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Maya Bishop had absolutely no idea how she had ended up here.

She stood just outside the grand entrance of the Edgewater Hotel, one hand buried in the pocket of her navy pinstriped suit trousers while the other nervously adjusted the cuffs of the jacket she’d ironed in record time after finishing work. 

Around her, guests in expensive dresses and tailored tuxedos filtered through the revolving doors, laughter drifted into the warm evening air as valets hurried from car to car.

While she stood, waiting for a woman she’d known for less than six hours, to arrive. A woman whose girlfriend she was about to pretend to be.

She glanced down at her watch.

4:08 p.m.

Seven minutes early.

Which, admittedly, was probably less strange than arriving exactly on time to fake date a complete stranger.

How the hell had this become her Friday?

It wasn’t as though she’d woken up that morning expecting to attend a wedding. Her plans had been painfully ordinary. Coffee before work, finish a presentation, pick up groceries and go home. Maybe watch whatever terrible action film Netflix recommended.

Instead she’d somehow agreed to be someone’s fake girlfriend, because apparently she had absolutely no self-preservation instincts.

-

Earlier that morning…

The universe gave absolutely no warning before deciding to ruin Maya’s day.

She turned to leave the cafe, one hand fishing her phone from her back pocket as she balanced her takeaway cup in the other.

One second she was walking, and the next she was crashing into someone she never even saw coming.

“Oh!”

The collision caused the lids to burst free, sending coffee flying through the air before splashing across the floor. 

If this had been a romantic comedy, Maya was fairly certain this would have been the moment everything slowed down. She would have looked up, their eyes would have met and music would have started playing.

She would have discovered she’d just bumped into the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen.

Instead…

Maya dropped to her knees using the single paper napkin that remained in her hand to wipe up the ever growing amount of coffee. 

For one humiliating second she simply sat there, blinking as hot coffee continued to spread across the floor causing other customers to move out of her way.

Napkins, she needed more napkins.

She looked up, in search of napkins and instead she saw her.

Well, the cliché part had at least been accurate, because standing above her was quite possibly the most breathtaking woman Maya had ever seen.

She was brunette and beautiful, but her impossibly expressive brown eyes were staring down in complete disbelief, and despite the fact she’d just been showered in coffee herself, she somehow still looked effortlessly elegant.

Which only made Maya notice that most of the woman’s blouse was now wearing the coffee Maya had been carrying.

“Oh my God.”

Maya scrambled upright far too quickly.

“Oh my God, I am so sorry.”

A café employee rushed over with an armful of napkins just as Maya reached her feet.

“Here.”

“Thank you.”

Without thinking, Maya immediately began blotting coffee from the stranger’s blouse.

“I’m so, so sorry, I didn’t see you…I was looking at my…”

She paused.

Because she’d suddenly become very aware of two things.

One…

She was enthusiastically wiping coffee off a complete stranger.

And two…

Said complete stranger was staring at her with an expression that strongly suggested she was considering murder.

Maya froze.

“…I…” She slowly lowered the napkins. “…I’m sorry. I was trying to help but… um…”

She thrust the napkins awkwardly into the woman’s hands instead.

“Here.”

The woman accepted them with a long, controlled exhale that sounded suspiciously like someone counting to ten.

“Please could you make those two coffees again?” Maya called towards the barista, “They’re on me.”

The barista nodded immediately.

“No problem.”

Turning back, Maya rubbed the back of her neck.

“I really am sorry.”

The woman hadn’t spoken a single word. She simply stood there clutching the napkins, coffee dripping slowly from the sleeve of her blouse.

“Can I do anything to help?”

There was a tiny shake of the head, but then Maya saw it, the tears that began to gather in the woman’s eyes. The tears that seemed to be caused by more than spilt coffee. 

“I… really am sorry,” Maya said again, quieter this time.

The stranger simply nodded. Maya glanced down at her, the white shirt was stained beyond saving, but then she remembered.

“I… actually have a spare shirt in my bag, if you want it?”

For the first time, the stranger spoke.

“…Please.”

The single word sounded exhausted.

“The bathroom’s this way.”

Maya led her through the café before handing over the neatly folded shirt from her backpack.

“I’ll… wait out here.”

The woman disappeared behind the bathroom door, and Maya headed back to the counter.

“The coffees are nearly done,” the barista said.

“Great.” She hesitated. “Can I ask something?”

“Shoot.”

“Does she usually order anything else?”

The barista smiled knowingly, “the brownie,” he said, pointing towards the display cabinet.

“I’ll take one.”

A few minutes later, Maya carried two fresh coffees and a neatly wrapped brownie over to the table closest to the bathrooms.

She wasn’t entirely sure why she’d stayed. She really was late for work, but something about the tears she’d seen hadn’t sat right with her.

The bathroom door finally opened and the stranger stepped back into the café wearing Maya’s spare blue shirt. Maya immediately forgot every coherent thought she’d ever had because it fit her almost perfectly. Which was deeply unfair because Maya had looked like she’d borrowed it from an accountant, whereas this woman somehow looked like she’d stepped straight out of a magazine.

“Thanks for the shirt,” the stranger said softly.

The tears had disappeared, but the redness around her eyes hadn’t.

“I got you another coffee.” Maya slid the cup across the table. “And the barista said you like these, so…” She nudged the paper bag towards her. “…blame him if it’s wrong.”

The woman looked inside and a tiny smile appeared.

“Thank you.”

Maya stood.

“Well… I’ll let you get on, I’m sorry… again”

She took exactly one step then stopped. She turned back,

“You can absolutely tell me to mind my own business…”

The woman looked up.

“…but are you okay?”

Something flickered across her face, maybe it was a surprise, something she hadn’t expected Maya to ask. But to Maya, it looked as though nobody had asked her that in a very long time.

“I’m fine.”

The words sounded convincing, if you’d never heard someone lie before.

“You know what…” She pulled the chair out once more,  “I’m already late for work, another ten minutes won’t hurt.”

The woman looked up in surprise.

“You don’t have to.”

“I know,” Maya settled back into the chair, wrapping both hands around her coffee as though she had nowhere else she’d rather be, “but I want to.”

Eventually, the woman let out a slow breath.

