Faking Paradise

It had been a week since the thrilling yet daunting moment Lisa had agreed to join Carla on holiday, stepping into a charade of a relationship that both thrilled and terrified Carla. Their connection had deepened in unexpected ways that night, but in the days that followed, silence had settled between them like a thick fog. They exchanged a few texts—Lisa sharing her annual leave had been approved and Carla confirming their plane tickets—but those messages felt like a mere flicker of the warmth and intimacy they had shared.

Carla found herself constantly replaying their conversation, the laughter and the palpable tension lingering in her mind, even as apprehension tangled in her heart. The thought of faking a relationship with someone who occupied her every waking thought was dizzying. Yet, excitement pulsed through her veins. She longed for the freedom of the holiday, for the chance to peel back the layers and see Lisa in a new light, away from the constraints of their everyday lives.

Lost in these swirling emotions, she was startled out of her reverie by a soft, yet persistent, knock at the door. Glancing up, her heart raced to see Claire standing there, a friendly smile lighting up her face.

“Come in!” Carla called out, her voice shaking with unexpected anticipation. “Hey! What are you doing here? It’s good to see you!” Carla exclaimed, pulling Claire into a warm hug, her heart momentarily lifting as she inhaled the familiar scent of her friend’s perfume.

“Oh, I just popped by to double-check a few things on the order. I could’ve called, but I needed to interrogate you about this mystery man you’re supposedly bringing to Spain,” Claire teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Come on, Claire! Are you really that impatient that you can’t wait a couple of weeks?” Carla laughed, attempting to sidestep the question, but her heart raced at the mention of the "mystery man."

“Yes, yes, I absolutely am. Now, spill it!” Claire leaned forward, her hands linked together as if ready to pull Carla into a deep dive of secrets, hanging on her every word with eager anticipation.

Carla took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of dread and excitement swirl in her stomach. “Okay, okay, flippin' heck, Claire, you really don’t miss a beat, do you?” She paused, anxiety bubbling up from the pit of her stomach. This wasn’t just any secret; it was the weight of her feelings for Lisa, of what this holiday could mean. “Well, firstly… I’m not bringing a mystery man.”

Claire blinked at her, confusion painting her face. “What do you mean? I thought you were seeing someone. Oh my God. Did you break up?”

The intensity of Claire’s gaze felt like a spotlight on Carla's heart, igniting the scattered pieces of her turmoil.

“No, no, it’s nothing like that!” Carla felt her pulse quicken as she stumbled over her words, desperately wanting to shield her heart from judgment. “I’m not bringing a mystery man because… it’s a woman.” A wave of warmth washed over her as she confessed it, but an undeniable weight fell on her chest, too. Work. Years of friendship. All those moments spent with Claire suddenly felt overshadowed by this unexpected truth. She wasn’t ashamed of her feelings for Lisa, but the realisation struck her hard: she was technically experiencing a kind of faux coming out with someone who had been in her life for so long. Was this what it would feel like? Navigating this delicate territory? No, wait. What was she even thinking? It wasn’t real. Was it?

In a heartbeat, Claire’s bewildered expression transformed into sheer delight. “Carla Connor, you dark horse!” she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with disbelief and excitement. “I’m so sorry for assuming it was a man! I am absolutely thrilled for you! My husband is going to be outnumbered with no men on his side!” She laughed, the sound filling the room with warmth, easing Carla's nerves.

“Okay, well,” Claire urged, leaning closer like a child on Christmas morning, “tell me everything! What’s she like?”

Carla paused, her heart racing as she sifted through the emotions swirling in her chest. As she pondered the question, the image of Lisa flooded her mind, vibrant and alive. “Well…” she began slowly, each word weaving a tapestry of her affection. “Lisa is beautiful, funny, probably the kindest person I’ve ever met. She’s tough, takes no nonsense from anyone, but underneath that fiercely protective exterior, there’s this beautiful vulnerability that draws me in. I swear, she just knows how to brighten my day, like she’s the sun and I’m just soaking in her rays. She has the brightest soul.”

Carla felt a rush of pure bliss as she spoke, realising midway that she couldn’t contain her smile. The words spilled effortlessly from her lips, and she didn’t have to force a single bit of it. This wasn’t just idle chatter; it was an insight into the deep affection she held for Lisa—a truth that ignited something fierce and wonderful inside her.

“Wow,” Claire said softly, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. “She sounds amazing. I can’t wait to meet her.” Her voice softened, a genuine warmth radiating from her. “Honestly, Carla, I’m over the moon for you. This is the happiest I’ve seen you in a long time. She must be really special.”

