Faking Paradise

Carla leaned back in her plush office chair, a wide grin spreading across her face as she stared at the contract sprawled on her desk. The elegantly printed document was the culmination of countless hours of negotiations, late nights, and fervent passion for her work at Underworld. Carla was proud. She had carved a niche in the industry, specialising in high-quality, innovative designs that were appreciated by customers all over the country.

With a satisfied sigh, she picked up her phone and quickly typed a message to Claire, her long-time client and friend. Claire had been in the industry for years, and the rapport they had built transcended professional boundaries. They often joked about how Carla had a knack for designing the most comfortable lingerie, while Claire had an eye for spotting trends that set the fashion world ablaze. It was a partnership steeped in mutual respect and shared laughter.

A soft knock on the door broke her reverie, and Claire stepped inside, her auburn hair catching the light in a halo of warmth and familiarity. “Well?” she asked, arms crossed in anticipation. “Did you get the contract?”

With a booming laugh, Carla waved the contract in the air like a trophy. “I did! We’re officially in business!” She couldn’t help but stand up and share her excitement. Claire’s eyes sparkled, matching the energy filling the room.

“That’s fantastic! We make a great team.” Claire stepped forward, and they shared a quick hug, both aware that this partnership was more than just business; it was a friendship woven through years of trust and collaboration.

“So, tell me, what’s next for Underworld? You must be thrilled!” Claire leaned against the door frame, her smile unwavering.

Carla eased back into her chair, her heart swelling with enthusiasm. “Well, there’s a lot to juggle right now. I have new designs in the works, and...”

“...And as always, I’m curious about your love life,” Claire interjected playfully, her eyebrow raised with mischief.

Carla’s heart sank just a little at the sudden pivot in conversation. “Oh, you know… just busy with work,” she replied, feigning nonchalance. She fiddled with a pencil on her desk, avoiding eye contact.

“Oh come on, Carla! You can’t tell me you’re not dating anyone? You put your heart and soul into your work, but you deserve a little joy outside of it,” Claire pressed, clearly not satisfied with her answer.

Carla felt the heat creeping up her cheeks. “Really, Claire, it’s not the right time for that. You know how it is—running my business takes up a lot of time, and...”

“Stop dodging me,” Claire laughed lightly. “How about we cut the nonsense? I want to know if you’re seeing anyone, or at least if you’re thinking about it!”

In a moment of panic, Carla blurted out, “Actually, I am seeing someone!” The lie slipped effortlessly from her lips, and for a fraction of a second, she couldn’t believe she’d said it.

Claire’s expression shifted to surprise, and she leaned in with genuine curiosity. “Oh really? Why on earth haven’t you mentioned anyone? That’s exciting! What’s he like?”

Carla’s mind raced. Why did she lie? She had no one special in her life, and now the thought of fabricating a story made her stomach twist. “Um, they’re… really busy too, I guess,” she managed to stammer out, praying for an escape route.

Claire nodded, her eyes twinkling with interest. “You should bring him to the party I’m throwing before I leave for Spain in a few weeks! It’ll be fun,” she suggested, her enthusiasm infectious.

Carla’s breath caught in her throat. “Spain?” she echoed nervously.

“Yes! I was actually going to ask if you wanted to come along…..to Spain. I wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for me over the years. You should come with your partner!” Claire’s excitement was palpable, and before Carla could muster a coherent response, she found herself nodding.

“Yes, yes, that sounds wonderful!” she exclaimed, her heart pounded in her chest. What on earth was she thinking?

“Great! I’ll make the arrangements!” Claire said, already whipping out her phone to add Carla to her travel plans.

Carla sank back into her chair, feeling the ground shift beneath her. Going to Spain? With who? The question echoed in her mind like a restless wind. The weight of that white lie settled heavily on her shoulders.

As Claire chattered on about travel details and plans, Carla couldn’t shake the anomaly of her newly created reality. Lying about her relationship status was one thing—now, she needed to figure out how to keep that lie afloat as the pressure of a spontaneous getaway loomed on the horizon.