“It’s just…” She looked down into her untouched coffee. “…a bad day.”

Maya nodded gently, she didn’t interrupt. She’d learned a long time ago that people usually kept talking if you simply gave them the chance.

“It’s my cousin’s wedding tonight. My family are…” She hesitated, searching for a description that somehow felt big enough. “…very interested in my non-existent love life.”

A humourless smile crossed her face.

“They ask about it every time we get together, and well, they're always disappointed every time I tell them I’m still single.”

“Ouch.” Maya winced sympathetically.

“They mean well…,” she said, but there wasn’t much conviction behind the statement, “…I think.”

Maya raised an eyebrow, but wisely kept that observation to herself.

“I had a date for the wedding.”

She picked absent-mindedly at the edge of the brownie, not looking at Maya anymore.

“They cancelled.”

The words came out flatter than before, but somehow hurt even more.

“They texted me twenty minutes ago,” she gave a short, bitter laugh, “just before we bumped into each other.”

Maya’s heart sank, no wonder she’d looked so close to tears before the coffee had even landed on her.

“So…” the woman continued, shrugging one shoulder in resignation, “…now I get to spend an entire evening being reminded that I’m still single, and being single to them means I’m not good enough.”

She looked up, forcing another smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“My family’s disappointment is exhausting.”

“What about pretending you’re sick?”

“What?” The woman blinked.

“A migraine?” Maya tilted her head thoughtfully. “They’re impossible to prove.”

The woman considered it for all of two seconds before shaking her head.

“My mother would insist on coming over with soup.”

“Right.”

Maya nodded seriously, as though they were discussing a genuine strategic operation.

“Food poisoning?”

Another shake of the head.

“My cousin would probably postpone family photos until I arrived.”

“Wow.” Maya leaned back in her chair. “They’re persistent.”

“You have no idea.”

Maya tapped her fingers thoughtfully against the side of her coffee cup.

“Hmm…” Her face suddenly brightened, “I know.”

The woman looked at her hopefully.

“Did I accidentally break one of your bones when I crashed into you?”

There was a moment of silence, then the woman laughed. It slipped out before she could stop it, but Maya felt a sense of pride at brightening her day, even slightly.

“I wish.”

“There it is.” Maya pointed at her with an exaggerated grin. “That’s better.”

“What?”

“That,” she pointed again, “you’re laughing.”

The woman rolled her eyes, though the corners of her mouth remained lifted.

“I suppose that was slightly funny.”

“I’ll take ‘slightly funny.’”

“It was mostly the image of you somehow managing to break my leg by spilling coffee.”

“I have many hidden talents.”

The woman laughed again, this time a little louder.

“There,” Maya said softly. “I knew you had another smile in you.”

The woman’s expression softened before reality slowly settled back over her features.

“No, I can’t get out of it.” She sighed looking down at her coffee. “Someone would come looking for me.”

There was affection in her voice despite the frustration.

“My cousin, my brother, one of my aunts…” She gave a resigned smile. “If I didn’t show up, they’d probably organise a search party before the ceremony even started.”

Maya chuckled quietly before nodding in understanding.

“So disappearing isn’t an option?”

“I’m afraid not.”

Maya hummed thoughtfully, her fingers drumming lightly against the table as she began mentally working through increasingly ridiculous alternatives.

“If sick won’t work…”

She tilted her head, the beginnings of another idea forming somewhere in the back of her mind.

“…then maybe we need a different plan altogether.”

“Unless you want to be my fake girlfriend for tonight…” She laughed. “…then I don’t think any plan will work.”

She lifted the coffee. “But thank you.”

Maya answered before her brain had any opportunity whatsoever to intervene.

“I mean…” The words escaped. “…I could.”

The woman frowned.

“…What?”

“I could be your fake girlfriend. I don’t have any plans tonight.”

“Really?”

Maya blinked, because apparently she had offered to date this woman without even thinking about it. Which really wasn’t something that Maya did at all. She was an overthinker if anything. 

“…Apparently so.”

She laughed nervously.

“You don’t have to.”

“I know,” Maya repeated with an easy shrug, as though offering to accompany a complete stranger to a family wedding was the most normal thing in the world. “But I offered.”

The stranger didn’t answer straight away, she simply looked at Maya, searching her face as though trying to find the catch.

Was she joking? Pitying her? Playing some elaborate prank?

Less than twenty minutes ago this woman had quite literally crashed into her, covered them both in coffee, and ended up sitting on the floor in complete embarrassment. 

Yet instead of disappearing the moment she’d apologised, she’d bought fresh coffees, replaced her ruined shirt with one of her own, somehow knew she needed a brownie without ever being told, sat with her while she fell apart over a day she’d desperately been trying to hold together, and now…

Now she was offering to stand beside her in front of an entire room full of judgemental relatives and pretend to be her girlfriend.

All simply because she wanted to help.

“You’ve already replaced the coffee,” she said quietly, wrapping both hands around the warm cup as if it gave her something to focus on. 

“And?” Maya’s answer came so naturally that it almost caught her off guard.

“You gave me your shirt.”

Maya genuinely didn’t understand why she was listing these things as though they were reasons to stop helping. In Maya’s mind, replacing a coffee she’d spilled and giving someone a spare shirt after ruining their clothes wasn’t kindness, it was simply taking responsibility.

“You’ve done enough.”

“Maybe,” Maya replied softly, “but I’m offering.”

Maya wasn’t entirely sure why she’d admitted that. Rationally, she knew she’d already gone above and beyond for someone she’d met less than an hour ago. But every time she looked at her, she saw someone trying so desperately to convince the world she was okay while quietly falling apart underneath it all.

Maybe she couldn’t fix whatever had happened today. Maybe she couldn’t make her family any kinder or erase the disappointment waiting for her at that wedding. But perhaps she could make sure she didn’t have to face it alone.

“So…” she said, clasping her hands together before rubbing her palms against her jeans. “Where is it?”

Carina hesitated, almost as though saying it aloud would somehow make this arrangement real.

“The Edgewater Hotel.”

Maya nodded immediately.

“I know it.”

“You do?”

“Yeah,” Maya smiled. “I’ve delivered enough presentations there to know exactly where it is.”

