Page 62 of Fake Game

I don’t totally understand what is going on here, but I know it’s not the time to hesitate. I can’t let myself lag for even a second. I’m going to show this woman why I’m one of the most beloved streamers. This lady is going to get the full show.

I stand up and relinquish my hand from Jackson’s, holding it out to his aunt instead.

“I’m Deer, it’s lovely to meet you.”

Her brows pinch together as she reluctantly places her hand in mine. “Deer?”

I really wasn’t racking up any bonus points with this woman, and, in retrospect, this isn’t how I would ever introduce myself to my supposed boyfriend’s family, but I am grasping at straws here.

One might say this is all my fault because I’m the one who decided to continue this whole ruse, but how was I supposed to know his aunt came to the same damn nail salon? I thought his family lived farther south.

“Yes, it’s a nickname.”

“I see.”

She releases my hand and continues that scrutinous appraisal of my appearance. It doesn’t slip past me that she hasn’t introduced herself. She doesn’t respect me enough for that. I’m beneath her, not worth her time.

A little much, apparently.

I swallow, my throat rough as sandpaper.

I feel more under the microscope now than I have at any gaming convention ever, surrounded by thousands upon thousands of people. It makes me feel like shit. This is what I get for not taking Aleks seriously. He grew up with Jackson. I should’ve trusted him when he said that pretending to date Jackson wouldn’t go well with his family.

Gods dammit.

I need a way out of this, some sort of an excuse that she can’t avoid.

I grip my anxiety and keep it locked in my chest, lacing a soft smile across my face as I attempt to smother this cold woman with all my fake cotton candy kindness.

“We’re about to head to a lunch reservation, if you would like to join us?”

“I’m afraid I’ll have to pass as I still have my appointment.”

Thank Gods. That’s what I’d been banking on her saying.

I allow my mask to fall into one of carefully feigned disappointment.

“Oh, shoot. Next time? I would love to get to know Sh—Jackson’s family more.”

I see the moment an idea passes through her gaze with a calculating glint. She turns her thin smile to Jackson, who comes to stand behind me.

“You should bring her to Angela’s recital next weekend. I’m sure everyone would be delighted to meet yourgirlfriend.” She says the word like it is laced with lies.

Jackson’s hand comes to rest against the small of my back, sending a shock through me.

“Of course, that’s a great idea.” He leans forward and peers at me. “I just paid. We should head to lunch if we don’t want to be late.”

“Right. Yeah.” I nod like a bobblehead. “Can’t miss our lunch date.”

“I’ll see you soon,yi ma.”

“It was nice meeting you,” I smile back at his aunt as he ushers me out of the salon.

The bell on the door chimes as we exit. My feet continue to move on autopilot, following the direction Jackson keeps leading me in.

“Wait, I didn’t text—”

“Miss Deer. Mr. Lau.”

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