I shrugged, attempting to look unconcerned when my stomach was churning."We work together.We have to meet to talk about the progress, order fixtures.You know how it is."
Her eyes narrowed on me."Why is your face turning red?"
"It's hot in here."But it wasn't.
The wind was gusting and snow was falling outside the window.
"Oh, my god.You're hooking up with Ford."She gazed down at her lap."Your high school sweetheart, very much ex-boyfriend, Ford Sterling."
I winced."Why does he need such a long introduction?"
"Because you were a mess when you broke up.You didn't date for forever, and I'm not sure you've had a serious boyfriend since."
I blew out a breath."And being with him would be—bad?"
"How could it not be?You said he distanced himself when he enlisted, and when you suggested that you should break up, he was relieved.You said it was like he was grateful you cut the cord between you two.You were crushed."
I chewed my lip."He apologized for that.Admitted that he didn't handle things maturely back then."
She tipped her head to the side.“You trust that he won't walk away again?"
I pursed my lips."I don't trust him.And we're not exactly together."
She scoffed."This should be interesting.What do you mean by that?"
"He asked if I'd be his plus-one at holiday events.We went to a holiday movie in town and got our trees."
Her forehead creased."So you're supposed to be his date to certain events, but you're not dating?"
"Yes," I said, relieved that she understood.
She huffed out a laugh."You know that sounds ridiculous, don't you?"
"He said he came home to be close to his family, and he missed out on so many holiday events over the years, but he doesn't have anyone to go with.Since we already know each other, there won't be any expectations.He could relax and have fun."
"It had to be you—" She broke off, her tone bitter.
"We were friends once.And like I said, we talked about everything.There's no hard feelings."
"What about the fact that you haven't trusted men since you two broke up?You think they're going to leave you, so you never take a chance on anyone.And here comes Ford, asking you to pretend to be his girl.It's unbelievable."
"I'm just going with him so he has someone to be with."That sounded awful, even to my ears.
She crossed her arms over her chest."So you're not sleeping with him?I was wrong about the sexual tension in the room."When I didn't respond, she rolled her eyes."So you're, what, friends with benefits?"
I bit my lip."I think so."
"You don't know?"
"He called it an arrangement."I wasn't sure I liked that characterization, but what else would we call it?
She let out a frustrated sigh."You think you can get involved with the ex you were in love with, and probably still are, and not have any feelings?"
I couldn't admit that because it wasn't true."That's the problem."
She shook her head."I can't believe you didn't see this coming."
I shrugged."Well, I kind of did, but I took the risk anyway."