Carina let out a soft breath she hadn’t realised she’d been holding.

“What time?”

“Four-thirty.”

Maya glanced at her watch before doing the maths in her head.

“Formal wedding?”

She nodded slowly.

“Very formal.”

“Okay.”

Maya pushed her chair back and stood, slinging her backpack over one shoulder.

“I’ll meet you there.”

She looked up at her almost instantly.

“You will?”

There was so much uncertainty in those two words that Maya’s heart dropped, like she was waiting for Maya to change her mind, or cancel like the other date had.

“Four fifteen,” her smile grew a little wider. “I’ll be early.”

It wasn’t just a promise to arrive before the ceremony. It was a promise that she wouldn’t have to walk into that room alone.

“Thank you.”

The words felt impossibly small compared to what Maya was offering. Maya dismissed the gratitude with a wave of her hand, almost embarrassed by it.

“It’s one evening,” she said simply. “And if it makes tonight even a little easier for you…” She shrugged again, “… then it’s worth it.”

She turned towards the café door, already mentally calculating how quickly she’d have to finish work, get home, shower, and somehow find something appropriate to wear.

“I really do have to go to work.”

She’d barely taken two steps when a gentle voice stopped her.

“Wait.”

Maya turned as she had instinctively reached out, her fingers lightly wrapping around Maya’s wrist before she seemed to realise what she’d done. She let go almost immediately.

“I’m Carina,” a sheepish smile spread across her face, “I thought that might be useful information.”

For a second Maya simply stared, then she laughed. 

“Oh.”

She pointed to herself.

“I’m Maya,” a puzzled expression crossed her face. “… I didn’t actually tell you my name, did I?”

Carina shook her head, amusement replacing the sadness that had clouded her eyes for most of the morning.

“No, you didn’t,” a tiny smile curved her lips, “but it’s good to know.”

Maya couldn’t help smiling back as she adjusted the strap of her backpack.

“I’ll see you at four fifteen, Carina, you have my word.”

Carina smiled, a real one this time.

“I’ll see you later then.”

Maya nodded before disappearing through the café door, Carina watched her disappear into the crown outside.

She couldn’t help but wonder if she’d just made the best or worst decision of her life.

-

And that was how Maya Bishop found herself standing outside the Edgewater Hotel at precisely four fifteen, scanning the arriving guests for a woman she’d met over a spilled coffee just hours before.

Maya had only been standing outside the entrance for a minute or two when a convoy of taxis began pulling up outside the hotel.

Guests climbed out one after another, laughing as they adjusted fascinators, straightened ties and greeted one another with hugs. Maya scanned the group, searching for one face in particular.

Carina stepped out of the final taxi, and for a moment the rest of the world simply disappeared.

She wore a soft blush dress patterned with pink and navy flowers. The afternoon breeze caught the skirt just enough to make it sway around her legs, while the fitted bodice accentuated her figure in a way Maya tried very hard not to stare at.

She noticed the tiny navy flowers woven through the print were almost the exact same shade as her own navy pinstriped suit.

It genuinely looked as though they’d coordinated their outfits. For two women who had met because of a coffee related disaster barely six hours ago, they somehow already looked like a couple.

Carina looked up from her family and her shoulders visibly relaxed at the sight of Maya standing there at the entrance. 

She excused herself from the conversation her mother was having about seating plans before making her way across the courtyard.

The smile she gave Maya was different from the polite one she’d been wearing for her relatives.

“Hi,” Carina said softly.

Before Maya could even answer, Carina stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her. The hug was meant to look convincing, or that was their excuse, anyway.

Maya returned it without hesitation, one arm settling comfortably around Carina’s waist and catching her family's eye over her shoulder. 

“Thank you so much,” Carina whispered, her voice muffled against Maya’s shoulder. “I really owe you.”

“You’re welcome.”

She leaned in slightly so only Carina could hear.

“But… quick question.”

Carina looked up at her, a small crease forming between her brows.

“Hm?”

“How long do they think we’ve known each other?”

Carina paused, thinking back to all the little lies she’d told over the past few weeks whenever her family had asked about the mysterious woman she’d supposedly been seeing.

“A few months,” she answered. “I told them we met a few months ago.”

Maya nodded slowly, her eyes drifting towards Carina’s family before returning to her.

“A few months…” she repeated, almost as if she were mentally building a timeline.

Long enough to know each other’s coffee orders? Probably. Long enough to know where the other worked? Definitely. Long enough to have met each other's friends? Maybe. Long enough to be comfortable together? Definitely, she smiled to herself.

“Okay.”

Carina watched her carefully.

Maya looked surprisingly serious for someone who’d agreed to pretend to be her girlfriend after one accidental collision outside a coffee shop.

“So…” Maya said, rubbing the back of her neck for a second before looking back at Carina. “Long enough that I should probably hold your hand?”

Carina hadn’t actually considered that, but when she glanced back towards her family, her mother was already watching them.

“Yes,” Carina admitted, “probably.”

Maya nodded once.

“And…” she continued, lowering her voice again, “…small displays of affection?”

Carina could feel warmth creeping into her cheeks.

“I think that would be normal.”

With the same quiet confidence she’d shown all afternoon, Maya simply held out her hand. The gesture should have felt strange, it should have reminded her that this wasn’t real. Instead, she found herself smiling.

Slowly, Carina slid her hand into Maya’s, their fingers intertwined almost instinctively.

There was something unexpectedly comforting about it, the way their hands fit together with surprising ease, Maya’s slightly larger hand wrapping naturally around Carina’s. 

Carina hadn’t expected physical contact with a stranger to feel so safe, and Maya hadn’t expected it to feel so natural. Without really thinking about it, Maya’s thumb brushed once across the back of Carina’s hand.

“Anything else I should know before I go and charm your entire family?”

Carina laughed softly, grateful for the change of subject.

“My mother…” She smiled affectionately despite knowing how this was going to go. “…will absolutely ask you embarrassing questions.”

“What kind of embarrassing?”

“Oh…” Carina sighed dramatically. “How we met,  who kissed who first, whether we want children.”

Maya’s eyebrows shot up.

“Straight in at the deep end.”

“She doesn’t believe in small talk.”

