Page 39 of The Guy Who Fake Dated Me

The lens pulled out, revealing large cages with dogs and cats in them. “There’s a tradition in Natalie’s family that every member supports a charity. Some have created their own. I’ve decided to work with an agency that helps find forever homes for abandoned animals.”

“At least it’s a worthy cause,” Greta muttered. “The last woman to marry into the family wanted to save the desert. Not just part of it, the whole thing. Rubbish.”

Victoria hadn’t relaxed. I stroked her knuckles with my thumb as the view panned past a handful of dogs. “Today I want each of you to get to know at least one dog or cat. Play with it, take pictures, and post them on social media with the hashtagadoptananimal. The goal is to feature the animals and give them a chance at adoption. Go with your gut, but don’t overlook the quiet ones or those that have been in the shelters for a long time. They need homes too.”

This sounded like a great idea. Then I remembered that Victoria didn’t like dogs. A story she’d never offered to share. When I glanced at her, I found her lips set into a thin line.

The camera panned back to Kyle. “You have two hours from the time you enter the shelter. The group that gets the best photo, chosen by Natalie and me, wins a prize. Good luck!”

The other two couples were already piling out, either eager to get this over with, or excited to spend time with the animals. I turned to Victoria, ready to tell her that we didn’t have to stay, but she’d plastered a totally fake smile onto her face and headed for the exit. “Let’s do this.”

“What’s the problem?” Greta asked under her breath as Victoria climbed out.

It was impossible not to notice her shapely backside as she did so. I tore my eyes away and spoke to Greta. “She doesn’t like animals.”

“That could be a problem.”

“Normally, she refuses to get anywhere near dogs or cats.”

“She seemed excited.”

“Pretty sure that was fake.”

“Maybe she’s trying to turn over a new leaf.” Greta made a show of putting a hand on her own back and groaning as she straightened up, then hobbled toward the car door. “I have a challenge for us,” she said.

Victoria answered from outside. “What?”

“We should see which one of us can mess up the other couples’ pictures the most without getting caught.”

I looked at Greta in horror. “You are not a nice woman.”

“You catch on quick.” She winked then bellowed, “Where’s my stool?”

I shook my head as I waited for the driver and Victoria to help Greta down. Victoria was a handful by herself; how was I going to keep the two of them in check?

Once Greta descended, the driver moved the stool, and I jumped down and went to Victoria’s side. She held her purse on her shoulder, and her right index finger tapped madly on the strap. It must be a nervous tick I hadn’t noticed in Big Bear. I reached for her other hand, and she interlaced her fingers with mine.

We’d held hands before, but this was different. It wasn’t even romantic, at least that’s not the vibe I was getting. Instead, it felt like I was her lifeline.

The driver caught my eye. “I’ll be back in two hours.”

“Thanks, man.” I pointed. “Don’t forget the stool.”

“Not a chance.”

Greta shuffled to the shelter door, glanced over her shoulder to make sure we were following, then went inside.

“You sure you’re okay with this?” I asked Victoria.

She spoke through a fake smile and gritted teeth. “We’re going to ruin those pictures or die trying.”

“That went dark fast.”

“The old lady started it.” Victoria stayed glued to my side as we entered.

We had a small shelter up in Big Bear, and I’d never liked the smell. There was only so much you could do with a bunch of animals in a confined space. The unpleasant odor, barely covered with some combination of lavender and sage, filled the little lobby and only got worse as we moved farther back. Victoria wrinkled her nose. Greta remained stoic.

One of the employees, a short woman in her twenties with long red hair bound into a ponytail, smiled at us as we entered the area with the animals. “Welcome to the shelter. My name is Jenni and I’ll be taking care of you today.” She gestured like a game show host. “This is where we house our bigger dogs.”

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