——————-

Lisa parked her car outside Underworld, taking a moment to gather her thoughts before stepping out. The factory loomed before her, an imposing structure that had become a backdrop for her complicated emotions. She exhaled slowly, feeling the familiar flutter of nerves in her stomach. It had been weeks since that intense night in Carla’s flat, weeks filled with silence and unspoken words. Yet somehow, they had managed to find their way back to one another, drawn together by an invisible thread that neither of them fully understood.

Still, Lisa couldn’t shake the apprehension each time she found herself in Carla’s orbit. After that night, when the flicker of hope ignited in her heart, she had finally confronted a truth she had buried for far too long: she liked Carla… in a way that scared her. For so long, she thought she would never feel this way again after losing her wife. But Carla was different—her laughter, the way her eyes sparkled with mischief, even the small gestures that made Lisa’s heart race. It was as if Carla had effortlessly breached the walls Lisa had built around her heart, and that frightened her.

Just thinking about that moment—they had been leaning in, the air electric with anticipation—sent a rush of warmth to Lisa’s cheeks. She had wanted to kiss Carla, desired it more than anything, but panic had clawed at her insides, causing her to bolt. It was a familiar instinct, a reflex born from fear of vulnerability.

Carla had approached her the next day, the weight of their night heavy in the air, and Lisa had felt her heart sink as Carla claimed she didn’t want to ruin their friendship. To Carla, it had obviously been a brief lapse, a moment of drunken revelry that meant little. But to Lisa, it meant everything. She felt herself teetering on the edge, trying desperately to bury feelings that threatened to break free. The truth gnawed at her—Carla was straight, and confessing her feelings could shatter their fragile connection, leaving nothing but an empty space where their friendship had flourished.

With reluctance, Lisa constrained her emotions and masked her heartache with a smile, determined to play the role of the supportive friend. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into the cool, quiet atmosphere of the factory, her heartbeat thudding loudly in her ears.

As she crossed the expansive factory floor, her gaze fell upon Betsy, who was busily packing away her things, clearly ready to call it a day. “Hey, Bets! Sorry I’m late. I just want to say hi to Carla before we head out.” The tension in her voice was palpable, the familiar dance of mother-daughter annoyance lingering in the air.

Betsy shrugged in response, a mix of irritation and understanding flickering on her face. Lisa knew she didn't want to provoke another argument, so she brushed it off, letting the moment slide as she continued toward Carla’s office.

Lisa knocked gently on the door, anxiety bubbling beneath her composed exterior. “Come in,” Carla’s voice rang out, warm and inviting.

“Hey! Just picking up Bets and wanted to say hi,” Lisa said, stepping inside the office, trying to calm her racing heart.

“Hey, Lisa!” Carla greeted her with a radiant smile that set Lisa’s pulse racing. “Do you fancy a free holiday?”

Caught off guard, Lisa let out a laugh, the unexpectedness of the question disarming her. “What? Ummm… what’s the catch?” She eyed Carla, curiosity merging with uncertainty—a mixture of hope and anxiety tingling in her chest.

“Well… you have to pretend to be my girlfriend,” Carla said, her voice hesitant, as if she were stepping onto fragile ice.

“What?! Why on earth would I need to do that?” The shocked incredulity in Lisa’s voice was hard to hide. The very thought sent a chill racing down her spine. No, she couldn’t do that—not with the whirlwind of feelings Carla stirred in her.

“This client… she wouldn’t stop asking about my relationship status,” Carla continued, her eyes darting to the floor, unable to bear holding Lisa’s gaze. “I didn’t want to dive into the mess of my failed marriage, so I just said I was seeing someone. And then, well... she offered me a holiday—her, her husband, and apparently she thinks I’m tied up in this perfect little romance.” Carla’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she leaned against her desk, the weight of the lie pushing down on her. “I wanted the free holiday, so obviously I accepted… but now I’m in a pickle. I don’t have anyone else I’d feel comfortable embarrassing myself like this to… so...?”

“Righhhht, okay. So what you’re saying is you’ve totally screwed up a conversation with a client, and now you need me to pretend to be your girlfriend??” The words spilled from Lisa's lips in a rush, frustration mingled with disbelief. The very idea of pretending to be with Carla sent her heart racing for all the wrong reasons.