Maya laughed, she didn’t understand it from a parent perspective, hers weren’t in her life. But her friends would most definitely be the ones asking those questions if the situation was reversed.

Carina glanced back towards the growing crowd.

“My brother thinks he’s funny.”

“Is he?”

“Unfortunately.”

Maya grinned.

“Maybe we start with your brother, then.”

Carina looked at her.

“My brother?”

Maya nodded towards the cluster of relatives gathered near the entrance.

“If he’s the funny one, I feel like he’s probably the least intimidating.”

A smile tugged at Carina’s lips.

“He definitely isn’t intimidating.”

“And your mother sounds like she’s conducting interviews.”

“She is.”

“So…” Maya shrugged, “let’s work our way up.”

Carina laughed, the sound quieter this time.

“That’s actually not a bad plan.”

She glanced across at the rest of her family, noticing her mother was already deep in conversation with one of her aunts, while several of her cousins had become distracted by the arrival of more guests.

“My aunts and cousins are busy anyway.”

She looked back at Maya with a teasing smile.

“I shouldn’t scare you away with Mama quite so soon.”

Maya pressed a hand dramatically against her chest.

“I appreciate your concern.”

Still hand in hand, they wandered across the courtyard towards a tall man who was chatting with another guest.

“Andrea,” Carina called.

He turned immediately.

“There you are.”

His eyes flickered to their joined hands before travelling up to Maya. A grin spread across his face almost instantly.

“So this must be the famous lady.”

Carina smiled.

“Andrea, this is Maya, Maya this is my brother Andrea.”

“It’s Andrew to almost everyone.” He rolled his eyes dramatically. “Andrea if you’re my mother, my sister or any Italian relative.”

Maya laughed as she shook his hand.

“Nice to meet you… Andrew?”

“Safe choice.”

Carina nudged her shoulder lightly against Maya’s.

“I’ll still call him Andrea.”

“I noticed.”

Andrea folded his arms loosely.

“So…”

His attention settled fully on Maya.

“What do you do?”

“I’m a Captain with the Seattle Fire Department.”

Andrea’s eyebrows lifted.

“Seriously?”

“Station 19,” Maya nodded casually, “I’ve been there a few years now.”

“Wow,” he looked genuinely impressed. “That’s incredible.”

Beside her, Carina had to consciously stop herself from reacting.

A Captain? Not just a firefighter but a Captain.

She filed the information away quickly, reminding herself that if they’d supposedly been dating for months, she absolutely should have known that already.

She forced herself to smile naturally.

“I’ve still got a lot I want to accomplish,” Maya continued modestly. “I’m hoping to become Chief before I’m forty.”

Andrea let out a low whistle.

“I can see why you two work.”

Maya tilted her head.

“You can?”

Before Andrea could elaborate, Carina jumped in.

“Well…” She smiled a little too quickly, “first responders often pair well.”

Andrea looked at her curiously and Carina continued before Maya had a chance to answer.

“She works long station shifts,” She said then gestured towards herself, “I work long hospital shifts.”

She smiled at Maya.

“We both understand what it’s like when work has to come first sometimes.”

Maya caught on immediately, Carina was trying to fill in the gaps a couple who had been dating a few months would know. But details that people who had only met that day, did not. 

“Exactly.” She nodded.

“It helps when someone understands why you miss dinner because you’ve been called to an emergency.”

Carina relaxed almost imperceptibly.

“And why you might get home twelve hours later than you expected.”

Andrea nodded thoughtfully.

“I suppose that makes sense.”

He looked between them.

“So…”

A mischievous smile appeared.

“How do you actually make time for each other?”

Both women answered at exactly the same moment.

“We schedule it.”

“We don’t.”

They both stopped, slowly turned to look at one another, then burst into awkward laughter.

Andrea raised an eyebrow.

“Interesting.”

Maya rubbed the back of her neck.

“Okay…” She looked at Carina, “you go.”

Carina laughed.

“I was going to say…” she thought for a second, “…that we don’t really have a normal routine.”

Maya nodded.

“Right.”

“So when we know we’re both free…” Carina gestured between them “…we make the most of it.”

“And we schedule around that,” Maya added, immediately picking up the thread. “It’s less about having lots of time together…”

“…and more about making the time we do have count,” Carina finished.

They looked at one another.

Maya smiled.

“That.”

Carina smiled back.

Andrea watched the exchange with obvious amusement before laughing.

“I have no idea what that means but my sister is smiling so I’ll take it.”

“Yes I do have a habit of making her smile,” Maya said with mock confidence.

Carina nudged Maya gently with her shoulder.

“We got there eventually.”

Andrea looked at his sister for a long moment. She looked happy, lighter than she’d been in weeks, maybe months.  

Whoever Maya was, she’d managed to make Carina laugh more in the last five minutes than anyone else had managed in the last few months.

A loud voice echoed across the entrance.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if you’d like to make your way inside, the ceremony will begin shortly.”

Guests began moving towards the doors, and Andrew wandered off towards the entrance, leaving the two women alone for a moment.

Carina let out a long breath she’d been holding.

“Well…” She looked up at Maya, “one down.”

She glanced towards the seemingly endless collection of relatives disappearing into the hotel.

“…about a hundred family members to go.”

Maya laughed quietly.

“That was a close one.”

Carina frowned.

“What do you mean?”

“We almost got caught,” she lowered her voice conspiratorially, “you said first responders pair well.”

“I panicked.”

“And then I said we schedule time together.”

“I heard that.”

“We definitely need an actual backstory.”

Carina laughed, covering her face briefly with her free hand.

“We really do.”

She looked up at Maya, still smiling.

“We’re going to have to be more careful.”

Maya intertwined their fingers again as they followed the rest of the guests inside.

“Agreed.”

She glanced sideways at Carina.

“Although…”

“What?”

“I think we’re getting quite good at this.”

Maya agreed, thinking they may be slightly too good at this for a one night fake relationship. However, as they made their way inside, hand in hand, she didn’t say how maybe it wasn’t as fake for her as she was making out. 

-

The ceremony turned out to be a welcome break, and despite being seated amongst Carina’s family, Maya escaped by taking part in very little conversation. 

