Faking It For A Friend

Faking It For

A Friend

By

Rita Sawyer

Faking It For A Friend

Heiresses In Aprons Book 5

Copyright © Rita Sawyer, 2015

Published At Smashwords

Cover Design by Rebecca Sawyer © 2015

Cover Photograph by Jenn LeBlanc/ Illustrated Romance

Edited by Nina

Electronic Publication Date: August 2015

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be used or reproduced without permission, except for use in reviews. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the internet or via any other measures without permission is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized editions and do not participate in electronic piracy. Your support in the author’s rights is appreciated.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or have been used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

For more information about this or any of the author’s other works please visit http://www.RitaSawyer.com

Other books in the

Heiresses In Aprons Series

Available now

Shit Kickers & Stilettos

Silver Spoons, Sugar & Slow Hot Kisses

Martinis, Manicures & Mud Pies

Pampered, Polished & Playful

And don’t forget to check out

Set Her Up Watch Him Fall

Chapter One

Gina found it impossible not to laugh at the absurdity of the situation. A situation that, for once, she hadn’t gotten herself into. This escapade was compliments of her oh so prim and proper, best friend Michelle. Honestly, the last thing Gina would have volunteered to be involved in at this point in her life was a covert wedding.

Yet, here she was, ready to hold the bride’s flowers while she kissed the groom. Well, not just yet. She had a few things she needed to do first, and she didn’t any time to waste. She adjusted the bags in her hands and ran up the stairs as fast as her four-inch heels allowed.

Whoa. She reached for the railing to steady herself. Now would not be a good time to fall down the steps and create a commotion that would give them all away.

Gina laughed harder. She knew in the long run it wouldn’t matter how or when the word got out about the hush-hush ceremony. The hasty nuptials might have had the chance to be a blip on the scandal scale due to Michelle’s family, but with Gina’s name linked to it, everyone would be talking. She’d warned Michelle about it, but she insisted that she didn’t care. Gina hoped the groom, whom she’d yet to meet, felt the same way.

There was something that Gina knew, even if everyone else concerned didn’t. Even if they managed to keep things under the radar for the next few weeks as planned —which was still not a sure thing— once the announcement was finally made, there were going to be some people that would somehow find a way blame Gina. They’d think her impulsiveness had rubbed off on Michelle, who’d never done a reckless thing in her entire life. That they knew of, but Gina knew better. Other people would just assume that Gina had set the whole thing up. She hadn’t at first, but once she’d gotten involved, it had been her job to help make the arrangements.

Gina’s laughter could be a byproduct of her shopping high, or the fact that she actually felt happy. It was probably a combination of both. She’d been so focused on trying to turn over a new leaf and steer her life in a better direction that she hadn’t let herself enjoy the path she’d taken. The first and biggest step in changing the course her future had been headed in was to avoid being caught in any compromising positions by the media. Up until two weeks ago, that hadn’t been very difficult. Especially since her father, media mogul Patrick Foster, had removed her from the limelight. Actually, Gina had gone pretty willingly.

That should have been a sign that she was ready for a change. The first of many signs she’d missed. It had taken her too long to notice the little things that had changed, because they just happened without her really trying. Like finding herself an awesome best friend. Gina had Tiffany Craig to thank for that. She’d introduced her to her older sister Michelle.

Tiffany had gone as far as having the two of them assigned to work together. They’d bonded while complaining. Of course, it had just been for show. Gina and Michelle had both wanted to impress their sisters and their sister’s friends, Rosie and Nicki. They’d done a damn good job and in the process realized that even though —in most ways— they were polar opposites, they liked each other. Enough so, that Michelle had asked Gina to be her maid of honor. Gina, both honored and terrified, agreed instantly.

It wasn’t as if she could refuse. No one else even knew about the wedding, so without Gina, Michelle would have been on her own. She wasn’t about to let that happen. Gina reached the top of the steps and took a deep breath before trotting down the hall. She opened the door on her right.

Freeze. Gina told Michelle as she stepped into the small room they had been assigned to get ready in.

She dropped the shopping bags on the floor and closed the door behind her. She’d taken this responsibility more seriously than Michelle knew. Being the best maid of honor she could be meant taking a few small risks to do some manic shopping. Gina had made a couple of physical changes to go along with her attitude adjustment, so she hoped that she’d managed to avoid any cameras or people from her past noticing her.

Michelle spun around. You’re late.

Just a few minutes. Gina knew each one had probably dragged by while she was waiting for her.

Five and a half. Michelle countered glancing at the clock.

Okay I’m sorry, but trust me you’re going to appreciate it. Gina held out her hand and wiggled her fingers, making the glitter in her nail polish sparkle in the light. Give me that.