Just then, Betsy burst into the room, clearly having caught the tail end of their exchange. “Oh my god, what’s this? The boomers have to pretend to date? This is comedy gold!”

“Shut up, Betsy!” both women exclaimed in unison, their irritation rising around the laughter that hovered in the air.

“Oh, look at that! You’re already talking like a married couple,” Betsy teased, a mischievous glint in her eye as she sidled closer to her mother. “So, Mum… where’s Mrs. Connor whisking you away for this little charade?”

The question hung between them like a taut string, and Lisa turned to Carla, a mix of anticipation and dread churning in her stomach, waiting for the answer she dreaded to hear.

“Spain,” Carla replied matter-of-factly, a hint of pride creeping into her voice.

“Spain?! Jesus, Carla!” Lisa ran a hand through her hair in disbelief. “When you said your client offered you a free holiday, I thought you meant a quaint cottage in Cornwall or something.” The weight of the revelation pressed heavily upon her, and she sighed, her mind racing. Well, Spain sounded far more enticing than a rainy British getaway, she supposed. “How long are you supposed to be going for?”

“Two weeks,” Carla answered, her tone unwavering despite the tension crackling in the air.

“Two weeks?!” Lisa groaned, burying her face in her hands with a mix of despair and disbelief. “No, Carla, I can’t just leave Betsy for two weeks! That’s… that’s ridiculous.”

Betsy, sensing an opportunity to stir the pot, shot her mother a smug look. “Um, Mum, you’re not getting out of it that easily. Nan and Grandad called me the other day saying they wanted me to stay over soon, so that’s me sorted.”

Lisa lifted her head, the shock registering on her face as she turned to Betsy. “You can’t be serious! You want to stay with them for two weeks?”

Betsy smirked. “Exactly. So, what’s it gonna be, Mum? You can go to Spain with Carla, or stay here with me and wallow in your own indecision.”

The tension that danced in the room felt more like a tightrope, one that Lisa was all too aware could snap at any moment, as the implications of Carla’s request encircled her thoughts. It was tempting, dangerous even, and the thought of pretending to be in a relationship with Carla sent her spiraling into uncharted territories of her heart.

Lisa paused, her mind racing frantically as she searched for an escape route—not the kind of escape she wanted, but one that would keep her safe from Carla’s pleading gaze. “Okay, but what about work? I can’t just take two weeks off whenever I please!” The protest sounded weak even to her own ears, a flimsy shield against the idea brewing in the air between them.

“You never take annual leave! I bet you’ve got loads of days piled up,” Betsy countered, her tone dismissive, her expression deceptively innocent as she probed deeper into Lisa’s defenses.

“I’m sure the police force could manage without you for a few weeks,” Carla chimed in, a playful but earnest lilt to her voice. She leaned closer, expression transforming into something akin to desperation, those entrancing puppy dog eyes working their magic. “Come on, pleeease… I have nobody else to ask.”

Against her better judgment, the steel in Lisa's resolve crumbled. “Ugh, fine! But I’m only doing this because it’s a free holiday,” she relented, her heart pounding louder than her voice. “So what? We just meet up with your client for a couple of dinners or something?” It didn’t sound so terrible at first glance. Just nights filled with laughter and pretending to be something they weren’t—it was just a role to play, after all.

“Um, yeah, about that…” Carla’s voice trailed off as she stood from her desk, the moment stretching out like taut string. The very air shifted, crackling with an intensity that made Lisa's heartbeat quicken. “We’re going to be staying with them in their holiday home,” Carla stated, glancing back at Lisa with a subtle, challenging grin, then bolting out the door before Lisa could process the implications of her words.

“Fuuuuck, Carla!” The frustrated shout escaped Lisa’s lips, a mix of exasperation and something deeper simmering just below the surface.

“Mother! Save that language for Mrs. Connor in the bedroom!” Betsy called back, a cheeky smile plastered across her face as she scurried off to join her boss on the factory floor, laughter trailing behind her like a careless breeze.