Once everyone had taken their seats and the music began, all attention shifted towards the front of the room, leaving Maya grateful for the chance to simply breathe.

As the guests settled back into their seats, Maya became increasingly aware of Carina beside her.

Neither of them had discussed what they were supposed to do during the ceremony, but it somehow happened naturally.

Their hands never separated, not once. But it didn’t feel forced, if anything, Maya had forgotten she was even doing it and Carina didn’t seem to mind. 

At some point during the opening readings, Carina shifted slightly closer. Their shoulders brushed before she leaned in just enough for the outside of her arm to rest comfortably against Maya’s.

A few minutes later, without either of them acknowledging it, Maya’s arm found its way around Carina’s waist and Carina’s hand slipped straight into Maya’s other. 

Carina relaxed into the touch almost immediately, settling against Maya just enough that anyone looking at them would see exactly what they expected to see, a couple quietly enjoying a wedding together.

However, someone next to them did notice, Carina’s mother. Maya could almost feel her eyes watching her, it was enough that Maya was very aware of it happening while Carina seemed oblivious. Whenever their eyes met, Maya smiled politely before returning her attention to the ceremony.

Throughout the ceremony, Maya and Carina exchanged small glances. Most of them were silent check-ins, are you okay? and I’m still here from Maya and please don’t leave yet from Carina. Each glance was answered with a tiny nod or reassuring smile before their attention returned to the front.

To everyone else, though… it looked like something entirely different. It looked like two women who simply couldn’t stop looking at one another. Like a couple still caught in that early stage of a relationship where every stolen glance felt exciting.

Maya wasn’t entirely sure when she’d started smiling every time she looked at Carina, or why. She just knew that each time their eyes met, Carina smiled back almost instantly, and something about that made her want to keep looking back. 

Neither of them seemed to have any difficulty holding the other’s gaze. If anything, it was becoming increasingly difficult to remember that they weren’t supposed to enjoy this quite so much.

By the time the couple exchanged their vows, Maya realised she’d spent almost as much time watching Carina as she’d spent watching the bride and groom.

And that’s how the evening continued. Carina focusing on the wedding and Maya focusing on Carina, all under the watchful eye of Carina’s mother.

-

“I think…” Carina smiled apologetically, “…it’s time.”

Maya followed her gaze, standing just a few feet away was the woman she’d noticed watching them throughout the ceremony, the woman she also knew to be Carina’s mother.

“Oh,” Maya muttered under her breath, “the interview.”

Carina laughed.

“The interview.”

Before either of them could move, the older woman was already walking towards them. She smiled warmly, her eyes flicking immediately to where Maya and Carina’s hands were still linked together.

“So…” She looked between them, "I've finally managed to catch you.”

Carina smiled innocently.

“Mama.”

“Carina.”

There was affection in the older woman’s voice despite the obvious teasing.

“You’ve forgotten something.”

Carina frowned dramatically.

“I have?”

“You haven’t introduced me.”

Carina blinked before looking at Maya.

“Oh,” She laughed, “I suppose I haven’t.”

Maya couldn’t help smiling.

“We’ve been a little…” she searched for the right word, “…busy.”

“Busy,” Lucia repeated with an amused smile.

“I’ve been trying to steal her away the past two hours.”

Carina shrugged.

“We haven’t really had the chance.”

Lucia folded her arms.

“You haven’t brought anyone to a family event in…” she paused thoughtfully, “actually, I can’t remember the last time.”

Carina groaned quietly.

“Mama…”

“So now you finally bring someone lovely…” she smiled knowingly, “…and you keep her all to yourself.”

Carina’s cheeks warmed.

“I wasn’t keeping her to myself.”

Lucia raised an eyebrow.

Maya glanced sideways at Carina, unable to resist smiling at the blush steadily spreading across her cheeks.

“I’ll make sure to mingle more.”

“There.”

Lucia beamed.

“I already like you.”

Carina sighed dramatically.

“So…”

Maya recognised the expression immediately. The way Lucia turned to face her with a somewhat serious look on her face. Here came the questions.

“What is it exactly that a Fire Captain does?”

Maya smiled, this she knew, this is something she could talk about with ease, so she was pleasantly surprised that this was the opening topic. 

“A little bit of everything.”

She rested her free hand lightly on the stem of her champagne glass.

“I still respond to emergencies, but a lot of my job is leading crews, making decisions under pressure, and making sure everyone gets home safely.”

Lucia nodded thoughtfully.

“That sounds like a lot of responsibility.”

“It is, but I love it.”

Carina watched Maya as she spoke. She noticed very quickly that there wasn’t an ounce of arrogance in her voice.

“I imagine your work keeps you very busy.”

“It does,” Maya smiled across at her, “but so does Carina’s, so I think we both understand what it’s like to have careers that don’t always finish at five o’clock.”

Lucia’s eyes sparkled.

“You make a lovely couple.”

Carina felt her heart skip unexpectedly.

It’s fake, she reminded herself. She’s saying that because she believes it’s real. But still, hearing it felt strangely nice.

Lucia tilted her head.

“So tell me…” there it was, “the big question.”

Carina closed her eyes briefly.

“Mama…”

“What?”

Lucia looked completely innocent.

“I’m curious.”

She looked back at Maya.

“Do you want children?”

Carina’s stomach tightened because despite preparing Maya, that question was far too personal. She looked at Maya apologetically.

“You don’t have to answer that.”

Maya gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

“It’s okay.”

She looked back towards Lucia.

“I honestly don’t know.”

Lucia seemed pleasantly surprised by the honesty.

“I’ve never been someone who’s always known.” Maya shrugged lightly. “I love my career, and I’ve worked incredibly hard to get where I am.”

Carina listened quietly.

“I also don’t think having a career automatically means you can’t have a family.”

Maya continued thoughtfully.

“I think women are asked to choose far more often than men are.” She glanced down for a moment before continuing. “If I wanted both then I’d find a way to have both.”

Lucia nodded slowly.

“I think there are so many different ways to build a family now,” Maya continued, “It doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.”

She looked briefly towards Carina before returning her attention to Lucia.