“Yeah,” Carla breathed, her heart swelling with gratefulness. “She really is.” As she spoke, her mind drifted back to the electric moments they had shared, the laughter, the chemistry, the unguarded exchange of souls.

“Will you both be coming to the party before we leave?” Claire asked, her voice filled with hope and excitement.

“No, I don’t think we will, Claire.” Carla sighed, a twinge of disappointment weighing heavy on her heart. “I have so much to handle at the factory before I leave.” The truth was, she would have loved nothing more than to join the celebration, but the thought of putting any additional pressure on Lisa regarding their pretend relationship made her stomach churn. What if Lisa couldn’t keep it up, and they had to scrap the holiday altogether? “But we’ll meet you in Spain. You’re still going a few days before us, right?”

“Ahh, that’s a shame,” Claire replied softly, her enthusiasm dimming just a bit. “But yes, we’ll be heading out the day after the party, so we’ll definitely see you when you get there. I’ve emailed you the address; it’s pretty simple to get to if you grab a taxi from the airport.”

—————

As the hours slipped by, Carla found herself increasingly adrift, her thoughts wandering back to the conversation she had shared with Claire earlier. She sat at her desk, staring blankly at her computer screen, willing the jumble of numbers to resolve into something coherent, but instead, they swirled like a chaotic storm in her mind. All she could think about was Lisa—the brightness of her smile, the warmth of her laughter, the way her presence felt like a gentle hug on a chilly day.

Suddenly, the tranquility of her thoughts shattered like glass, pulled into the present by a soft voice that drifted in from the open door of her office. “Busy day? You look like you’re in another world.” There stood Lisa, leaning casually against the door frame, an enticing array of paper bags in one hand and two steaming coffees in the other.

For a heartbeat, Carla was rendered speechless, her breath catching in her throat as she took in Lisa’s beauty—the way her hair caught the light, the spark of mischief in her eyes. Shaking herself from the reverie, she managed to stammer, “Hey! Yeah, sorry, long day.” A genuine smile broke across her face as she met Lisa’s gaze, filled with warmth and light. “Come in and sit down if you like. Or are you here for Betsy?”

Without hesitation, Lisa stepped into the office and settled into the chair across from Carla. “Nope, not here for Betsy. I was in the area, so I thought I’d bring you some lunch.”

Carla’s heart swelled at the thoughtfulness nestled in Lisa’s gesture. She had said it to Claire: Lisa always knows how to brighten my day—and this moment was living proof. “Ahh, Lisa. That’s so lovely!” she exclaimed, excitement bubbling up inside her. “Come on then, what did you bring me?” She instinctively reached out to snatch the bags, but Lisa playfully tugged them out of reach.

With the kind of laughter that could lift the weight of the world, Lisa teased her friend. “Hold on, let me get my coat off first before you start rummaging through the bags. I got us some sandwiches and some cakes from Roy’s. I even told him to put in your favorites, so I have no idea what’s in there.” She draped her coat over the back of the chair, her movements effortlessly graceful, before handing Carla a warm coffee. “Oh, and I got you a coffee.”

The cup felt like a small treasure in Carla's hands, its warmth radiating comfort—much like the overflowing tenderness she felt for Lisa. Everything about this moment felt exquisite, the world outside fading into the background, leaving just the two of them.

As they dove into their lunch, the air around them filled with spontaneous laughter and playful chatter about everything and nothing all at once. Carla found herself utterly captivated by Lisa; each word she spoke felt like a precious gem, and she couldn’t resist the occasional pinch under the table—just to remind herself she wasn’t dreaming, that this delightful reality was real.

Once their sandwiches had disappeared, they turned their attention to the enticing treasure trove of cakes from Roy’s, each one more delightful than the last. It was a box of happiness, and Carla could already feel her excitement bubbling over.

“So… how are you feeling about Spain?” Carla asked, her voice light and teasing as she leaned over her desk to grab the box of cakes, the casualness of her demeanor belying the tension in the air.

Lisa’s eyes fell to her coffee, watching the dark liquid churn under her restless fingers, her heart racing in response to the question. “Uhm, well, it will be nice to get away. I could definitely use a break,” she said, though each word felt heavy with unspoken worry. “But I’m a bit anxious about it. What if we can’t pull this off?”

Carla chuckled lightly, though her cheeks felt flushed. “Oh, relax! We’re already friends, right? It can’t be that difficult to pretend you love me,” she replied with a teasing grin.

