Page 42 of Fake Fiancée for Dad's Best Friend
I fall silent, hating the prospect of lying to Karen and Mike again.
“Don’t worry, Vivian,” Alex says. “We’ll be fine.”
“No, we won’t be!” I say. Lying isn’t the only thing that distresses me. I dread something else too. I would be sleeping in the same room and same bed with him again. I can’t imagine what I’ll do because just a phone call messes me up completely. I’d never get over him if I had sex with him.
As if Alex can hear my thoughts, he says, “We don’t have to sleep in the same room if that’s your concern. I have many rooms in the house. I could sneak out in the middle of the night.”
“Yeah. You should probably do that,” I say, although I don’t like the idea either.
Chapter 17
Alex
I’m at the charity fashion show at Mill Neck Manor’s spacious lawn. The historical Tudor Revival mansion on the North Shore of Long Island is a prestigious venue for social events. Besides runway shows, there are auctions and sales. The sales and proceeds will be donated to various health foundations, including Mill Neck, which supports people with hearing problems.
I wish Vivian were here with me. I was surprised when she refused my invitation the other day, and especially she was so passionate about the fashion world. Trisha must’ve intimidated her.
Mark texted me earlier, letting me know he dropped her off at my condo. I’ve been waiting for her call or message eagerly since then, but nothing comes. I want to call her and ask whether she needs anything, but I can’t find any private spot. So I text her instead.
Me: Are you finding everything okay?
Vivian: Yes. I’m at your house. It’s soooo beautiful!”
The simple compliment makes my day. I picture her lovely face when she looks around and I wish I were there to see it. I should be giving her a house tour. Damn it. I’ll do it the first thing I get back home.
Me: Feel free to help yourself with the food in the fridge. But don’t eat too much. I’ll be home at around five, and I’ll take you to dinner.
Vivian texts me back a happy dance emoji, and I smile at it for a moment before putting my phone back into my pocket.
At the Meet and Greet, I spot Amanda Lee and her son right away. Both are wearing sleeveless skorts that show off their genderless style. The striking outfits attract a lot of attention. While Amanda is surrounded by people complimenting the design of her outfit, her son is flanked by a couple of young women, a blonde and a brunette, that are probably models.
“You look like a gladiator, Cody!” the blonde says in a coquettish voice. “I like your legs!”
The brunette shakes her head. “So hot!”
“You guys look great, too,” he put his arms around both of them. “Are you coming to the party tonight?”
“Of course!”
I dislike the guy, although he’s only acting the way a good-looking young man from a well-to-do family is expected to. Was I like him when I was his age? Maybe. I was ignorant. I didn’t know better and took everything for granted. Wait. I started building my empire as soon as I graduated from college, didn’t I? Stop it. Why am I comparing myself with this callow young man who’s still living off his family’s fortune? I must be nuts.
“Hey, old friend!” A familiar voice draws my attention from behind, and I turn to look.
“John! I didn’t know you were coming!” I hug my friend warmly. No wonder Vivian refused to come with me.
“I wasn’t, but Lisa wanted to see the historic house,” he says while looking away. I follow his gaze and see Lisa a few yards away, speaking to a woman who’s smiling at Noah inside the baby stroller.
“Where’s Vivian?” I ask, eager to know what Vivian told him about the weekend.
“Oh, she’s going to see a friend in Hudson,” he says. “Someone she knew from college.”
“I see.” I try to act normal, but my cheeks feel warm. It’s going to be tricky when it comes the time to tell John the truth. I change topic to ease the discomfort. “So, uh. She’s going to Paris. I believe?”
“Yeah,” John rolls his eyes. “Says the school finally provided her a financial aid package. Frankly, I don’t see why it’s necessary to go to France to learn something I can teach her right here at home.”
I chuckle. I agree with John and would like nothing more than Vivian staying in New York. But I know the girl has set her mind on that and there’s nothing we can do to change it. “She just needs to leave home for a while and see the outside world.”
“I guess,” John says with a shrug. “That’s what I don’t get. I was born in New York, grew up, and went to college here. I never wanted to live anywhere else. I guess you understand her better.”
