Page 11 of Faking it with My Boss' Son

‘‘Michelle and I have known each other since high school. She and I studied at the same school in Davenport. You met her only a couple of times back then.” I said as we made our way into the living room.

Mr. Pearson raised his eyebrows, still not able to make any sense of all this.

‘‘I ran into her by accident two months ago at an old friend’s birthday party, and we have been dating ever since,’’ he lied. ‘‘It is just a coincidence that she applied to your company and got selected. Frankly, I heard about it after she applied. If I had known, don’t you think I would have recommended her to you? Right, sweetie?’’ Ryan asked as he put his arm around my waist, trying hard not to laugh. He was one of those people who had a bad habit of laughing during serious moments.

‘‘Is that how you reconnected? Sounds quite romantic. Michelle is a promising employee, and I’m happy that you have found someone like her.’’ He flashed a warm smile at me, making me feel the pangs of guilt all the more sharply. ‘‘Glad to see you again, young lady. And this time as my son’s girlfriend.’’ He said as the butler handed us some tea.

‘‘Thank you, sir. The feeling is mutual.’’ I smiled.

‘‘Dad, can we have lunch? Michelle and I have to attend my friend’s birthday party this evening.’’ Ryan asked impatiently.

‘‘By all means, son, let’s eat.’’ He said as we got up and went into the dining room.

We ate lunch, which consisted of salad and grilled chicken. It was light yet delicious. The conversation flowed easily with Mr. Pearson, and I was surprised at how relaxed I became as time passed. After lunch, we said our goodbyes so we could head to the party.

***

Ryan had a belly laugh as we drove off to his friend’s birthday party, recalling how his father treated me at lunch as if I were his daughter-in-law. He found it hilarious how Mr. Pearson walked arm-in-arm with me from the family room to the dining room, talking and encouraging me that I was doing great and was impressed with my current performance, not because I was his son’s girlfriend, but because I was truly doing my best. He made it clear that he preferred to keep his personal and professional life separate. And in the office, I’d be treated only as one of his employees, not his son’s girlfriend. I heaved a sigh of relief that I wouldn't have to play the role of fake girlfriend at the office and that I could concentrate solely on work.

‘‘Gosh! I couldn’t control my laughter when Dad saw you! It was hilarious. Dad’s cheeks looked like red cherries, especially his nose. Did you notice his nose?’’ Ryan laughed so hard when he said it that his eyes turned watery.

Of course, I didn’t find it funny, and it puzzled me as to exactly what Ryan found funny in all this.

‘‘I was too nervous to notice anything,’’ I said, feeling bad that we were doing this to his father.

‘‘Thank God the tough part of it is over. Now, at least, I can relax and know that he won’t bother me again about dating for at least the next year. He trusts that I will retire from Soccer after this season and join his company as the new CEO, which makes him happy.” He said with a smile.

We stopped by my apartment so that I could change into something dressier for the party. I was in and out in no time and back on the road.

The moment Ryan parked his car in the parking lot, and we got out of it to attend the party, a gorgeous blonde woman with the most amazing hazel-colored eyes called out behind us.

‘‘Hey, Ryan,’’ she approached and hugged him tight.

‘‘Oh my God. Am I seeing things? I can’t believe it’s really you, Chelsea.’’ Ryan hugged her back tightly.

She looked breathtaking in her shimmering, maroon off-shoulder dress. I felt like a plain Jane compared to her. I had changed from my polka dot skirt into a beautiful peach-colored maxi dress. However, I felt too plain in front of her and all the other women who were going inside the banquet hall.

‘‘Who’s she?’’ Chelsea nudged his arm and almost whispered it in his ear.

‘‘Let me introduce you ladies,’’ Ryan grinned broadly. ‘‘Chelsea, meet my sweet and dear childhood friend and now girlfriend, Michelle.’’

Chelsea looked at me from head to toe, perhaps wondering how someone like me could be accompanying the heart-throb, Ryan.

‘‘Hi…’’ she greeted me coldly.

Ryan turned toward me with a grin. ‘‘Michelle, meet my friend Chelsea.’’

I forced a smile and greeted her warmly, ‘‘Hi…’’

She gave me a lopsided smile and beckoned Ryan to come inside the banquet hall. The three of us walked slowly in the direction of the hall, and I could hear their whispers and giggles, making me feel not only awkward but out of place as well.

Oh! I wish I had never come here.

The moment we entered the banquet hall, Ryan started introducing me to all his friends. He knew that if he didn’t introduce me as his girlfriend, that word would get back to his dad, and the ploy would be over. I sat alone around the circular table while Ryan went to go get us drinks. I watched as the other guests went for wine, dining, and dancing. Before I knew it, someone gently tapped me on my shoulder.

‘‘Mind dancing with me?’’ Ryan set down the drinks and held out his hand.

‘‘Of course, let's dance,’’ I said light-heartedly.

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