Left alone in the wake of her daughter’s teasing, Lisa felt the tension rise, the weight of Carla’s request looming heavy in the silence. The playful banter faded, replaced by the realisation of how intertwined their lives could become, even if it was just a charade. Just the thought of spending two weeks pretending to be more than friends in the intimate setting of a holiday home sent her mind racing. Would she really be able to keep the lines between pretense and reality from blurring? Taking a deep breath, Lisa’s heart thudded in her chest, caught in a conflict of desire and apprehension that threatened to swallow her whole.

———————-

The next morning, golden rays of sunlight streamed through the blinds, pouring into the small, flat that Lisa called home. Dust particles danced in the light, momentarily distracting her from the thoughts racing through her mind. She tossed and turned, her mind replaying yesterday's events, a whirlwind of mixed emotions that made it hard to settle. Eventually, she swung her legs over the side of the bed, the cool floor jolting her into a semblance of clarity. With a deep breath, she forced herself to embrace the day ahead, determination weaving through her apprehension.

Later, just as she finished her morning coffee, her phone buzzed, breaking the quiet. It was a message from Carla.
“Morning ‘girlfriend’! Come over! We need to come up with our plan of attack. C x”

A surge of exhilaration swept through Lisa, igniting a dormant fire within her, thanks to Carla’s infectious enthusiasm. The word "Girlfriend" floated into her thoughts, wrapping around her heart and making her cheeks burn with warmth. She could hardly believe it. This is fake. It’s not real, she clung to the reminder, desperate to shield herself from the whirlwind of possibility.

Upon arriving at Carla’s flat, Lisa’s heart raced with a mix of excitement and unease. The door swung open with a flourish, and there stood Carla, a warm, inviting smile lighting up her face. Yet today, there was something different about her—an electric energy radiating from her. “Hey!” Carla exclaimed, stepping aside to usher Lisa in. “I was starting to think you wouldn’t come!”

“Don’t be silly," Lisa replied, stepping inside and taking in the familiar sight of her surroundings. Minimalistic prints cluttered the walls, and niknaks peeked from every corner, all reflecting Carla’s style. "I wouldn’t let you down."

Carla flopped onto the couch, her animated demeanor beckoning Lisa to sit next to her. “Okay, we need to dive deep into what makes us ‘us’! It’s important if we’re going to pull this off seamlessly.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief and resolve, the weight of their mission settling in.

Lisa nodded, her chest tightening a bit. “Right, but how do we figure that out? What aspects make a couple… a couple?” The question slipped out before she could fully digest its implications, revealing a whirlpool of anxiety that settled in her stomach, churning tightly.

Carla shifted closer, that challenging grin breaking through her thoughtful expression. “Let’s start with the basics,” she suggested, her voice playful. “What’s your idea of a perfect date?”

As she pondered the question, Lisa felt her cheeks flush—not solely from the vulnerability of opening up, but from the romantic images flashing in her mind. “Uhm, probably something low-key,” she offered, her voice slightly hesitant. “Like a walk in the park, just soaking in the scenery, followed by something cozy, maybe hanging out at the Bistro or Roy’s?” The words felt foreign yet genuine, illustrating the innocence of connection but echoing a desire for intimacy that left her heart racing.

“Sounds like my kind of evening!” Carla teased, leaning in slightly, scrutinising Lisa's expression. “So, no candlelit dinners with extravagant displays? Just you, a park, and some caffeine or wine?”

Lisa couldn’t help but laugh, her voice rising in pitch. “Honestly, I prefer the simplicity of being comfortable and just enjoying time together.” The admission carried weight, an unintentional glimpse into her deeper thoughts—not just about her date preferences but about life and relationships in general.

Carla’s eyes twinkled, mischief painted broadly across her features. “Good to know! Now, what about pet peeves? Because let’s be real, if we’re pretending to be a couple, we’ve got to know that too. What drives you mad?”

Amused and slightly unnerved, Lisa shot her a playful glare. “You go first then. What’s yours?”

“Fine,” Carla relented, her expression turning mock-serious. “I absolutely can’t stand it when people chew with their mouths open. Ugh, it sends me spiraling into madness!” She rolled her eyes dramatically, and Lisa couldn't help but giggle, the sound echoing warmly around the room.

“Same! And I also loathe when someone doesn’t replace the loo roll when it’s finished—like, just put a new roll on the holder! It’s not that hard!” Lisa replied, her voice bubbling with laughter as the air filled with their shared frustrations, amusingly mundane but strangely bonding.