Why? Michelle pulled the drab, cream-colored business suit she was holding protectively against her chest.

You’re not wearing that. You are going to wear this. Gina held out a black garment bag and gave it a shake.

Michelle just stared at it. Gina knew she was already nervous about getting married and she didn’t want to put any more pressure on her, but she was her friend and there was no way she could let her pretend this was just another Thursday. Who gets married on a Thursday? A couple trying to avoid being noticed, that’s who. And since Michelle hadn’t told her sister, Tiffany, or her parents she was tying the knot, no one else was going to step in and make it special. So, Gina was doing what she could. If she had met the groom, she might have been able to do more. The short timing had prevented that, but she was going to meet him very soon.

Would you relax? Gina snatched the suit out of Michelle’s hands and shoved the bag into them. I’m your friend and maid of honor, you have to trust me.

Okay. Michelle stepped behind the dressing screen. You didn’t have to do this.

Gina hung the bland, bordering on ugly, suit on the back of the door. Oh, yes, I did.

She’d recently come to realize that there were things that friends didn’t let friends do. Gina was adding Get married in an ugly dress to the list. She grabbed the totes from the floor and put them on the table. With a flip of one of the bags, two shoe boxes slid onto the table. Gina heard the rasp of the zipper, then Michelle’s gasp.

Oh my god! Gina wasn’t sure if Michelle’s tone was panic or awe.

Whichever it was, Gina’s next gift was probably going to make it worse. She grabbed the small bag and slung it over the screen. You’re going to need this too.

Whoa. That was surely distress in her voice now. Um…I’ve never worn anything like this.

The lacy push-up bra, matching panties, garter belt, and thigh-high stockings were a good base for Michelle. They were sexy, yet reserved, just like her. Every bride, hell every woman, deserved to feel sexy, even if it was just for themselves.

In this case, someone else was going to enjoy it too. Well, then your groom is in for a surprise.

Jeff. Good lord, he’s going to think I’ve lost my mind. Michelle laughed.

Just consider it your something new. Gina had plans for the borrowed, old, and blue too, but she was going to take this one step at time.

Where the hell did you get this stuff?

I still have some connections. Gina hadn’t hesitated to call in a few favors. Do you need any help?

Not yet.

Gina took out the white, low heel sling-backs she’d picked out to go with Michelle’s dress and put them on the table. She turned to the full-length mirror and smoothed her hand down the front of her own light blue dress. Her hair was pulled back from her face, the waves cascaded down past her shoulders. Against the paleness of her dress, her hair looked almost black instead of the deep dark brown.

She would have normally gone for something brighter, tighter, and flashier. Going against her own taste, she’d purposefully chosen something with a plain and simple cut. The classic A-line dress was just tight enough to slightly mold against the curve of her hips. Today was Michelle’s day to shine and Gina wasn’t going to get in the way of that. If there wasn’t a written rule that no one —especially someone in the wedding party—should look better than the bride, Gina thought there should be. She added that note to her things friends do, or let friends do list. Satisfied that she looked presentable, she flipped open the box containing her shoes.

Damn. Gina smiled as she ran her fingers along the side of the shoe.

One look was all it took to realize she’d lied to Tiffany. Oh, she missed men and flirting with them, but it seemed that she had found something she missed more than the male species. She lifted the heels from the box and put them on the floor. Gina slid one foot out of the plain pump she had on and slipped it into the four-inch heel sandal. She bent over and flicked the strap up behind her heel. Then she quickly repeated the movements with the other foot.

With a soft sigh she stood back up. Ah, shoes. She smiled as she turned her foot and the blue shimmered in the light. It was silly, but they gave her a mental boost as well as a physical one. They fit her like a glove. She turned her back to the mirror and looked over her shoulder. Oh, man, they made her legs and ass look amazing.

She tilted her foot the other way. Oh, yeah. She missed having a great pair of shoes. These would be a fabulous addition to her collection at home. Well, they were at her father’s house, for now. There wasn’t enough room in her tiny, but very cute and functional, apartment for them all. Eight months ago, she would have bought this pair without a second thought. Now, she wondered where she would get to wear them other than Michelle’s wedding. They weren’t the kind of thing she’d be able to wear to school. And since she’d changed her ways, she didn’t see any parties or club openings in her near future. Hell, she could put them on a shelf and just stare at them and be happy.

I hope you don’t think I’m wearing anything like those. Michelle said as she came out from behind the screen.

Wow! Gina looked her over and nodded.

Really? Michelle’s insecurity poked through her wall of bravado. Now is when I could use a dose of your no-nonsense attitude.

Brutal honesty is what your sister calls it.

