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My eyes widen, and I step back. Is he serious? Words have left me. My brain has shut off.
Tristan looks at me expectantly.
“Say something? Even if it’s no.”
“What?” I shriek.
“I know this is totally out of left field and not a normal request.”
“This is beyond abnormal. This is crazy.” I throw my hands in the air.
What kind of person asks a stranger to pretend to date in exchange for money?
“If I weren’t crazy with desperation, I wouldn’t even think about it. My parents have tried to bribe me to tell them about my brother’s relationship in exchange for the money, but I won’t do that to him. They don’t approve of his girlfriend, so he recently cut ties with them. All I’m left with is this option. I know it’s insane, and we don’t really know each other.”
“We don’t know each other at all,” I correct him.
“I beg to differ. I know that you like to read and draw. You’re good at serving coffee and always smile at customers. You know that I love to be outdoors and have a passion for helping people.”
So that’s what this is about. Help the poor barista who needs money. I shake my head.
“I don’t know.”
“Think about it. The money would be a big chunk.”
I look at him incredulously.
“A hundred thousand,” he blurts out.
“You’re crazy!” I yell.
“I can afford it—as soon as I have that money in my bank account.”
“Goodness gracious, how much is even in that trust fund? Don’t answer that.” I lift my hand to stop him from speaking.
“Think about it. No pressure. If you decide you can’t do it, I’ll still consider you my friend, and I’ll still hang around the coffee shop.” Honesty rolls off him.
Where did Tristan come from? Some magical universe where people hand out cash to strangers?
In exchange for dating services.
“I think I’m in shock. I need to process this.”
“Do that. I’ll be around, but I won’t bring it up again. Whatever you decide, when you’re ready to tell me, just let me know.” He nods and opens the door.
I watch him walk away, staring at him like he’s some ghost. Who in the world offers someone a hundred grand to be their pretend girlfriend? Tristan seems like a normal guy, but maybe I have him figured out all wrong.
No way I can accept this offer. It’s not fair. That’s too much money. Besides, if his parents don’t approve of his brother’s girlfriend, why would they approve of me?
I’m a sick woman with more complications than what I’m going to wear on a date.
One important thing in managing lupus is staying away from stressful situations, and this is bound to bring me stress.
4
Tristan
The earth opening up and swallowing me would not be enough. I need a black hole to suck me up and take me to another universe, dimension, whatever.
