Page 65 of Pretend Girlfriend

“Clark, switch seats with Joanna,” Danicka ordered while we boarded the plane. “I want to talk to her during the flight.”

I gave Landon a pained smile. So much for sleeping on the plane.

It turned out to be an upgrade for me: Danicka was sitting in First Class along with Bradyn and Marisa, while the rest of the family was in Economy. As soon as we were in the air, Danicka ordered us some Bloody Marys. It was a nice change after so much white wine.

“I hope you’re not panicking too much about your job,” she said.

“I think I’m panicking the correct amount,” I replied with a nervous laugh.

“Do you have any prospects?”

I hesitated, then decided to tell her the truth. “Landon might look into getting me a job at his company.”

Danicka was shaking her head before I finished the sentence. “Oh no, absolutely not. A couple working for the same company is too messy.”

“I don’t disagree, but if I can’t find anything else…”

“I play bridge every Thursday with two city judges. They owe me more favors than I can count. I could easily get you a job clerking for them.”

I blinked. “Wait, really?”

“If you want to go that route, sure.” She waved it off. “But enough about work. You can worry about it when you get home. We’re on vacation now! Enjoy yourself.”

But I couldn’t stop thinking about it now that the subject had been broached. I didn’t have the experience needed to get a clerkship on my own. Not without knowing someone, at least. That would be a huge upgrade from my old job. It was even more tempting than working for DefTec. At the very least, it was a nice backup option.

Except what would happen when Landon and I broke up our fake relationship?

It was a cloudless day when we landed in Montego Bay, Jamaica. A sweltering humidity hit us the moment we stepped off the plane, a stark contrast to the perfect May weather in Chicago.

A car service transported us to the resort, which was on the north side of the island. It was tucked away on its own little peninsula, surrounded by palm trees and perfect white beaches. As soon as we stepped out of the car, we were given glasses of champagne from a stand.

“This place is off to a good start,” Marisa said, toasting her glass to mine. “Good choice, husband.”

“Thanks,” Bradyn said absently. He lowered his voice and added, “I wonder how we buy weed here.”

“There’s a dispensary in town,” Landon said.

I gave him a questioning look.

“I saw the billboards on the way here,” he said defensively.

Theo had just stepped out of his car. He gave me a private wink, then said, “Tell me who your Best Man is.”

“You are,” Bradyn replied.

“And as your Best Man, I’ve got you covered. Watch this.” Theo approached the bellhop stand. “My reservation is under Theo Manafort.”

“Yes sir, I have your name right here.” He gave Theo a glass of champagne. “Welcome to the resort, sir.”

“If I wanted to burn a little bush while I’m here, who should I talk to?” Theo said casually.

The bellhop gave him a knowing smile. “Now you are in Jamaica! I will give you the hook-up when I take your bags to the room. Don’t you worry.”

“I appreciate your help.” He slipped the bellhop a twenty dollar bill while shaking his hand.

“You’re awfully good at buying drugs,” Marisa teased.

“Just like college!” Bradyn said. “That’s the Teddy I remember.”

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