“And if I ever did have children…” her smile softened even further, “I’d want them to come into a life that’s stable. I want to build a home where they’re wanted, where they’re loved, and I don’t think I need to set a deadline for myself.”

She paused.

“I don’t think I’d want children just because people expected me to.”

The words hung gently between them.

“I think…” she smiled almost shyly, “…I’d know if, and when, the time was right.”

For a moment, nobody spoke. Lucia simply looked at her, then she smiled.

“I think that’s a very wise answer.”

Maya let out a quiet breath she hadn’t realised she’d been holding. Beside her, Carina couldn’t stop looking at her because she hadn’t expected that answer. She’d expected something rehearsed, something carefully vague that represented their fake relationship status. 

Instead, Maya had answered honestly and thoughtfully, instead of pretending to be someone she wasn’t. Carina liked the way Maya spoke, she liked the way she listened before answering and how she’d never once exaggerated or tried to impress anyone all evening.

This is becoming a problem.

Carina looked away before Maya noticed she was staring.

You are not supposed to actually like her.

She barely knew her, she’d known Maya for less than twelve hours and their relationship didn’t really exist.

It’s fake, she reminded herself firmly, this is fake.

So why did she suddenly find herself wondering what Maya would actually be like as a partner? And why, every time Maya smiled at her, was it becoming harder to remember that, by tomorrow, they were supposed to go back to being strangers?

Maya had somehow managed to charm almost every member of Carina’s family. One by one they came over to meet Maya, and then again approached her throughout the wedding. 

Between an aunt wanting to know how long she’d lived in Seattle and an uncle fascinated by firefighting, Maya was eager to tell every story she had ever heard about heroic rescues.

Then there were the cousins who asked about Station 19, whether she’d ever met any celebrities, whether she’d rescued cats from trees, and whether she’d ever been scared.

Maya answered every question with the same easy smile. She asked questions, and remembered everyone’s names, she laughed at terrible jokes and complimented the food. She thanked the staff every time someone refilled her drink. And even when she spoke about work, she somehow managed to sound passionate without sounding arrogant.

She was effortlessly likeable, and Carina found herself watching from the edge of almost every conversation. From watching Maya laugh with her uncle over a story from the firehouse to seeing her kneel beside one of the younger cousins so they were at eye level while explaining how heavy the equipment firefighters carried was.

Everywhere Maya went, people smiled, it was like she had this way of making whoever she was talking to feel like they were the only person in the room. It was somewhat infuriating because Carina had only asked her to survive one evening and instead, Maya had somehow become everyone’s favourite person.

Of course they loved her. How could they not? She was thoughtful, she was funny and confident without being overbearing. Carina was so distracted watching her that she almost missed her aunt walking over.

“There you both are.”

Her aunt smiled brightly before turning immediately to Maya.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” Maya looked up from her conversation with Andrea, “Of course.”

“We’re having a family barbecue next weekend,” she smiled warmly, “you should both come.”

Carina’s heart skipped because she hadn’t even considered this being a possibility. She couldn’t even get her family to like someone she actually dated, and somehow they loved the girlfriend she had faked, typical. 

Before she had a chance to say anything, Maya smiled apologetically.

“I would have genuinely loved to,” the answer was so smooth it almost sounded rehearsed, “but unfortunately I’m working the whole of next weekend.”

“Oh,” her aunt looked disappointed, “what a shame.”

“Being a firefighter means weekends don’t really exist.” Maya laughed softly.

“Well…” her aunt squeezed Maya’s arm affectionately, “the invitation is there if you finish early and decide to join us.”

She smiled between them.

“We’d love to have you.”

“Thank you,” Maya’s smile softened, “I really appreciate that.”

“We’ll see you both soon.”

With one final grin, she wandered off to rejoin the rest of the family.

“I’m so sorry.”

Maya frowned.

“For what?”

“This.”

Carina gestured vaguely around the room.

“My family, the barbecue invitation, everything.”

Maya shook her head almost immediately.

“It’s okay,” she smiled reassuringly, “you don’t need to apologise.”

“But…”

“They were just being kind.”

Carina studied her for a second.

“You're not actually working next weekend are you?.”

Maya hesitated for the briefest moment before smiling.

“No.”

“I didn’t think so.”

Carina’s expression softened.

“You could have said yes.”

Maya looked down at the champagne in her hand before answering.

“I could have.”

“So why didn’t you?”

“I don’t want to make things complicated for you.”

“I suppose this is really your fault.”

Maya raised an eyebrow.

“My fault?”

“Yes,” Carina nodded with exaggerated seriousness. “You’ve been far too charming.”

“I have?”

“My entire family loves you.”

“I didn’t realise being polite was such a dangerous personality trait.”

“It is in my family.”

Carina laughed.

“They’re going to ask about you for weeks.”

“I’m honoured.”

“You should be worried.”

Maya stepped a fraction closer.

“I think I can handle it.”

Carina looked up at her. The noise of the reception seemed to fade for just a second.

“Well…” she smiled, “It’s easy to like someone when they’re as charming as you.”

The words escaped before she could stop them. The second they did, Carina realised they sounded far less teasing than she’d intended, but Maya’s smile softened anyway.

“It’s easy…” Maya took one slow step closer until barely any space remained between them. “…when it’s with someone like you.”

Without saying anything else, Maya reached up. A loose curl had escaped once again and she gently tucked it behind Carina’s ear, her fingertips grazing the side of her face with featherlight care. Her hand lingered, just for a moment. Just long enough for her thumb to brush softly across Carina’s cheek.

Carina’s entire body seemed to still and every sensible thought disappeared. All she could think about was how warm Maya’s hand felt against her skin. How close she was and how incredibly easy it would be to close the tiny gap between them.

She wanted to, she really wanted to. For one reckless heartbeat she imagined leaning forward and finding Maya’s lips, to find out if they felt as soft as they looked.

No.

The thought arrived almost immediately.

This is fake.

She repeated it over and over in her head.

It’s fake.

This wasn’t real.

Maya wasn’t looking at her like this because she wanted to. She was doing exactly what she’d promised, she was playing the role of being the perfect girlfriend for one evening, nothing more.

So why… Why did it feel so real? Why did Maya’s touch make her heart race? Why did standing this close suddenly feel like the safest place in the room? Maya noticed the conflict flickering across Carina’s face, but chose not to mention it.

