Ryan looked up from the book he’d bought the day prior when Tucker came in. “Oliver Hope is here.” He said, a little too formally.

“Send him in.” Ryan put down the book and stood up. Oliver walked in, looking completely lost. “You actually came.”

“Uh, yeah, I had time before I have to look after the shop, so I thought, why not?” He looked around the room and Ryan swore he saw the boy gulp with anxiety. “Um, do you actually live here?”

“Occasionally.” Ryan shrugged. “My real estate is a few miles out of the city. But I stay here often.”

Oliver looked a bit faint and stumbled over to a nearby table. “Okay, let’s just get this over with.” He mumbled. “I’m a caring person, so, if you really want some help, I’ll help. But this has nothing to do with the money, alright?”

“Really?!” Ryan ran up to the boy and led him over to a chair. “Sit down. You look a little lightheaded.”

“Thanks.” He leaned back and took a few deep breathes. “I just haven’t been in such a big apartment before. It’s a bit unnerving.” He tipped his cap back a bit to wipe his forehead. “I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?” Ryan leaned over the back of the chair and put his forehead against Oliver’s. “You don’t have a fever. That’s good.”

“No, I don’t.” He sounded a bit annoyed. “But I am recovering from a cold.”

Ryan jumped back and walked into a side-table. It toppled over with a crashing sound. Tucker ran into the room. “What happened?!”

“Nothing.” Oliver stated, pulling his hat down over his eyes. “Just a little shock.”

Ryan looked at the boy and wondered what he was trying to hide. His posture was more slumped than when they’d met at the bookshop. Ryan attributed it to being in a new place he wasn’t used to.

“Well, if nothing’s wrong,” Tucker looked over at Ryan, “The car’s ready.”

“Car?” Oliver looked between Ryan and Tucker. “What’s going on?”

“We’re going shopping.” Ryan stated as he reached for his wallet.

***

Holland let out a sharp laugh. “Sorry.” She managed to say. “That just sounded like something a girl would say.”

“Then you should learn.” The man, Ryan Gale according to his card, tossed her a light jacket that looked like it belonged in a fashion show. “After all, you’ll be pretending to be my fiancée.”

She opened her mouth to say something, then decided against it. She’d decided to let him think she was a boy. It would be easier for her in the long run.

During the car ride, Holland looked out the window at the landscape. Since coming to the United Kingdom, she hadn’t left the city. First she’d had a lot of school to take care of, then Hopeful Readings and that had become her life.

As she watched, the number of shops lining the streets dwindled. Then, after a few minutes, she realized that there were practically no buildings at all. She turned to Ryan, confused. “I thought we were going shopping.”

He nodded. “We are. I just need to stop by and see my brother.”

She slumped in her seat. Don’t make me do something stupid, please. She begged silently.

The car finally pulled up to a cottage and Holland got out as fast as she could. She loved car rides, but sitting in a parked vehicle always made her feel uncomfortable. Ryan came around to where she was standing and took her hand. She barely resisted the urge to pull away as they walked up to the front door.

Ryan rang the doorbell and a woman with long honey-golden hair answered. “Ryan! It’s so good to see you again!” She cried when she recognized him. She ran forward and gave him a hug.

“Hi Maggie.” Ryan said it like he was really happy to see her, but was just tolerating the hug. “How’s Ellie?”

“She’s doing great! She and your brother are in the garden right now. Come in.” She then seemed to notice my existence. “And who’s this?”

“This is Holly.” He introduced her with the feminine short form of her first name. She didn’t like it. He’d never called her anything but Oliver, and the sudden change felt weird. “She’s my fiancée.”

Maggie looked shocked. “Goodness, that was fast. Didn’t Peter just tell you the news last week?” Ryan nodded. “Well, this’ll be a shock for him. Come in. I’ll go call them.” She left and Ryan tugged gently on Holland’s hand to lead her inside.

She didn’t move. “Why did you call me Holly?” She asked flatly.

“Don’t you think it’s weird for a girl to be called Oliver?”

“No.” She stated bluntly, then chose a different line of questioning. “Who was that?”

“Her name is Margaret Heath. She’s my brother’s wife.” He finally managed to drag her inside, and she reluctantly followed him down the rest of the hall. “My brother, Peter, moved in with her and their daughter, Elizabeth, last week.”

Ryan led the way to a little room with a long couch and a few arm chairs around a coffee table. They sat down on the couch and waited for Ryan’s brother.

They didn’t wait long. After about a minute, a man with dusty-chestnut hair ran into the room. “Ryan!” He cried before enveloping him in a hug. “You haven’t killed yourself yet!”

Holland was a bit shocked by the comment, but Ryan laughed. “No, I’m still alive.”

The man, Peter, released Ryan and turned to face Holland. “So, this is her?” He seemed to be studying her, so she smiled. “Seems polite. Nice smile. Hair’s kinda short, though.”

“I can fix that easily.” She said absentmindedly. “It’s just my style.”

They both looked at her with confused expressions. Ryan shook his head and turned back to his brother. “I actually came here because I need Maggie’s help. Holly needs to become more feminine.” She kicked his leg. “See, Holly’s a boy.” He made it sound like a terrible disease. “His real name is Oliver.”

Peter stared, speechless, and Holland rolled her eyes. She’d had enough. If you’re going to tell a bunch of people, I might as well set things straight.

“No, it’s not. My real name’s Holland Oliver. My friends before I moved called me Holly all the time.” She pulled off her hat and shook out her long, toasted marshmallow braids, which fell just past her shoulders. “You can’t just make assumptions, you know.”