And then there was the lingering silence that seemed to stretch on, thick with unspoken feelings, as Lisa’s heart raced, pounding in her chest like the distant roar of a storm. She didn’t know if the butterflies swirling within her constituted love—not yet—but the thought triggered a fierce longing that she couldn’t shake. The connection between them was sharper, more electric, a crisp tension vibrating in the space they occupied. The feelings swirled in her mind, overwhelming and chaotic. She was certain of one thing—Pretending to love Carla was no small feat; in fact, it felt dangerously close to what she might actually feel. The weight of the moment pressed in on her.

God, this was getting complicated. She had wanted a distraction, something to pull her away from the turmoil inside, but now her thoughts were tangled, racing faster than she could comprehend. Her cheeks flared with warmth, an unwelcome blush creeping in at the edges, leaving her yearning for escape from the intensity of the moment.

She fumbled for words, her voice quaking as she attempted to shift the atmosphere. “Uhm, yeah, I guess…” Desperate to regain her footing, she forced a smile, offering, “Anyway, how about we dig into these cakes? I’ll let you pick first.”

“Let me get some plates for these,” Carla declared playfully. “We’re not animals!” She strutted toward the break area as if she were a queen commanding her kingdom, grabbing two plates and forks. With a newfound flourish, she returned to her desk and set everything down.

“Look at you, all classy and sophisticated! I would have just gone straight in!” Lisa chuckled, her eyes dancing with mischief.

They eagerly plated up the cakes, their anticipation palpable. As they began to indulge, Lisa’s eyes widened in mock dismay. “Yours looks way better than mine!” She pouted dramatically and, with a playful twinkle in her eye, stealthily skewered a perfect forkful of Carla’s cake, bringing it to her lips with a playful flourish. “Mmm, just as delicious as I imagined!”

“Hey!” Carla protested, a giggle breaking through her faux indignation. “Stick to your own cake! You picked that one!” She wiggled her hands protectively over her prized cake like a fierce guardian, but then, with a swift motion, she made her own daring raid into Lisa’s territory, snatching a bite of her cake. “Yum! Yours is actually really nice!”

“Carla!” Lisa squealed, laughter erupting like confetti as they both defended their sweet treasures, hands flying in mock combat over the slices of cake before them. The room was alive with joy, each shared moment echoing with the warmth of their camaraderie.

After several laughter-filled minutes, Lisa caught Carla staring at her, curiosity etched across her features. “What is it? Do I have cake on my face?” she said, amusingly rubbing at her cheeks with exaggerated flair.

Carla chuckled softly, shaking her head. “No, no! There's nothing on your face. I just...” Her cheeks flushed as she spoke, the words tumbling out more hesitantly. “I really enjoy spending time with you.” The vulnerability in her voice was genuine, her heart open like a book, and for a brief moment, they locked eyes, a beautiful connection weaving itself between them in the charged silence.

Then, just as the air thickened with shared longing, the bubble of their closeness burst with the unexpected entrance of Sally into the office. Both women jumped apart, startled, like deer caught in headlights, their bubble of warmth scattered into the air. The lightheartedness briefly swapped for a comical expression of wide-eyed surprise, punctuating the playful innocence of their moment.

“Mrs. Connor, I was just—” Sally’s voice trailed off as she noticed another presence in the office. “Oh, Detective Sergeant Swain! What brings you here today?”

Carla’s irritation bubbled just beneath the surface. “What was it you wanted, Sal?” she interjected, eager to steer the conversation back on track.

“Oh, right! Sorry.” Sally shuffled her stance, her demeanor shifting. “I was wondering if I could take the afternoon off tomorrow. Tim has a doctor’s appointment, and I need to be home to—”

“Yes, Sal, that’s fine,” Carla replied briskly, cutting through Sally's rambling. “Was there anything else?” She hoped the insistence in her tone would nudge Sally out the door before she could create more awkwardness.

“Really? Thank you, Mrs. Connor!” Sally’s face brightened. “No, that was everything. I’ll leave you both to it then.” As she stepped out, her pace slowed slightly, revealing her eagerness to catch a whiff of any lingering gossip.

Once the door closed behind Sally, Lisa cleared her throat and began to rise from her chair. “Well, I should probably get back to work,” she said, slipping on her coat.

“Yeah…” Carla’s voice trailed off, disappointment creeping in. Trying to mask her feelings, she added, “Go catch some bad guys.” Seriously? That was what she went with? She felt like a teenager fumbling through her first crush, the heat creeping up her cheeks as she hoped Lisa didn’t notice.

Lisa chuckled, her laughter filling the sudden silence as she moved toward the door.

