Two best friends realize that their fake relationship–mixed with a dash of holiday spirit–might spark some very real feelings in this charming sapphic novella from the New York Times bestselling author of People Watching and Out on a Limb.

On the very first day of her dream job, Clara messed up. Her photography idol, and new boss, assumed that Clara would be bringing her girlfriend to their upcoming gallery opening, and Clara, in her nervousness, failed to correct her.

This is an issue for two reasons: Clara is single and is most definitely (

probably) straight.

Evan was recently dumped by her fiancée for a shared co-worker and is still trying to figure out where it all went wrong. So when she finds out that the happy new couple will be hosting the staff holiday party, she is determined to find a date.

Together, these two lifelong friends hatch a plan to get through Clara’s gallery opening and Evan’s holiday party by pretending to date one another.

It should be easy . . . right?

But Evan quickly realizes that pretending to date her straight best friend, whom she’s had a crush on for half her life, maybe isn’t the best idea. Meanwhile, Clara surprises even herself as she begins developing real feelings for Evan. . . .

Will the two make it out of the holiday season as friends–or ring in the new year as something more?