Instead, she smiled.

“Come dance with me.”

Carina blinked.

“What?”

She hadn’t even realised how close they were standing until Maya spoke.

“Come dance with me.”

Maya smiled again, this time with a hint of playful mischief.

“Girlfriends definitely dance together.”

She held out both of her hands.

“Come on.”

Carina looked down at them for only a second before placing her own hands in Maya’s. Maya’s fingers closed around hers and without giving her another opportunity to overthink it, Maya gently tugged her towards the dance floor. Carina followed willingly.

The moment they reached the dance floor, Maya spun her beneath the fairy lights, laughing as Carina let out a surprised squeal before bursting into laughter herself.

“You definitely planned that,” Carina accused.

“I absolutely did.”

“You’ve done this before.”

“I have absolutely no evidence to support or deny that statement.”

Carina rolled her eyes fondly.

“You’re impossible.”

“And yet…” Maya caught her hand again as the next upbeat song began, “…you’re still dancing with me.”

“I suppose I am.”

One song became two, and somehow two became five. Before long, neither of them were paying much attention to anyone else in the room.

Maya discovered that Carina sang along to almost every song, despite claiming moments earlier that she couldn’t sing, and Maya made ridiculous faces during the lyrics she didn’t know, pointing dramatically every time the chorus came around.

“You are so bad at this,” Carina laughed, clutching Maya’s forearm to steady herself.

“I know,” Maya grinned shamelessly, “but you’re smiling.”

“I can’t help it.”

“Mission accomplished.”

-

By the time the DJ announced the final few songs of the evening, both women were flushed from dancing.

The opening notes of a slow song drifted across the room instead. Carina looked down at herself.

“I…” She laughed quietly, “I’m going to freshen up.”

“I’ll come with you.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I know,” Maya smiled, “but I want to.”

Together they slipped away from the reception and into the quieter corridor leading towards the bathrooms. Carina walked straight to the mirror above the sink, but the second she caught sight of herself, she groaned.

“Oh no.”

Maya leaned casually against the doorway.

“What?”

“I’m a mess.”

Carina turned her face from side to side.

“My hair…” she tried unsuccessfully to smooth several escaped curls back into place, “…my makeup…” she dabbed beneath one eye, “…I’m sweaty.”

“I look awful.” She sighed dramatically. 

Maya couldn’t stop the words before they escaped.

“You’re the prettiest mess I’ve ever seen.”

The compliment slipped out so naturally that it took Maya herself by surprise. The champagne had clearly removed what little filter she’d possessed. Carina, meanwhile, was too busy studying her reflection to properly register it.

“I can’t go back out looking like this.”

She continued trying to tame her curls.

“I’m sweaty and my hair’s completely…” she sighed “…ruined.”

“Carina.”

Nothing.

“Carina.”

Maya crossed the room and gently took both of Carina’s hands, stopping them from fussing with her hair. Carina finally looked up at Maya smiling softly back at her. 

“You look like someone who’s enjoyed her evening.”

Carina frowned slightly.

“You’ve spent hours dancing, you’ve laughed, you’ve smiled, and you forgot to worry for a little while.”

She squeezed Carina’s hands gently.

“So yes…” her eyes met Carina’s in the mirror, “…you’re a little sweaty.” A smile tugged at her lip. “And yes…” she reached up, lightly touching one of the curls that had escaped. “…your hair isn’t perfectly curled anymore.”

Carina waited.

“But…” Maya’s voice softened, “…you still look beautiful.”

Carina felt something tighten in her chest.

“So…” Maya smiled reassuringly, “you’re going to walk back out there.”

She squeezed her hands again.

“You’re going to keep dancing, and we’re going to enjoy the last few songs.”

“And the way you look…” she shook her head, “…isn’t going to spoil our fun.”

She smiled.

“Okay?”

For perhaps the first time that entire evening, Carina stopped. Nobody had ever spoken to her quite like that before. Growing up, appearance had always mattered, her hair perfect. Everything was always immaculate, and she did it with a smile on her face whether she was happy or not. 

Maya hadn’t looked at any of those things. She’d looked at her, at whether she’d enjoyed herself and if she’d been happy. She didn’t expect perfection, she wanted to see joy.

Carina wasn’t entirely sure what to do with that, she felt her cheeks warm, but she wasn’t sure whether it was from the dancing or from the way Maya was looking at her.

“Okay,” she whispered.

Maya smiled.

“You look beautiful, Carina.”

She lifted their joined hands slightly.

“I promise.”

This time, the compliment landed and Carina felt herself blush all over again. She ducked her head, suddenly fascinated by their intertwined fingers.

Maya really had no idea what she was doing to her.

“I…”

Carina laughed nervously.

“You should stop saying things like that.”

“Why?”

“Because…” she looked up, “…I might actually start believing you.”

“I was hoping you would.”

Maya answered it so matter-of-factly that Carina couldn’t help smiling.

Hand in hand, they walked back towards the reception. The dance floor had emptied considerably, leaving only a handful of couples remaining as another slow song began.

Maya looked towards the floor before glancing back at Carina.

“One more?”

Carina smiled.

“One more.”

Maya led her back into the middle of the room before stopping.

She rested both hands on Carina’s waist.

“Is this okay?”

Carina answered by stepping closer.

She slipped her arms around Maya’s neck before gently resting her forehead against Maya’s shoulder.

“It is.”

She closed her eyes for just a second.

“It’s perfect.”

They began swaying gently together.

After a long silence, Carina laughed softly.

“This…” she smiled against Maya’s shoulder, “…is the best fake date I’ve ever had.”

Maya chuckled.

“I should hope so.”

Carina pulled back just enough to look at her.

“No.” She shook her head.“Actually…” her voice grew quieter,  “It’s better than any date I’ve ever had.” She smiled almost shyly, “with anyone,” she added, wanting Maya to know how she felt.

Maya’s heart skipped, she hadn’t expected those words. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to hear them, more that she hadn’t expected Carina to say the exact same thing she’d been thinking. 

“Me too.”

Neither of them spoke for a few moments.

Finally, Maya cleared her throat.