“Wow, look at us go! We’re off to a great start,” Carla declared, the teasing lilt in her voice underscoring the genuine excitement brewing between them. “Now, how about favorite activities? In a couple setting, what would be a go-to for you?”

“Hmm… definitely binge-watching something together,” Lisa replied thoughtfully, envisioning snug evenings filled with laughter and comfort. “But only if I can steal the last slice of pizza, of course.” The image of sharing that slice with Carla, grinning at each other as they fought playfully over it, sent a wave of warmth through her core.

“Perfect!” Carla exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “I can see it now: a cozy night in, squabbling over our choice of shows while laughing at each other's terrible taste. I love it!” A silence fell over them momentarily, two hearts beating in sync, the air saturated with the promise of shared experiences.

As the hours flowed by, they continued to exchange secrets, quirks, and moments that defined them. Layer by layer, they peeled back the complexities of their personalities, uncovering the joyful, intricate web that could exist between two friends pretending to explore a relationship.

But beneath the giggles and light-hearted exchanges lay a serious undercurrent. With each confession, Lisa was acutely aware that things were shifting. The atmosphere thickened, charged with a tension that was both exciting and terrifying, awakening feelings in Lisa she hadn’t explored since Becky.

Lisa felt herself teetering on the brink of something both exhilarating and daunting, sensing that the line between friendship and something more profound was beginning to blur. It was as if their laughter, confessions, and stolen glances knit together a tapestry richer than either of them had anticipated.

With a cautious heart, Lisa realised—this wasn’t merely an act they were playing out, not for her; it was evolving into something more significant. And no matter how much she tried to play it cool, the vulnerability of their connection sent jolts through her, igniting a hope and a fear intertwined like a beautiful dance, ready to spin them into the unknown.

As the sun sank low, casting a warm golden light across the room, Carla’s heart swelled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Since that night when they’d had a moment, the memory had been a constant whisper at the back of her mind. She recalled how their lips had hovered tantalisingly close, the electric tension in the air, only for Lisa to bolt away, leaving Carla breathlessly confused.

Now, watching Lisa laugh, her eyes shining with curiosity, Carla felt a flickering hope ignite within her. But the complexity of their situation loomed over her like a storm cloud. They were pretending to be in a relationship, a game they had both agreed to play for the sake of a free holiday. Yet, for Carla, it was becoming increasingly difficult to separate the charade from real feelings that had begun to grow, feelings she hadn’t anticipated but now couldn’t ignore.

Each time she said "girlfriend," a thrill shot through her, intertwined with fear. What if this was all one-sided? What if Lisa didn’t really want this? The sweetness of the word evoked a deep longing, but it also stirred up anxiety. Carla was acutely aware of the delicate balance they were walking on; one wrong move could shatter the strong friendship they had built.

Lisa’s blush whenever Carla playfully addressed her as “girlfriend” stirred something deeper inside Carla—an aching desire for connection that reached far beyond friendship. Yet after that fateful night, she feared that their tangled emotions could complicate everything. The possibility of rejection or the fear of pushing Lisa too far loomed heavily in her heart. Carla couldn’t help but wonder whether Lisa was scared after losing Becky, still running away from her own feelings.

Amidst the swirling rush of emotions, Carla yearned for clarity. She wanted to reach out, to break through the barriers of their pretense and explore the real feelings growing between them. But the risk of damaging their friendship loomed large, and she hesitated, caught between the intoxicating allure of what could be and the safety of what was.

As she leaned closer to Lisa, excitement thrumming in her veins, Carla felt the weight of her own vulnerability. She craved the depth of intimacy that lay just beyond their playful banter, a closeness she was beginning to believe they could share if only they could confront the truth of their feelings. The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying, a heady promise tinged with the fear of heartbreak, but one that Carla couldn’t shake.

In that moment, surrounded by the remnants of their laughter and shared dreams, Carla made a silent pledge to herself: no matter the outcome, she would cherish each moment they spent together, hoping to catch a glimpse of the genuine connection that seemed to pulse just beneath the surface, waiting for them both to take the leap.