Page 9 of An Engagement Pact

“Yeah. That makes sense.”

“So the most we’d have to put on this act is about three or four months. And it would probably be less. We’d have to go out at least once or twice a week on dates to make it look like we’re actually together, but I don’t see any reason we’d need to hang out together constantly. So most of your time could still be your own. And the marriage itself would only be on paper.” He shifts in his seat slightly. “We wouldn’t have to... do anything in terms of that.”

“Okay.” I clear my throat, flushing slightly at the idea of doing something with Dan as a married couple. “That doesn’t seem too difficult.”

“I really don’t think it will be. You just couldn’t be dating anyone else during the time we’re in this... this deal.”

“Oh, that’s not a problem. I haven’t dated anyone since I’ve moved here, and I don’t have any plans to anytime soon.”

He shoots me a curious look but stops himself from asking the question.

“I got out of a bad relationship last year before I moved here,” I explain. “I’m not in a hurry to get tied up in another one.”

He looks like he has more questions, but he doesn’t ask them. “Okay. Then not dating anyone else shouldn’t be a problem for you. Obviously I won’t either. Otherwise, the only thing I’d ask is for you to act like you’re into me when we’re in public. We don’t have to go full steam with PDA or anything, but we do want to convey the impression that we’re in love.”

“Yes. I figured we’d need to do something like that. I’m pretty sure I could manage to suffer through a few stray touches from you.” I smile so he knows I’m teasing.

He chuckles. “Okay. So those are the only specifics I’m looking for. What about you? What are you worried about?”

“I... Uh, I’m not sure. You’ve covered a lot of it.”

“I know it’s a strange and vulnerable position to put yourself in. In all seriousness, I can get you references if you want. Or you can talk to people who know me so you won’t be worried about me taking advantage of you.”

I’m surprised and strangely touched by the offer. “I feel like I’ve already gotten references on you. Everyone I know who’s mentioned you has constantly testified that you’re a great guy.”

“Really?” He straightens up, openly pleased by that piece of information.

“Yes. So unless you’ve managed to hide some sort of dark iniquity from every single person who knows you, I have to believe that you are, in fact, a good guy. That’s one of the reasons why I changed my mind after your first... first offer.”

He laughs. “You probably thought I was some sort of weird perv.”

“Not exactly. But it was very strange, and I didn’t trust you. But I feel better about that now.”

“You said that was one of the reasons you changed your mind? What was the other?”

I hesitated, embarrassed by the truth. But I tell him anyway. “You told me how much money you’d give me.”

Because I’m watching him, I see his expression shift very slightly. Not in a bad way. More like enlightenment. Like he understands. “I see.”

“Maybe it sounds mercenary, but I have nothing. My ex-boyfriend ruined my credit. I was living in a dorm until I graduated, but after that I couldn’t get any sort of decent apartment even if I’d managed to find a job that paid enough for me to live and also save something for grad school. Jim and Esther have been incredibly generous, but I hate to live on their charity for any longer than I have to. With what you’re giving me, I’ll hopefully have enough to pay tuition and even some left for living expenses for two years. That will get me through the program. After that, I can get a decent job and really start over.”

I stop talking abruptly, realizing I’m rambling in a way I never do. About something very personal to me. What am I even thinking?

Dan is visibly listening, and his expression and voice are both almost gentle as he says, “I’m sorry you’re having to live through the consequences of that guy’s behavior, and I’m glad to hear what I can offer will really help you.”

“It will,” I admit, shaking off my self-consciousness. “So I’m on board with this deal if you are.”

“I am too.” He extends a hand over the table.

I stare at it for a couple of seconds before I take it. Shake it. Slowly let it go.

Dan smiles at me. “Thank you.”

“Hey, I’m getting as much out of this as you are, so you don’t have to thank me. I think it might work out for both of us.”

We spend about twenty more minutes making a schedule for the next few months and ironing out the details on how we’ll act and the kinds of social presence we’ll make as an engaged couple.

When we’ve sorted out everything we can at this point, I start to feel awkward again, so I make a few noises about leaving.

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