Page 20 of Faking it with My Boss' Son

‘‘Yeah, Michelle is my girlfriend. We studied at the same school in Davenport. She now works at Dad’s company.” I said so she would know I was taken. “Michelle, this is Ruth, my dad’s friend's daughter.” I looked at Michelle intently.

‘‘Hi,’’ Michelle answered slowly and smiled warmly at her, seeming unphased that she was who my dad wanted me to date.

‘‘If you can excuse us,’’ Ruth grabbed me by my arm and looked into my eyes. ‘‘Come on, Ryan, let’s dance.’’

Michelle lowered her gaze and settled back quietly as her smile turned into a little chuckle.

Ruth dragged me to the dance floor by my arm. As I turned to look back at Michelle, she was giggling at me. We danced for a few songs before bringing her mouth closer to my ear and whispering, ‘‘You dance so well, Ryan. I could dance with you my whole life and never get tired.’’

I felt on edge and wanted to push Ruth away. Thankfully, Dad called me over to him. I heaved a sigh of relief. ‘‘I need to go, Ruth. Dad is calling me. I'll see you soon.’’ I couldn’t get away fast enough.

She gave me a disgruntled look and sighed as I walked away.

‘‘Yes, Dad. What is it?’’ I asked as Dad and I sat on the chaise lounge. I observed Michelle from a distance, who was scrolling through her phone. The hallway of our home looked impeccable with the exotic upholstery, helium balloons, different lights, chandeliers, lanterns, and bunting banners. However, all these paled into insignificance as I looked at Michelle, who looked as calm as the night.

‘‘I hope you and Michelle are doing well.’’ He said with true concern.

‘‘Yes, Dad. We’re really happy together.” I said, having no idea what was to come next. And hearing those words come out of my mouth, I realized it was true.

‘‘That’s great. I’m happy for you guys. You make a great couple.’’

‘‘Thanks, Dad. That’s kind of you to say.’’

“I just wanted to pull you away from Ruth. I could see how uncomfortable you were. I know you were just trying to be nice.” He said with a chuckle.

“Well, I’m going to go and see if Michelle needs anything. Thanks for bailing me out of that one.” I said as I turned and walked toward Michelle.

I stood beside Michelle, the lights twinkling above us cast a warm glow on her smile.

My dad stepped forward, raising his glass for attention. "Excuse me, everyone! If I could have your attention," my dad's voice carried across the room. "I'd like you all to meet someone very special to me."

He turned to Michelle, a twinkle in his eye. "This is Michelle, and I'm proud to introduce her as Ryan's girlfriend."

Michelle blushed, a mix of surprise, shame, but also delight dancing in her eyes. I couldn't help but feel my heart race as the room erupted in cheers and applause.

As the applause subsided, my dad continued, "Now, I know this night is supposed to be about me, but I am so proud of my son for finding such a great girl. I know you're all curious about how these two lovebirds met."

A mischievous grin tugged at his lips, and I exchanged an amused glance with Michelle. We were about to hear our story from my dad's perspective.

"Michelle and Ryan were classmates back in Davenport High School, and as fate would have it, Michelle's journey led her to LA. Their paths crossed once again at a party, and ever since that encounter, they've become inseparable," he shared, his grin lighting up the room. "Today, we celebrate not just another year of life but a new chapter of love," my dad concluded, raising his glass again. "To Ryan and Michelle, may your journey be as exciting as that first time you saw each other!"

The clinking of glasses and heartfelt toasts filled the room. As we went around the party, chatting with friends and family, I realized that our fake love story, with all its quirky charm, had been embraced by those who mattered most to me. Guilt started to hit me hard as we walked back to the table to sit down. I noticed Michelle had a look of sadness in her eyes. ‘‘Are you okay?’’ I asked her as I sat beside her.

‘‘Yes… I am.’’ She tried to fake a smile.

‘‘No, you’re not. Tell me, Michelle. What is it?’’ I put my hand on hers.

She immediately lifted her hand and took a deep breath as her eyes became watery, ‘‘Nothing, just that I’m missing my family.’’ She said this without looking at me.

‘‘I understand. You should take some days off and visit them.’’ I suggested. I was sure this was not the only reason behind her tears.

Michelle nodded. ‘‘Maybe. I need to go to the restroom, excuse me.”

Before I could say anything, she vanished into the crowd, leaving me alone with many questions in my mind.

The party came to an end, and we said goodbye to everyone and went home. I noticed that Michelle was quiet, but I didn’t pry.

“That was a great party you planned, Ryan.” She said, trying to hide her sadness.

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