Page 2 of Fake Situationship

A breather is what I need, so I grab my tea cup and head into the breakroom, where a couple of women are chatting. We smile at each other while I go about making myself a cup of tea.

“I’m serious. My sister swears by it. She used the site and got a date for her company picnic. She got the guy to impress her bosses. It cost her a small fortune, but it didn’t take her long to get noticed by the higher ups. The men she worked with even stopped trying to get her to go out with them.”

“Really? A site for an escort?”

“It’s not that kind of escort. Well, I mean, I guess it’s possible, but no, it’s where you get somebody you need for your plus one. There are all kinds of services. A date to an event, or pose as a significant other. Some pay, some work out an arrangement or exchange if they can’t afford it, and some use it for a matchmaking service.”

My ears burn with everything I’m hearing.Can this be true? Is this the answer to my prayers?It’s even better because this only has to be a one-time thing. I don’t have to get any guys involved thinking it’s some booty call at the end of the night.

I’m looking for a date, and not ready for anything more. Alan was my first boyfriend, my first everything, and we were together for so long. The time to get involved with somebody new isn’t right.

“Seriously? You’re not pulling my leg?”

“Hand to God. If I wasn’t married, I’d try it myself.” Lois laughs, swatting Janine’s arm.

“I’m so happy not to be out in the dating world anymore. It’s a scary place.”

She has no idea. I’m not even in the dating world, but I’m in singledom and it’s another headache thinking about diving into the dating pool. The worry is strong for when the time comes to when I do want to date.

I pour the boiling water into my mug, trying to appear like I’m not listening, but we’re not fooling anybody. If only I can get the name of this place, then maybe I can do some research and do the date exchange thing. I can’t afford to pay somebody. So this has to work.

“Perfect Plus One. It has the catchiest name too, don’t you think?”

Bingo.

I finish doctoring my tea while the women continue to chat and I tune them out, since I have the information I need.

Leaving the room, I walk back to my desk and glance at the clock. There’s three hours before my shift is over, so I moan, hating to wait, but I won’t log on and search the website here on the work computer. If anybody finds out I use this place, it will be so embarrassing.

Because I need a date pronto.

And I’ll be going to the wedding with my Perfect Plus One.

Chapter 3

Zach

It’s almost seven p.m.and I pace inside the lobby of my building as I wait for my date to arrive. She didn’t feel comfortable being picked up at her home, which I understand, so Sandy arranged for her to meet me here at seven, and I’m a little early. The waiting seems longer, even though she’s not late at all.

I tug on the sleeve of my suit jacket, fiddle with the cuff links, and lift my head when the front door opens. As a gorgeous woman walks into the lobby, I stiffen. Our eyes lock and it’s as if my heart beats for the first time.

The most beautiful green eyes widen as she takes me in, and I can’t help but do the same. She’s wearing a yellow summer dresswith a white flower pattern that vines up the dress. Her hair is in a soft updo, with tendrils of dark brown hair spilling around her face.

She’s young, but I struggle to swallow as I take her in. Her cheeks flush and she takes her eyes off me as she looks down at herself, swiping her hand over her dress like she’s trying to make sure she’s dressed nice.

I have to say, she’s dressed perfect, like an angel.

She fidgets a little, snapping me out of my trance, I would hate for her to be uncomfortable. I clear my throat and step closer to her.

“Hi, Help in New Hope?”

The gorgeous woman rolls her lips and nods. In a soft-spoken voice, she says, “Yes. Perpetual Bachelor?”

I cringe at the username Sandy created. If I didn’t love the woman so much, I would’ve fired her on the spot. She thinks she’s a comedian.

“Zach Whitmore.” I reach my hand out, anticipating the touch of her skin against mine.

She blushes. “I know. Claire Adams.”

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