“So…”

Carina tipped her head back to look at her.

“So?”

“Maybe…” Maya smiled hopefully “… I could come to the barbecue next weekend after all.”

Carina’s eyes immediately brightened.

“Really?”

“I think…” Maya smiled playfully, “… that would be a perfectly acceptable thing for a fake girlfriend to do.”

Carina laughed.

“I don’t think…” she hesitated “… that’s actually something a fake girlfriend would do.”

Maya frowned slightly.

“No?”

“I think…” Carina took a steadying breath, “… that’s something a real girlfriend would do.”

Maya blinked.

Carina immediately began rambling.

“I don’t mean…” she laughed nervously, “… I’m not asking you to be my girlfriend.”

The words left Carina’s mouth before she could stop them. Instantly, she realised how ridiculous they sounded.

“Oh no…”

She squeezed her eyes shut, her forehead dropping briefly onto Maya’s shoulder as a quiet groan escaped her.

“That came out completely wrong.”

A laugh of embarrassment bubbled out of her as she took half a step back, one hand covering her face.

Maya couldn’t help smiling.

“Oh God.” Carina laughed again, shaking her head.

“This is awful.”

“It really isn’t.”

“It is.”

She dropped her hand with an exaggerated sigh before looking anywhere except at Maya.

“I sound like I don’t know how conversations work.”

Maya’s smile only softened.

“I think you’re doing just fine.”

“No, you’re just being nice.”

“I am being nice,” She took a small step closer, “But I’m also being honest.”

Carina finally looked up to piercing blue eyes looking back at her, patient as ever.

“I’m trying to ask you something, but I’m making a complete mess of it.”

“I know.”

Carina laughed into her hands.

“What I mean…” she lowered them again “… is maybe we don’t have to pretend to date anymore.”

Maya stayed quiet, encouraging her to continue.

“I mean…unless you don’t want to.”

She searched Maya’s face nervously.

“But maybe…” her smile returned “…we could actually date for real.”

Maya’s own smile grew impossibly wide. She’d never thought someone rambling could be quite so endearing.

“I would absolutely love…” she leaned a little closer “…to not fake date you.”

“Ma-ya…”

Carina groaned, hiding her face against Maya’s shoulder.

“Don’t tease me.”

“I’m serious.” Maya laughed softly, “of course I want to date you.”

Carina looked up hopefully.

“Really?”

“On one condition.”

Her smile faltered.

“What condition?”

Maya’s eyes flickered briefly to Carina’s lips before returning to her eyes.

“Kiss me.”

Carina became vaguely aware that they were still surrounded by her family, and any other night, that thought alone would have stopped her. But they’d all adored Maya, they had not only accepted Carina as queer, but they had accepted Carina with Maya. 

But most importantly… she wanted to.

She reached up slowly, cupping Maya’s face in both hands. Her thumbs brushed gently across Maya’s cheeks.

She searched Maya’s eyes one last time, then she closed the distance between them, allowing her lips to meet Maya’s softly.

The kiss lasted only a few seconds, but it was long enough for Maya to smile against her lips and long enough for Carina to realise that this felt nothing like pretending.

When they finally pulled apart, neither of them moved very far, allowing their foreheads to rest together.

Carina couldn’t stop smiling.

“I can’t believe I just did that.”

Maya’s lips curled into a grin.

“What? Kiss me?”

“In front of my entire family.”

She laughed, shaking her head in disbelief.

“If you’d told me this morning that I’d end today kissing a woman I’d met because she spilled coffee all over me…”

“You spilled coffee on me too,” Maya protested.

“I distinctly remember wearing most of yours.”

“Technicalities.”

Maya chuckled.

“I suppose we can call it even.”

Before either of them could say anything else, a loud wolf whistle echoed from somewhere behind them. They both turned to see Andrea standing near the edge of the dance floor, applauding dramatically while several cousins laughed beside him.

“Finally!” he called, “I was beginning to think one of you wasn't really making an honest woman out of the other.” 

“Oh my God,” Carina groaned and buried her face against Maya’s shoulder.

“I am never living this down.”

Maya laughed so hard her shoulders shook.

“So…I was thinking.”

“Dangerous.” Carina teased.

“I know.” Maya laughed quietly.

“But…” She hesitated for a second, “I don’t really want our first real date to be a family barbecue.”

Carina tilted her head.

“You don’t?”

“No.”

Maya shook her head.

“I want to take you on an actual date” She smiled. “One where the only person I’m trying to impress…” her eyes met Carina’s “…is you.”

Carina’s heart melted a little.

“There isn’t any need.”

Maya frowned playfully.

“No?”

Carina shook her head.

“I’m already impressed.”

The words came so naturally that she didn’t even think about them, she truly meant them. This time, it was Maya who felt warmth spread across her face.

“Well…” she stepped a little closer, “will you indulge me anyway?”

Carina pretended to consider it.

“Hmm.”

She tapped a finger thoughtfully against her chin.

“I don’t know…”

“Oh?”

“I’ve heard Fire Captains can be very bossy.”

“We can.”

“And stubborn.”

“Definitely.”

“And competitive.”

“I won’t deny it.”

Carina smiled.

“I suppose…” she reached up, smoothing an imaginary crease from Maya’s lapel “…I’ll just have to find out for myself.”

“So that’s a yes?”

“It’s a yes.”

“Good,” Maya grinned. 

Carina shook her head affectionately.

“You really weren’t expecting to leave here with a girlfriend this morning, were you?”

“Honestly?” Maya laughed, “This morning I was just hoping to make it to work without humiliating myself.”

Carina raised an eyebrow.

“You failed.”

“Spectacularly.”

“I’ve still got coffee stains on my shoes.”

“And I ruined your shirt.”

“You did.”

“And then somehow…” Carina looked around the now nearly empty dance floor before looking back at Maya, “…this happened.”

Maya smiled.

“I guess life has a strange sense of humour.”

Carina stepped closer until barely any space remained between them.

“I’m really glad…” she reached for Maya’s hand one more time, “…you spilled your coffee on me this morning.”

Maya intertwined their fingers without hesitation. She looked at Carina with the same gentle smile she’d worn at the coffee shop all those hours ago.

“Me too.”