lauren: Because I think he’d be really good in bed. But I need confirmation.

Lauren: Dammit, you know I live vicariously through you, Fel!

I chuckled and started typing.

Felicity: You have a sixth sense for anyone getting laid.

Lauren’s response came back instantly.

Lauren: I knew it! You didn’t even last twenty-four hours!

Felicity: You were right. And yes, it was amazing.

Lauren: And?? Tell me more.

Felicity: I promise to tell you every detail soon. Right now I’m sick. Could you put up the Temporarily Closed sign in Moonstone?

The flower shop where Lauren worked was a short walk from my boutique. I knew she wouldn't mind stopping by my store to do this favor for me.

Lauren: No problem, F. Get better soon! And I expect to hear about everything.

Felicity: Thanks Lauren.

I dropped my phone in my pocket and took a sip of the tea. It was warm and soothing... until it wasn't.

My stomach rumbled. Gripping my sides, I raced to the hallway bathroom and shut the door behind me. I kneeled before the toilet and vomited what little was in my stomach.

I stood up to wash my face and rinse my mouth out at the sink. I looked like a zombie in the mirror.

Not the look I'm going for around Cooper.

But by the detached way he was treating me today, he didn't seem very interested anyway.