“Lisa, wait…” Why did she say that? Now Lisa was looking at her expectantly, and Carla felt her heart racing. “Uhm… do you want to come shopping with me? For holiday clothes?” The words tumbled out before she could second-guess them. “I thought it might be fun?”

Pride swelled within her for coming up with such a spontaneous idea, but trepidation also knotted in her stomach. All she had to do was wait for a ye—

“Yeah, why not! I could use some new stuff. All I have in my wardrobe are work clothes and joggers,” Lisa replied, a sudden realisation hitting her: it had been years since she’d been anywhere sunny.

“You'd look stunning in anything,” Carla said, her voice almost a whisper, genuine admiration spilling from her lips.

Lisa turned back toward the door, her cheeks warming with a rush of color. She needed to escape before her pride betrayed her. “Bye, Carla,” she said, letting a slightly flirty tone slip through as she stepped out, leaving Carla with a fluttering heart and a smile that wouldn’t fade.

———————

The soft chime of the doorbell tinkled as Lisa and Carla stepped into the vibrant shop, filled with clothes. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, illuminating racks of vibrant summer dresses, shorts, and tops. The atmosphere buzzed with chatter, laughter, and the occasional squeak of shoes against polished floors. Twinkling lights hung from the ceiling, creating an atmosphere that felt almost electric—a perfect backdrop for their afternoon of fun. Lisa could barely contain her excitement, while Carla was bubbling with a mischievous energy that hinted at the plans she had in mind.

“Come on, let’s get stuck in!” Carla announced, leading the way toward the dresses. “We’ve got a lot to get through!”

Lisa chuckled, following closely behind. “I could use something cute and summery, but I really need to focus on my tops and shorts first. I want to mix and match!”

As they ventured deeper into the store, they discovered a section laden with dresses that sparkled under the lights. Carla’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she spotted a forest green maxi dress. “Oh, I have to try this one on!” Without waiting for an answer, she disappeared into the changing room.

While she tried on the dress, Lisa explored a mix of tops and shorts, slipping into a couple of outfits that caught her eye. She felt the fabric against her skin, envisioning how they would fit into her summer wardrobe.

Amid the bustling fitting room, Carla stepped out in the stunning green dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. She twirled, the fabric cascading around her legs like a flirtatious whisper. “What do you think?” she asked, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

Lisa’s gaze locked onto Carla, her breath hitching as she savored every detail. Time seemed to stretch as she took her in, heart pounding like a wild drum. “Wow,” she finally breathed, her voice catching with exhilaration. “You look….” The words hung in the air, electrified with desire, as she willed herself to fully express the overwhelming beauty before her. “…..absolutely gorgeous!”

Carla caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, the dress reflecting a spirit of freedom that ignited an intoxicating wave of confidence within her. “You think so?” she replied, surprise mixed with a hint of vulnerability in her tone, her heart fluttering under Lisa's intense gaze.

“Without a doubt! That dress was made for you!” Lisa stepped closer, their bodies almost brushing against each other, the air charged with unspoken tension. “It highlights everything beautiful about you.” Her voice softened to a husky whisper, thick with emotion.

Heat surged through Carla as she turned back to the mirror, admiring the way the dress swayed and clung to her. “Okay, okay, maybe I’ll consider getting it,” she said, a playful smile breaking through her shyness, her pulse racing in the shared moment that felt so much more than just friendship.

“Good choice! Now, let’s see what you can find for me!” Lisa chimed, her energy contagious as she grabbed a few more pieces to try.

Carla motioned for Lisa to come over. “How about you try on a dress while we’re at it?”

“Me? In a dress? No way!” Lisa chuckled nervously. “I don’t think dresses are really my style.”

“What if it surprises you?” Carla pressed, inspiring intrigue. “One dress, for fun. Come on! Just think of it as a little experiment.”

Lisa considered it, feeling a mix of apprehension and excitement. “Alright, but only if I can find something nice.”

As they moved through the store, Carla was relentless. She tossed various dresses at Lisa with the enthusiasm of a game show host, grinning from ear to ear. “This blue one? Stunning! This floral one? Perfect for brunch! Ooh, and this one too—”

With each dress Carla flung at her, Lisa felt a familiar spark of excitement ripple through her. Carla’s energy was infectious, and even though Lisa wasn’t particularly fond of dresses, she couldn’t resist Carla’s spirited persuasion. After seeing Carla try on bold colors and floaty fabrics, she felt herself soften to the idea.

“Come on! Just try it on!” Carla urged, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. She had an eye for fashion and a knack for wearing clothes that turned heads. Sometimes, Lisa wondered if Carla dressed to impress the world or just for herself—either way, she always looked incredible.

