Bodan’s hand tightens around mine, a little too snug, so my pinky has to slide under my ring finger to make it fit. Maybe he’s nervous too, but everything feels forced, like he’s trying to hold me back from running away.
Oh, good idea!
I should run away.
Oh, is it too late to run away?
I look toward the exit, and see people pouring in, filling the room all the way to the back. There’s no way I could sneak out now.
“Thank you for having me,” Bodan says smoothly to my mom. “It’s wonderful to be here supporting your amazing work.”
Eating that compliment right up, Mom beams as if she’s the one on this fake date. Then she squeezes his forearm, claiming him for her campaign. “Well, Bodan, I think it’s time we introduce you to everyone.”
My stomach plummets. I get that’s what we’re here for, but we don’t need to make a big spectacle out of it…or us. “Mom, speeches haven’t even started—”
“That’s even better,” she cuts me off sharply. “Let’s do a lap around the perimeter of the room together.”
Bodan raises his eyebrows fractionally, then smiles at me. “Sounds like a plan.”
Mom pulls us into the crowd and leans closer to Bodan. I catch her whisper, “You’re doing well, but make sure not to leave Lottie’s side.”
He tilts his head toward her. “That shouldn’t be a problem.” My pulse jumps as his eyes find mine, and he smiles down. “I don’t want to leave her side.”
Great.
This fake date is already getting complicated.
He better not be catching feelings for me, because I didn’t sign up for that!
My mom turns abruptly, steering us into a small group of people. “Oh—wonderful,” she says loudly. “You’re all here already. I want to introduce you to someone new.”
My stomach has now taken to somersaulting. I didn’t know it was this athletic and had so many routines. Gritting my teeth, I walk forward, noticing mostly familiar faces from pastfundraisers or events. Reporters. They swivel in unison toward my mother, ready to hang on her every word.
“This,” Mom announces, sweeping her arm in my direction, “is my darling daughter, Lottie, as you know.” She pauses, flashing a smile that makes me want to gag, then continues, “And this is Bodan, her boyfriend.” She inserts an airy laugh and leans in, “I suppose we might as well get the news out now. It’s probably already leaked.”
My jaw clenches.
Leaked.As if my mom hadn’t meticulously planned this herself. I don’t doubt she had Brett draft a full-page press release that’s been emailed.
Bodan doesn’t miss a beat. He stares at me like I’m the only thing in the room. I fight the urge to grind my teeth. One of the reporters leans in, tilting her gaze toward me. “Lottie, is this true? Do you confirm you’re a couple?”
All eyes swing to me.
The moment stretches. I try not to glare at Mom’s expectant smile. Maybe he feels the tension, because Bodan drops my hand to slip his arm around my waist, applying soft pressure that pricks my skin. “Yes,” I say, because apparently this is my life now. “Bodan and I aredating.”
There it is.
The official statement.
Everything is public now.
The things I do for my mother.
Does she even appreciate it?
“Well, congratulations, Lottie. We had no idea.” The reporter smiles, pulling out her phone and positioning it in front of her. “Would you mind posing for a quick photo?”
My heart lurches as Bodan answers for me, “Sure.” He leans in, murmuring into my ear, “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”
