Page 149 of Dark Endures

“Don’t you worry. I stood in for you since we are almost the same size. I’ve managed to keep my measurements the same since high school.”

That’s because you haven’t eaten a whole meal since I was little. “Well then, that will work perfectly.”

“And I don’t want you to worry about being alone during the event. Percival has a nephew who agreed to keep you company.”

What?

No. The last time you tried to fix me up at one of your weddings, he collected stamps and swivel sticks and invited me to his mother’s basement to see them. She kept every single thing from his childhood, including his first diaper. I don’t care how good a job he has. “Oh, that was so kind of you, Percival. It’s just that I already have a boyfriend.”

“What?” Mom’s eyes pinch in. “Why didn’t you tell me you were dating? I haven’t met him. Are you sure he’s a reputable man? Percival, can I prevail upon you to ensure that this boy is good enough for my Mindy?”

He pats her hand. “Of course, it would be my pleasure. Why don’t you bring this boy with you to the wedding so I can get to know him better?”

“How absolutely brilliant. That’s why I love you so much.” She touches his arm.

Gagging at the table would be so wrong.

But worse than that is the fact that I have to find a boyfriend before the weekend.

Fake Date

Mindy

Today has been horrible. Even the food was too fancy to enjoy. I’m going to need to eat an actual meal after three hours of sitting at this restaurant pretending to eat. Another skill Mom taught me how to perfect.

“So, we’ll send a car for you tomorrow morning.” Mom leans in to hug me at the door.

No. I can’t be trapped at your wedding venue the entire weekend. Even though I kind of will be just based on the nature of the event. “There’s no need. My boyfriend can drive us there.” As soon as I figure out who he is. Maddox would do it. But would anyone truly believe that a man like him was dating an average girl like me?

Doubtful.

I need a sweet, average-looking guy who could handle my mother and her boyfriend critiquing them for an entire weekend.

That man doesn’t exist. I wait for them to step into their waiting car before leaving the restaurant. There’s no need for them to watch me walk towards the subway like an eighty-year-old arthritic woman.

There’s no point in procrastinating. It’s not like I’m going to get less sore. I step outside.

Right there, leaning against his SUV with his ankles crossed and his muscular arms folded across his chest, is Maddox.

That can’t be a coincidence.

“Did you enjoy your meal?” He stands up as I walk over.

Not at all. “It was delicious.”

“You’re a bad liar.”

What!?! “I’m a great liar.” I’ve been taught by the best.

“Keep telling yourself that.” He opens the passenger door for me.

Mom didn’t act like anything was off. Could she tell?

If she did, I’m so going to be dead tomorrow. Maybe I should call in sick.

Yeah, that wouldn’t work. She’d come, pry me out of bed, and force some pills down my throat. Like that one time, she wanted to go out on a boat with the guy she was dating and his kids. I took so many anti-nausea pills that day.

Maddox turns the car on without a word.

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