“Is she lining up for the job?” JP asks.
“She’s aware that I need a fake fiancée.”
“I don’t know,” Breaker says. “This seems like a really bad idea. Going out with someone you don’t know.”
I give him a confused look. “Dude, that’s what dating is all about, going out with someone you don’t know.”
“But this is different. She wants a rich boyfriend, you need a fake fiancée, who’s to say she’s not going to take advantage of you? How do you know she won’t agree to whatever you have going on in your head but then do something like go to the media and fuck up our reputation?”
I stuff my phone in my pocket and say, “That’s why we pay our lawyers an extreme amount of money, so they can create contracts to prevent that from happening.” When Breaker still looks uneasy, I say, “Listen, I didn’t give her my last name, and she didn’t seem to recognize me either, so I’m going to feel her out and see if she’s interested. If so, I’ll get Harvey to draw up an NDA, as well as an agreement for both of us to sign.”
“I don’t know,” Breaker says, leaning back in his chair now. “This seems really fucking risky.”
“Then tell me what I should do. Do you have another plan of action?” I ask, arms spread.
“Tell Dave that your fiancée isn’t available this weekend. That she’s away for the next two weeks. So, the dinner date needs to be postponed. Although, I wouldn’t have lied in the first place,” Breaker says.
“Too fucking late for that,” I say in a huff while grabbing my keys. Not to mention, I want this deal done and dusted. Not waiting another fucking two weeks, when I’d probably be no closer to finding a fake fiancée. On my way to the garage, I say, “Be back. Lock up if you leave.”
I hate to admit that they’re right—this is crazy, slightly stupid, and incredibly risky, but I also dug my hole. I might as well lie in it.
Chapter Four
LOTTIE
Lottie: OMG, KELSEY!!!
Kelsey: What? Did Mom and Jeff find out? I swear I haven’t said anything.
Lottie: No, I found a rich man.
Kelsey: Uh . . . what?
Lottie: I don’t have a lot of time. My phone is charging and I’m meeting him in about twenty-five minutes at the Chipotle down the street. But, yeah, I found a rich man.
Kelsey: Hold on. What do you mean you found a rich man? What were you doing?
Lottie: **Puffs chest** While on my walk. I got lost, and then BAM, rich man to save the day. Told you I could find one walking through The Flats.
Kelsey: You’re fucking with me.
Lottie: I’m not, I swear. I’m putting on some mascara right now and I’m trying to decide if I go in casual or if I put on a sundress. Honestly, I have no need to impress him. He’s the one who wants to discuss things.
Kelsey: Discuss things? What does that even mean? Why aren’t you answering your phone when I call you? I need to know what the hell is going on.
Lottie: I can’t talk. I don’t want Mom and Jeff hearing me. And this guy is looking for a fake fiancée. It works out great.
Kelsey: WHAT? Lottie, are you hearing yourself right now? Do you really think this is safe? You found a random man on a sidewalk and he just so happens to be looking for a fake fiancée? Do you not see how . . . coincidental that is?
Lottie: Lucky, right?
Kelsey: Oh my God . . . you’re going to be murdered.
Lottie: No way. The dude is meeting me at Chipotle. He’s not going to murder me at a place where you have to pay extra for guac.
Kelsey: What does guac have to do with any of this?
Lottie: Nothing, but I want it to be known that I believe charging extra for guac is outrageous. Anyway, I have to get going. I’m walking there and I don’t want to show up as a sweaty mess, I want to take my time. I’ll text you when I’m done.
Kelsey: Lottie! I know you’re desperate, but this is not better than telling Mom and Jeff. Suck up your pride and just tell them. Meeting a random stranger for food isn’t the way to go.
Lottie: People meet up with strangers all the time to share food. That’s what dating is all about.
Kelsey: You’re not dating him!
Lottie: Not yet. Text you later, sis. Love you.
Yeah, this is stupid.
I’ll admit it.
Kelsey has every reason to fret, because this situation screams bad decisions, but I like to think I’m a good judge of character, and this guy wasn’t giving me murder vibes. Instead, his eyes reflected the same desperation as mine. He needs me, just like I need him. And that right there is exactly what one needs in order to follow through with such a farce—mutual neediness.