Page 59 of The Fake Dating Plan

“It’s nothing. Expect nothing big.”

As I unwrapped it, her eyes were on me, never straying.

“You’ll be disappointed.”

“I don’t think so,” I said as I took out the velvet black box. It had her company’s logo on it. I had seen it so many times these past months I was sure I could draw it in my sleep. The box clicked open and inside was a set of square cuff-links made from gold with an X and R drawn in an elaborate cursive fashion. They were simple and beautiful. Somehow, this gift felt more precious than the others.

“It’s nothing big like I said. Something I thought would go well with our pretense.”

A part of me deflated. Of course, it was part of the rouse, but I couldn’t help but be affected by the gesture. “They’re nice.”

“If you don’t like them—”

“I love them. They’re beautiful.”

“I created the design myself.”

“Do you, um… do you intend to have the design on sale?”

“I never thought about it before but—”

“Don’t. Or else I will block it if you do.”

“I don’t think I could mass produce something like that. The design is too complicated.”

“Good.”

I wanted to be the only one to have this. She had made them specifically for me. Why should anyone have it? It was something I wanted for myself and I was happy to have it. More than happy, in fact. It made me want to give more.

I thought about what she said earlier. Not having a family. Growing up in the foster system I knew she never had the upbringing I did. I was aware enough to know that most people didn’t, but she had it worse than most people. She had never had a Christmas present, and she wanted one so badly she would play-act as if my gifts were hers. All thoughts of previous slights and betrayals flew out of my head, and one thought prevailed. Something had to be done.

“Em?”

“Mmm?” she didn’t look up from the unwrapping she was caught up in.

“Do you want to go somewhere?”

13

“Where are you taking me?”

I looked down at the white and gray city from the helicopter we were in. It looked like a miniature city from this vantage point.

“You’ll see when we get there.” He said through the intercom. What did that mean? I was happy staying with him at his place and enjoying his company. It was a perfect way to spend our time together. Then he proposed going somewhere. All he had told me was to bring my coat.

“Don’t worry.” He said again, then he chuckled. “You look like you’re going to beat me up.”

“I might if this goes south.”

When I had protested that I couldn’t go anywhere without a change of clothes, it was a weak excuse not to get out of the apartment. He pulled up an ace out of his sleeve. An ace only someone like him could pull. He called the concierge of his building and ordered some clothes. The next thing I knew, a shopping assistant and her assistants were invading the penthouse with a rack of clothes and models on hand, just in case, I needed an impromptu fashion show.

I was too embarrassed to have people parade clothes for my pleasure and eventually chose a few clothes I thought were suitable.

Sitting in the cold helicopter, I had to admit, the corduroy pants, wool sweater, and faux fur coat were a good idea in the end.

The helicopter landed at its destination, a beautiful home out of the city. He helped me out. A chilly wind blew past us and he held me to him. Even if it was only for warmth, my body reacted to the closeness of his, as if he was about to make love to me. My nerves were on alert to his touch, even when he held me through layers of clothing.

“It better be good,” I said as he led me to the house. We went past the main door and to the back, where there were beautiful grounds and a frozen pond. “Is this your place?” He glanced at me. Was he nervous? Never.

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