“Fine, I’ll try on one of those dresses!” Lisa relented, rolling her eyes playfully but secretly thrilled at the thought.

“Make it the blue one!” Carla insisted with a wink, her voice teasing yet firm.

Lisa smirked, disappearing into the fitting room with the dress. As she slipped it over her head and looked in the mirror, she felt a rush of uncertainty. The dress hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her curves in a way that made her breath hitch. The sequins glimmered, catching the light like a cascade of stars, and for the first time in a long time, she felt a flicker of confidence.

“Carla?” Lisa called, her voice trembling with a blend of anticipation and vulnerability. “I’m ready!”

When the door swung open, Carla’s breath caught in her throat. Her pulse quickened at the sight of Lisa, the vibrant energy in the air palpable.

“Oh my god,” Carla gasped, her eyes widening with awe. Time seemed to stretch infinitely as she took in Lisa’s transformation. “You look… beautiful.”

Lisa stepped out, her cheeks warming under the weight of Carla's gaze. The dress hugged her body like a second skin, its elegance igniting a newfound confidence within her. “I… I really didn’t expect this,” she admitted, twirling slowly, the fabric swirling beautifully around her. A soft laugh escaped her lips, a melody of joy mingled with disbelief.

But for Carla, the world around them faded away. Her heart thundered in her chest, words escaping her as she was struck by the undeniable allure of Lisa. Each passing second felt like a dangerous precipice; she was teetering on the edge of emotions too intense to contain. The thought of faking a relationship with Lisa felt darker now—she craved more than a charade. The desire to lean in and kiss her, to bridge that intimate gap, was almost overwhelming.

Every fiber of her being urged her forward, aching to close the space between them. She battled with her thoughts, caught in this electric moment; it took every ounce of willpower to suppress the urge that bubbled beneath the surface. How could she hide the truth when all she wanted was to be close to the woman standing before her?

The charged silence hung in the air, thick with unspoken confessions and burgeoning feelings. Lisa caught Carla's gaze, searching her friend's eyes for a hint of what lay beneath that intense look. The playful laugh faded into a shy smile as an unmistakable current pulsed between them.

“Do you really think I look good?” Lisa asked, her voice soft and tinged with vulnerability. Beneath the confidence of the dress, she felt exposed, baring her soul in the soft glow of the fitting room lights.

“Good? It’s more than that, Lisa,” Carla replied, her voice trembling slightly, laden with genuine emotion. “You look incredible. You look… like someone who could steal the world’s breath away,” she added, her heart racing at the weight of her own words.

The flutter of Lisa's heart mirrored Carla's. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to imagine what it would feel like to take a step closer, to bask in the warmth of Carla’s presence. Her stomach twisted with a mix of yearning and excitement. “You really think so?” she whispered, her eyes shining with hope and a hint of disbelief.

“Yes,” Carla breathed, stepping ever so slightly nearer, the air between them crackling with electricity. She could hear the rapid beat of her heart as if it were a drum urging her to bridge the distance. “You deserve to feel beautiful, to know the power of who you are.”

Lisa felt herself draw in, inching closer as if compelled by an invisible force. “But what if…” she hesitated, biting her lip, “what if it’s just the dress? What if I take it off and… and I’m just me?”

“Stop.” Carla's voice was firm yet gentle, filled with the weight of honesty. “This isn’t just about the dress. It’s about you, the person inside it. I see you, Lisa. Not just the dress but the incredible woman you are.”

With her heart in her throat, she took a breath, gauging the moment, the possibilities of crossing an unspoken line. Slowly, she reached out, brushing her fingers against Lisa’s arm, the spark igniting with each heartbeat. Their eyes locked, and in those moments, everything shifted.

“Carla…” Lisa’s breath caught, every instinct urging her to lean in, the magnetic pull between them escalating. Time felt suspended as they stood on the edge of something significant.

Lisa cleared her throat “Maybe we should…” Lisa began, suddenly aware of the intensity of what was unfolding, hesitation creeping into her tone.

Before either of them could make a decision, the moment shifted. Carla stepped back, breaking the connection, the electricity dissipating. “Right, um… sorry,” she stammered, a mix of surprise and embarrassment washing over her.

Both women shared a nervous laugh, the tension still crackling in the air but now laced with uncertainty. They exchanged knowing glances, and the warmth that once enveloped them transformed into an uncomfortable mix of excitement and confusion.

As they shifted back to the fitting room mirrors, an unspoken understanding lay between them, dancing just out of reach.