Page 20 of Silver Fake

After a few minutes Denise walks over to the table carrying two giant champagne flutes and a plate with what looks like an entire cake on it.

“A whole cake just for the two of us?” I chuckle as Denise slides into the booth across from me. "I'm still full from lunch."

“You haven’t tried it yet," She says with a grin as she cuts me a slice. "You’ll thank me when you do.”

I grab one of the forks slid under the edge of the cake and take a big bite. It’s a red velvet cake, admittedly my favorite, but the minute it hits my mouth I close my eyes as the flavor takes over my mouth.

“Mmm,” I moan around the fork. “That’s the best thing I’ve ever eaten.”

Denise flashes a bright smile. “Told you.”

She takes a bite herself and rinses it down with a sip of her mimosa. Then, pointing at me with her fork, she says, “Okay, it’s time for you to spill. What happened that's got you looking so distressed?”

I take a deep breath and launch into my story. "So, as you know, I went to meet with the matchmaker at the Barton Beach Hotel," I begin.

Denise nods, sipping her coffee. "Right. Jessica Rose."

"Well, while I was waiting in the lobby, I met this slimy guy named Nelson who was trying to hit on me."

"Nelson Fitzpatrick?" Denise interrupts, her face twisting in disgust. "Gross. He's been trying to snag an older woman since he was in college."

"But before he could make a move, John walked in."

Denise's eyes grow wide. "Wait, John Barton saw you at the matchmaker's office?" Then she practically cackles with glee. "Oh boy, this is too good."

"And that's not all. He sort of..." My left eye twitches a little as I brace for impact. "He sort of... told Nelson that I was his girlfriend. And then he kissed me."

Denise's jaw drops, and I can see the shock and confusion written all over her face. "Wait, what? Why?"

I explain everything, telling her about the possessive way John reacted when he saw me with Nelson Fitzpatrick, about him taking me to lunch and meeting his parents and his desperation for a wedding date. Denise listens closely, asking questions and making shocked faces at all the right moments.

When I finish, she sits back and takes it all in. "Wow. That's... a lot. And you're okay with all of this?"

Shuffling in my seat, I say, “I mean, I don't really have a choice at this point. I don’t know if you ever met his parents when you knew him back in school, but his mom got to me. She was so thrilled when he said I was his girlfriend that I couldn’t tell her he was lying.”

Denise nods. “I never met them in person. But everyone always said they were the nicest people you’d ever meet.”

“They are, and his dad is head over heels in love with his mom." I take a sip of mimosa. "They’re honestly adorable.”

Denise takes another bite of her cake. “It’s probably going to be hard for them when they find out the truth though. I mean you and John aren't actually dating.” She eyes me curiously. "Right?"

I look away from her, chewing my lip. “Of course we aren't actually dating. John's my boss, remember?"

Denise snorts as she takes another sip of her drink. "Oh, I remember."

"It's all just for show," I continue. "John's going to tell his parents once the weekend is over."

"Of course he will."

I decide to ignore the sarcasm in her tone and instead look down at my outfit. "Although, I guess I’m going to have to go shopping for something to wear to the ceremony.”

Denise’s smirks mischievously as she reaches for another piece of cake. "You should tell John to take you shopping. I'm sure he wouldn't mind splurging for his fake girlfriend.” Then she winks at me and grins. "Especially if it means getting a chance to see you with less clothes than you're wearing now."

I shake my head. "No way, that would be against the rules."

Denise bursts out laughing. “This story is getting better by the minute." She takes another sip of her drink. "Tell me more about these rules.”

I clear my throat, embarrassed. “Well, there’s just a few. We can hold hands, but no kissing. I'm also going to get dressed his room. But we aren't going to sleep in the same bed.”

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