Home > The Billionaire's (Not So) Fake Engagement : Benton Billionaire Romance(3)

The Billionaire's (Not So) Fake Engagement : Benton Billionaire Romance(3)
Author: Kimberly Krey

First of all, Justine had never claimed he was rich, just too busy with work stuff to leave—Gramps must have done that on his own. Moreover, Justine hadn’t told one other living soul that she was engaged.

Her desperation to squash the lie grew stronger still, like a foot hovered over a very poisonous bug, one that—if it wasn’t squashed—would only keep growing bigger.

She spun around, daring herself to do that very thing until a glimmer of gold caught her eye. Gold that shone from Brittany’s left ring finger.

“Oh, this?” Brittany said proudly. “Isn’t it pretty? Trevor gave it to me last night. It’s not exactly an engagement ring yet, but I’m pretty sure he plans to pop the big question on Christmas Day.” She stared at the band for a moment, then tugged at the hem of her bright orange skirt. Brittany’s wardrobe consisted of fitted colorful stretchy skirts that hiked up her legs as she walked.

Wow, Trevor was actually planning to make the big move. Justine tried to ignore the stinging sensation pooling in her gut. She could admit that jealousy played a part in that reaction, but more than that, Justine felt sorry for the guy. How was it that someone so kind was attracted to someone so cruel?

“But enough about me marrying the town’s greatest catch,” Brittany said. “We want to hear more about Mr. Invisible, I mean wonderful. Mr. Wonderful.” She tipped her head back and cackled out her trademark laugh. The shrill pitch hadn’t changed since grade school.

Justine gritted her teeth. “Maybe later,” she said, tightening her grip on the cart. “I’m running late.”

She forced a polite nod to Toby, then to Mrs. Whipple before spinning on one heel. She had to get out of there. Should she call Gramps on her way home or drive straight out to his house instead?

“Looks like you’re planning to enter the Pie Pageant this year,” Brittany blurted from behind. “That’s good. I always love a little healthy competition. And since I’ll probably be saying I do sometime soon, this will likely be my last year to enter. But for you, there’ll always be next year.”

Justine rolled her eyes at the snide comment.

“If I win this year,” Brittany continued, “I’ll be the first girl to win Pie Princess three years straight.”

Boy did Justine wish she could give her a run for her money. She hadn’t cared much about winning in years past, but this time, she’d love nothing more than to take the title from Brittany and rub it right in her face, along with the pie itself.

Stop, Justine. With thoughts like that she was no better than the mean girl herself.

“Oh, Brittany,” Mrs. Whipple chirped. “I’m pretty sure you held the pie hole princess every year since the third grade. You were always yapping away about something.”

Brittany’s nostrils flared. Her lips hardened into a straight line. “Very funny.”

It was very funny. Justine could hardly keep the smile off her lips. Mrs. Whipple always had been candid.

“Trevor likes it when I talk,” Brittany added with a sniff. “He says it’s what makes me such a great secretary at his dealership.”

“You betcha it does,” Toby agreed.

This was Justine’s chance to escape. “Well,” she said, “see you guys this weekend.” Quickly then, she pushed her cart toward the checkout. As much as she didn’t like the way Brittany brought up Trevor as often as she did—Justine used to really like the guy, after all—she much preferred that topic over the one about her non-existent fiancé.

Hopefully Becky, the gal at the checkout counter today, wouldn’t bring it up too.

“How are you, Justine?” Becky asked in a soft tone. Just like Brittany’s loud laugh and abrasive ways had stuck with her, Becky’s soft-spoken nature had remained beyond their school years.

“I’m good, thanks.”

“Are you entering the Pie Pageant this year?” she asked as she placed the rhubarb on the scale.

“I guess. I feel obligated since I’m always encouraging everyone else to enter.”

“Did she tell you about her fiancé, Beck?” piped a voice behind. Justine didn’t have to turn around to know whose nasally tone that was.

“Oh my goodness, no.” Becky’s eyes widened as she looked to Justine. “Who are you engaged to?”

“Yeah, Justine, who are you engaged to?”

Heat filled Justine’s cheeks. “He’s from out of town,” she heard herself say. It felt like her heartbeat was pulsing along the crown of her head. She needed a way out before it exploded.

“Did you see Brittany’s ring?” she blurted. “She and Trevor are getting pretty serious.”

Brittany broke into a grin and hurried to the register with her hand out to show off the ring. “It’s more of a promise ring for now,” she explained. “But when I told him I wanted to wear it on this finger, he didn’t object.”

Becky hovered over the woman’s outstretched hand. Bright orange polish gleamed from each nail, matching the skirt she tugged at once again.

“That’s so exciting,” Becky said in that sweet voice. A full grin spread over her face. “You two are perfect together. Like a fairytale.”

Justine kept silent. Becky was too kind for her own good. And as sweet as she was, the quiet classmate had always wanted to be part of Brittany’s crew. Or at very least, gain their approval. Something Justine had given up on long ago.

“I think so too,” Brittany agreed with a squeal. “Well, I’ve got to hurry and get the rest of my prize-winning ingredients. Catch you ladies later.” Off she went then, shuffling toward the baking aisle with her cart.

“She really can be nice sometimes,” Becky said, admiration thick on her tone. “Of course, you’re always nice.”

Justine smiled. “So are you.”

But she noticed something different in Becky as she scanned the avocados. Her expression had fallen flat. Her shoulders too.

“Is there something wrong?” Justine asked.

She shrugged. “It just seems like a lot of girls from our graduating class are finding their person. You’ve got someone, Brittany does too. Kate got engaged last month. Not to mention the ones who are already married and having kids.”

Justine knew just what she meant. “We’re still young, you know?” Heck, twenty-five was very young.

Becky gave her a weak nod while resting the avocados in the reusable bag. Justine couldn’t help but feel the heaviness dripping off her limbs.

“My dad keeps pestering me,” Becky said. “He says that I need to get onto one of those dating sites.”

“It wouldn’t hurt,” Justine said. “If you feel ready to meet your person.”

“Is that what you did?” she asked, a hopeful gleam in her eye.

Justine hedged before answering. It’s what she’d told Gramps she’d done. “I know that’s how a lot people meet. But for me?” Her heart raced as she considered doing what she was about to do. She leaned in a few inches more, far over the pay pad, and took her voice down to a whisper.

“Your dad pesters you about dating. My granddad did the same thing. It got so bad that I snapped and…and told a lie.”

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