Free One Song Away by Molli Moran

other dishes.
    “Claire is doing an amazing job,” Jake says, and I turn my attention to him. I don’t think he’s ever used my full name, but no one’s ever minded–not even Dad. He’s the one who named me Sophie-Claire, after his grandma and his aunt, who raised him when his parents died in a car accident. Everyone else calls me something different, but Dad always uses my given name.
    I smile at them, realizing I probably should join the conversation. “It’s a lot of fun. Different from waitressing, because it’s a different crowd. Everyone here is a lot more laid back than in Nashville.”
    And it’s true. Folks here don’t mind waiting a minute for their order, and they’ll laugh and chitchat with me while I make their drinks. It’s only my first weekend of work, but I’m enjoying it, and I’ll definitely enjoy the paycheck. I had enough in savings to pay first month’s rent and the deposit on the apartment, but I’m excited about having a steady income again.
    “I never doubted you’d do well at any job.” Dad nods at me, his green eyes sparkling.
    “Thanks, Daddy.” I grin, fiddling with my napkin. Jake sees what I’m doing and covers my hand with his. When I go still, we exchange a look. I know that he knows I’m nervous; the gesture is so… him , that it actually helps calm me.
    And I stay calm. From then on, it’s the easiest thing in the world to act like Jake’s girlfriend. We talked about a cover story, and decided to keep mostly to the truth. We met in Freshly Ground after I came home, started talking, and one thing led to another. Cassidy claps and I swear my mother swoons. Daddy doesn’t say much, but then again, he never really does. But I know he thinks the world of Jake, and I can tell they’re all happy for us. They believe us, especially when I lean over and kiss Jake’s cheek, my lips lingering on his smooth skin. Cassidy lets out a happy squeal. And the look Jake gives me…
    He should have been an actor. Maybe we both missed our calling, because I feel like I’m surrounded in a kind of warmth I’ve never known. Jake gazes at me the way I’ve always wished he would, and there is no breakdown of the my long-cherished fantasy. It’s just how I always knew it would be with us, maybe better.
    I feel breathless and beautiful and wanted. I watch the light turn his eyes golden, and for a few seconds, everything but the two of us fades. I completely forget we’re both faking it.
    “Who’s ready for dessert?”
    My mom’s voice brings me out of my reverie. I look away from Jake and try to regain my composure, but it’s harder to slip back into the role I’ve played so effortlessly for the last two hours.
    “I am.” I’m able to force a grin, but it’s a strain now.
    While I help Mama with the coconut cake she made, she talks about this and that, but doesn’t hammer me with excited questions about Jake, which means all that is coming later. I keep my voice light as we serve the cake and make conversation. When Jake eventually pushes back his chair, I touch his hand and tell everyone I’ll walk him to the door. I feel like small cracks are spreading across my bright, happy surface, and I know it’s only a matter of time before they begin to show. I need a moment to breathe.
    But as we reach his truck, I see a curtain in the front window move, and I boost my smile a notch. I feel my lips trembling. Jake must be able to see it because he turns us so my back is to the house and he’s facing it. Then he touches his forehead to mine for a moment.
    “You were perfect.” His cologne floods my senses. It isn’t overpowering—I’m just that close to him. “You are perfect.”
    “So were you.” I twirl my thumb ring around and around for something to do, because I’m afraid if I look at him, I’ll start babbling or worse.
    Now my mouth isn’t the only thing trembling. He puts an arm around my waist, and carefully pulls me close. I know he’s going to kiss me, and I