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"Oh, and Penny? Remember to breathe."
"What, am I not?" she asks me, suddenly sounding slightly irritated.
"From the tone of your voice, I'd say you’re not," I say in a slightly teasing tone.
"Well, okay. I'll remember to breathe, then, and while I'm at it, lie to my whole family."
"That’s all. It shouldn't be that hard," I say sarcastically.
"Surely not," she says in a tone that led me to imagine that she had a grimace drawn over her lips.
"Remember, this is for your benefit. It's for your career."
"Yeah. For my benefit. Breathing is for my benefit too, but you can see how hard it is for me to do that when I panic." Penny would not make this easy on me, but I can’t blame her.
"Just try not to die while convincing your brother of our relationship. In the meantime, I'll take care of the hardest part of the whole thing."
"And what will that be?" Penny asks.
"I'll call Grayson," I say. "To ask his blessing for your hand in marriage."
On the other end of the line, Penny remained silent. I can't tell exactly what she is thinking, but in a way, I guessed that she, like me, is expecting a confrontation from her brother.
Grayson did adore his little sister. He wouldn't give her up so easily, least of all to me. I’m his best friend, perhaps, but also the best-known player in town.
I'd have to remember to breathe too, but if all went well, I'd have the Goulds won over and a fiancée before the day is out.
Chapter fifteen
Penny
TherestaurantParkerinvitesme to is luxurious and elegant. It is located in the center of the city, and somehow, it makes me feel that only the most influential celebrities and personalities of the city went to eat there, since everywhere I look I seemed to catch a glimpse of a famous face.
It is not a place where I feel at home, even though my family has no reason to envy anyone when it came to fortune or fame, but maybe that is because I never liked being in the public eye. Ironically, I’m the one who is making all the eyes turn in my direction.
As soon as I pass by, the faces of the fellow diners follow where I walk while their conversations change course to comment on the gossip they heard, all related to the news that is going around about me and Parker.
Although, by now, I should be used to it, as it’s been like this all morning. Stares are following me wherever I went, and more than a few strangers are trying to guess how many months pregnant I am.
Perhaps, the only good thing about all this is that Brittany has not been around at all today, citing some sort of malaise, although I suspect it has more to do with the fact that she told everyone she and Parker are exclusive, just as the story came out that he is with me.
"This way, miss." The waiter gestures as he leads me to the second floor, which is the more private and exclusive part of the restaurant, where Parker is located.
He looks impeccable, as always. He is dressed in a gray suit that matches his pants, and the jacketed ensemble I’m wearing.
"You look beautiful," he says, pulling out the chair so I can sit down.
"Thank you so much," I say shyly, feeling a slight blush creep up my face as soon as he places his hand on my waist, just before I take my seat.
I let him continue his gallantries as I get comfortable in my seat and pretend to inspect the menu, though Parker interrupts me.
"If it’s all right with you, I've already ordered for both of us. The house specialty, pasta with truffle sauce and mushrooms. It’s something that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime."
He smiles kindly at me, faking his role as my fiancé to perfection, as if we are what we claim to be: a couple in love. But, as soon as the waiter leaves, I allow myself to express all the fear and discomfort I feel.
"Convincing Preston about us has been much more complicated than expected,” I say before taking a gulp of water.
"I'm not surprised," Parker says, not even flinching at my statement. "You have many talents, but acting is not one of them. Although, I hope your brother has attributed your nervousness to the fact that you were caught red-handed in a relationship you were keeping secret."
