To introduce me to the world as his girlfriend, Carter has chosen for our first date to be away from fanfare and chaos. I’m not going to one of his games to be photographed leaving with him. I’m not going toIcebox, where people will definitely be watching. We’re going on a double date to a popular restaurant with Declan and Penny.
It could be worse. I’m grateful I can ease myself into this.
I liked Penny the moment I met her. I got a ‘no bullshit’ attitude from her, and watched her put Declan in his place multiple times throughout the night. In response, he would only smile at her, falling into the depths of her eyes like he’d like to die there. She’d catch that look and roll her eyes, but her cheeks would get all pink anyway.
They’re in love. Like the big, real kind of love. Opposite of me and Carter, but opposite of most, I think. They have the kind of love they had to fight tooth and nail for. Those kinds are different. They’re bigger. More exquisite to bask in the beauty of.
Even without knowing any part of their story, it’s clear their bond is the type they had to put time and effort into. They wake up each day hopelessly in love and decide to keep focusing on loving each other instead of letting it all get stale and static.
It’s sweet. My parents were like that.
I’m not at all nervous when that black G-Wagon pulls up to my house. A double date with two people I already know feels like the perfect start to this ridiculous ploy. If he had handed me a ticket to the game and told me to go crazy, I probably would have had a panic attack and gotten drunk at the beer cart, and he would have had to carry me home.
Imagine that debut as Carter Forkerro’s girlfriend?
Carter is walking toward my front door just as I’m locking it behind me.
I glance over my shoulder at him. “Sorry, did you need the bathroom?”
He slows, running a hand down the front of his dress shirt.
Sweet Jesus, Carter Forkerro ishot. White dress shirt, perfectly pressed but with a few buttons undone, and dark blue dress pants that fit him far too nicely. It’s so simple, but he looks like a woman’s wet dream. He’s got stupid eyes that go with that outfit, too.
His brow furrows. “What?”
“What are you doing out here?” I ask, shoving my key in my purse.
He glances back at the G-Wagon, then looks at me. Amusement dances in his eyes.
“I’m picking you up for a date, Arden. I’m going to come to the door.”
I scrunch up my face. “Do people still do that?”
He blinks slowly. “I’m not sure about people, but gentlemen do.”
I scoff, but he just rolls his eyes and guides me toward his ridiculously expensive car. He opens the passenger door for me, and this all feels a bit show-boaty. Will people really believe this is an authentic relationship if he lays it on this thick?
“You look incredible, Red,” he tells me as I climb into his car. I’m happily surprised to see that his eyes are locked on my face and not any lower, like the respectful gentleman he claims to be.
I put a lot of effort into this look, so I’m happy it was noticed. Fresh, blown-out hair, thanks to the knock-off hair tool I found online years ago that only works when I hold it at a specific angle. Soft, brown cat-eye makeup and just enough foundation to make me even, but it doesn’t cover my freckles. I pulled out my favourite dress, the one I save for important events. It's a black midi-dress, skin tight, that makes my butt look phenomenal.
When Carter climbs in, I look at him. “You look pretty good yourself.”
He grins, all charming like usual. “You’re doing great so far, Mrs. Faux Forkerro. I already got a compliment within two minutes. That’s pretty solid girlfriend behaviour. I almost believed you.”
I laugh as he pulls away from the curb, but I don’t correct him. I think we both know that I was being honest. I have eyes.
“Just so you know, Lowesy and Sweets are aware of our arrangement.”
I whirl toward him. “Seriously?”
He nods. “I ran it by him before I even called you to ask. They won’t say a word. They seem happy to spend time with us.”
I shift awkwardly. That’s just…weird. To be sitting with his friends, acting like his girlfriend, when they all know that I’m very much not his girlfriend at all. What a tangled web we’re weaving before we even step foot in the public eye.
When we get to the restaurant, the attention is instant and unmistakable. Eyes burn into the side of my face. Whispers feel like people screaming my name at the top of their lungs. I sense the cameras pointed at me, but don’t see any. My face is going to be everywhere by tomorrow, next to his.
Carter guides me through the restaurant, hand outstretched behind him. Suddenly feeling very anxious, I wrap both of my hands around his palm and hide myself behind his body. Not the point, I know. I’m supposed to be front and center, but this is strangely more intimidating than expected.