Yeah, that. Michelle nodded. Give it to me, I can take it.

Okay. Gina walked over and got Michelle’s shoes. First put these on so I get the full effect.

Michelle put them on and held her arms out to the side. She did a small turn. The second Gina had seen the dress, she’d known it would be perfect for Michelle. The off-the-shoulder, snow white chiffon dress was simple, yet elegant. The slight flare of the dress reminded Gina of a baby doll style. The neck line was a low thick silk band that wrapped around her shoulder and tied in a bow at the back. The tails reached the hem of the dress at her knees. But if they were just folded over each other, they would almost reach the floor. It was ideal for a short trip down the aisle.

It’s perfect. Michelle smiled at Gina’s pronouncement.

A knock on the door made them both jump. Gina laughed as she walked over and opened it. An older woman stood on the other side, holding a clip board.

Miss Craig? She asked.

Gina shook her head. I’m the maid of honor.

Good enough. The woman made a note on the pad. We’ll be starting in five minutes.

Okay. Gina closed the door and turned back to Michelle.

Her face was as white as her dress and her eyes were glossy. Gina rushed forward. Jesus, please don’t let her burst into tears, or worse pass out. Michelle had her hands clasped in front of her so tightly that her knuckles were white and her fingers were bright red. Michelle had held it together longer and better than Gina would have, but now wasn’t the time for a meltdown.

You need to sit down. She took her by the arms and eased her toward the chair.

Michelle resisted. I can’t.

Can’t what? Gina asked as she watched Michelle’s paleness take on a green tinge. Honestly, Gina preferred the ghostly white.

Sit. The dress—

Will be in way worse shape if you throw up on it. Gina got her to the chair and Michelle allowed herself to be gently pushed into it. I have crackers. Do you need some?

Michelle shook her head and took a deep breath. Gina was relieved to see her color starting to come back. Maybe the crisis had been averted. Gina needed to be sure.

She sat on the ottoman, which was a little tricky in her dress. Talk to me.

I’m scared.

I’d be worried about you if you weren’t. Gina squeezed her hand knowing what she was about to do had to be done. Are you sure you want to go through with this. It’s not too late to run.

Michelle laughed. I made a promise.

Gina understood where she was coming from. People might think she was flighty and reckless, but she took promises and commitments seriously. That was why she rarely made them. Though, when she did, she always gave whatever it was her all. That included being Michelle’s maid of honor, which is why she was about to push her friend maybe a little harder than she should.

Michelle, do you love Jeff?

Yes. Michelle nodded.

And you’re determined to do this?

Yes. Michelle pushed on the arms of the chair and shoved herself to her feet.

But Gina grabbed her hand before she could walk away. Tell me why.

Why I’m scared? Because Jeff is so…well he’s not like me.

Honey, I don’t think there is anyone out there like you. Gina meant it. Michelle was a one of kind.

I know, but this is one of those opposites attracting kind of things and that makes me nervous.

Okay, I get that. But you said yourself that this is all happening really quickly. Would waiting really be that bad?

Yes, and no. Michelle shrugged. If he gives me too much time, I might find a reason to put him off forever. It’s better like this. I love him and I need to trust in that.

Then let’s get your knot tied. Gina got up, but when Michelle reached for the door she said, Wait. Let’s do the check list. Old, you’re wearing your grandmother’s earrings. New, you’ve got your unmentionables. Borrowed, I tucked a twenty in your bouquet. You can give it back to me when you get back from your honeymoon on the Cape.

What about blue?

Gotchya covered. Gina held up two silver bracelets.

Each one had a little best friend charm dangling from it, and two circles looped together with a jewel in the middle. One was a beautiful sapphire. The other had an emerald.

It just so happens that your birthstone is blue. Gina walked over and put the bracelet on Michelle’s wrist. You can thank your mother for having you in September.

Michelle took the other bracelet and fastened it around Gina’s wrist. I never had anyone to do stuff like this with. I think I owe my sister a thank you too.

We both do. Hey, no tears, Gina chided. "We don’t have time to fix your make-up.

Right. Michelle laughed and yanked open the door. Come on. You have to go first.

Okay. People might think you’re in a rush or something. Gina stepped into the hall, almost colliding with the woman from earlier.

Michelle stepped into the hall and the woman’s sour expression turned into a pleasant smile. I had worried that since this was a last minute addition to the pastor’s schedule, that maybe you wouldn’t have time to prepare. I’m pleased to see that wasn’t the case. You look lovely, dear.

Thank you. Any sign of Michelle’s nervousness was gone.

In fact, as they followed the woman down the hall, it seemed like Michelle grew more confident. Her shoulders were straight and she had her head up. But it was her smile that