“And I’m not dressing up unless I feel like it.”
“Fair.”
“And when this gets weird—”
“It won’t.”
“When it gets weird,” they try again.
“—then we’ll stop, I promise. I don’t want anything to change between us either, Kor. I just… need your help. That’s all.”
They shake their head, muttering under their breath. “I cannot believe I’m agreeing to this.”
I grin.Me either.“You’re going to love it.”
“I already hate it. I’ve managed to stay out of the dating scene for like, three years, and here you are, dragging me back into it.”
For some reason, that feels like a huge win.
“So? When do we want to do this?”
Korie chuckles. “Tomorrow. I want to get it over with.”
“I can’t tomorrow. I have a late class at work.”
“Fine. Saturday then.”
I nod. “Saturday. Pick you up at 6:30?”
7
KORIE
“Ican’t believe I agreed to do this,” I mutter, going through my clothes for the third or fourth time.
Behind me, two dresses and a suit are thrown on the bed. They didn’t feel right as I got dressed. Neither did the jeans and button-down.Nothingfeels right.
Which makes zero sense, if you ask me.
It’s just dinner. With Holden, of all people. We’ve done this a thousand times.
Okay, maybe not likethis. There has never been the pesky word “date” attached to any of our hangouts before, fake or not. It’s throwing me for a loop.
Holden had been so desperate when he sold the idea, pleading with me that he needed my help. It’s guilted me into thinking maybe I should put a little effort into this too. Make itseemreal just to put the pressure on.
And fine… I’ll admit it. I’m a little curious too.
Of all the times I’ve heard of Holden on a date with someone else, now I get to see what all the fuss is about. If Holden really is making a fool of himself, or if it’s everyone else just choosing not to see what is so plainly obvious—that Holden is a catch.
Deep down, I know that. Everyone knows that. He’s a great guy with a wonderful heart. So why does he keep fumbling?
I’ve seen him flirt with countless people. I’ve seen him hold doors for others or buy them food. I’ve even seen him kiss or make a move before whisking them away somewhere private. But the thing is, all of that felt… hollow. Like a means to an end, even for him.
The truth is, I’m not sure Holden even knows what he’s looking for—which is exactly why this whole idea is going to be a disaster. How can I “coach” him on something when he doesn’t even know what he wants?
How can I coach him on something I am not an expert in anyway? I sure as hell don’t want to date anyone—I don’t! I’ve remained successfully single for over three years.
So why did I let him talk me into this?
