As I wait for Holly, legs crossed, flipping through pages of an outdated issue of Vogue, I avoid looking at the man seated across from me, even though my eyes are itching to disobey.
Is he an actor? Because I refuse to believe he’s the man I’ll be playing fiancée to. I mean, why would a man like him need a pretend bride-to-be, anyway?
Oh, wait. It must be his attitude. Rude. Snobbish.
Dog-Hater.
Clearly, he needs to watch the romantic comedy,Must Love Dogs.
The door next to the receptionist’s desk swings open and out pops Holly, a grin smeared across her happy-go-lucky face. “Come on, you two, let’s go into my office so we can have a proper start.”
I freeze. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’m no longer breathing.
Stuck-Up Guy rises, straightens his overpriced suit jacket, and scratches his head. “Holly, maybe this is—”
Holly, who closely resembles Mrs. Garrett from the sitcomTheFacts of Life, interrupts with a raised hand. “You sir, like to play a good game ofmove your appointment. After today, I’m on a much-needed vacation. Let’s get this initial meeting started before you try to back out of your signed contract.”
With sunken shoulders, he complies with Holly’s command and shuffles through the doorway.
Holly then flashes me anare you coming look, and I dutifully rise, meandering closely behind Stuck-Up Guy.
Once inside her office, Holly closes the door, inviting us to have a seat on the couch. I wait for him to claim one side of the couch before I plop my butt down on the other.
Holly takes a seat in a recliner-type chair, facing us on the couch, then retrieves two file folders from off the round table beside it. She peers up at us through her thick-rimmed eyeglasses. “I’m so happy we’ve finally been able to schedule this meeting.” She serves Stuck-Up Guy a meaningful glare. “Lord knows I’ve been trying to get you in here since last week.”
He clears his throat.
I fold my arms.
BB whimpers as she gets comfy in my purse.
“Chase, meet Ivy Bloom, your fake fiancée.” Holly’s lips curve up in amusement.
And I’ve…well, I’ve pretty much stopped breathing again.
