Tiff sighs, slipping effortlessly into the voice of reason. “Okay. You’re going to need a story: where you met, how long you’ve been dating, and at least three believable things he ‘likes’ about you.”
Maria points at the screen. “And an exit plan because if he’s hot, you’re going to forget to fake it.”
“Not happening.”
“Alycia, you bribed a stranger to fake date you. You’re already halfway in love.”
I groan and drop my head back against the seat. “This is exactly why I don’t tell you things.”
Maria smirks. “Because we’re right?”
“Because you’re insufferable.”
“And because we love you. Now, breathe, Torres.You’ve got this.” Tiff smiles softly, the corners of her eyes crinkling.
I exhale, heart still thudding as their faces flicker on the screen—one calm, one chaotic, both exactly what I needed. I glance at the clock glowing on my dashboard. Twenty-eight minutes until our meeting. I hate being late almost as much as I hate that I’ve willingly volunteered for this disaster.
“Okay,” I say, starting the car and heading out of the parking lot toward the coffee shop. “There’s more.”
“There’s more?” Maria perks up instantly. “Torres, what could top paying a hot stranger to be your boyfriend?”
“Please tell me you didn’t proposition a second man.” Tiff sighs.
“I didn’t, and I wouldn’t say top, more like another complication. The universe clearly decided humiliation was a growth opportunity, because I also got assigned a new rookie class today.”
“I thought you said this wasn’t about rookies.” Tiff rolls her eyes.
“I said no such thing,” I snap, pinching the bridge of my nose. “And it kind of is. Just listen.”
“Please continue, but I reserve the right to hang up.”
“Noted.”
Maria waves her wineglass. “New rookie class. Got it.”
“One of them is apparently the coach’s baby brother, Kyle Hendrix.”
“As in the Hendrix brothers, Hendrix?” Tiff whistles under her breath. “Girl, that family’s basically hockey royalty.”
“Yeah, and I’ve been told that he acts like God personally drafted him,” I say, drumming my fingers on the steering wheel. “Everyone keeps calling him talented, but I’m pretty sure that’s PR code for ‘pain in the ass.’”
“So, let me get this straight.” Maria’s grin turns devious. “You got a fake boyfriend and a high-profile problem-child rookie on the same day? This week is gonna be your villain origin story.”
“Don’t jinx it.” I switch lanes, the light from the dashboard painting my hands gold. “If my life were a movie, this would be the part where the heroine realizes she’s made a series of poor choices but is too far in to back out.”
“You’re assuming this doesn’t end with you marrying one of them.”
“Absolutely not.”
Maria leans closer to the camera, eyes gleaming with wicked delight. “Wouldn’t it be funny if they were the same person?”
“Ha. No. The universe wouldn’t do me that dirty.” I laugh loudly.
“Wouldn’t it?” Maria sing-songs.
Tiff snorts. “You’ve got the worst luck with men. It’s statistically possible.”
“I’m hanging up.”
