I didn’t miss the subtle brag about his finances.
“Don’t get me used to certain amenities that are temporary just like our situation, Burkeley,” I singsonged as I made the final decision on what me and Peanut were eating.
“McKay, temporary or not, that’s one thing that will remain long past our expiration date if you want,” he said in a tone that held so much weight and promise behind each word. I didn’t know what else to say on the topic so I switched it, bringing us back to the reason for being here.
“Burkeley, before we officially get started with this whole fake relationship, are you sure you want to do this with me? I mean, again, I come with extra cargo that typically won’t be so easy for families not to get excited about.” I rubbed my belly, giving him one more chance to change his mind.
Mickey, it was originally his idea.
I honestly didn’t think Burkeley had thought this through, using me as a temporary girlfriend.
“Are you sure?” He shot the question back at me, making me snort.
“Yes, for me, the situation is different. My parents being excited about the baby will be a natural reaction. It will be easier to write you off once this is done. Well, easier than telling your family about a girlfriend and a baby who will both disappear once the year is over. So, again, are you sure?”
“McKay, yes, I’m sure.” His tone was strong and full of confidence as I took a minute to read his matching body language. I chewed on my bottom lip, not sure about this myself but I pressed on.
“So I was thinking… to make this less boring with the traditional method of passing information back and forth, I put together a slideshow for you. I can send it to you,” I said before taking a sip of my water. The waiter showing up halted Burkeley’s response, which I was sure matched his amused face. Once we placed our orders, with me ordering two appetizers along with our meals, Burkeley wasted no time giving me a humorous grin as he cocked his head to the side, face twisted. He was studying me as he processed my words.
“A slideshow, like a presentation?”
“Yes.” I nodded, now going for the water again, taking a sip before I continued. “Figured with your schedule it would work better for you to watch it in your spare time to familiarize yourself with the details.”
Burkeley, even more amused, snickered a few times, sitting back in his chair more with his mouth now slightly gaped in disbelief.
“Nope. Considering that I don’t have a slideshow for you, I don’t see how that’s going to work. Besides, what would be the point of these dates that you put in the clause of this arrangement? And before we even get too far into this thing, quit trying to manage my damn time. While we’re doing this, you andPeanut take the top spot on my list. You could call me at two in the morning and I’ma come through for you.”
“So you really want to spend hours talking and learning about me?” I asked with a skeptical tone.
“McKay, it goes beyond talking with and learning someone. I’m catching your body language on the things that go unsaid with you too. But, yes, we agreed that this relationship—no matter how many times you throw that fake word out—needs to seem real to everyone else around us.”
I snorted. “What is my body saying that I haven’t already said out loud, Burkeley? I’m an outspoken person, always have been, and will be until my last breath here on this earth.”
“For starters, I can tell I make you uncomfortable, but not in a bad way, I’m a stranger who has you questioning why or how you’re so comfortable so fast and that scares you. Trust me, it scares me too.” I shifted, taking another sip of my water.
“Now please explain how that makes sense to you. I’m uncomfortable with being comfortable.” I laughed nervously.
“Yup, beyond your face, holding that stoned expression and fighting your will to smile, you keep bouncing that leg of yours. You can relax with me, McKay. It’s kind of a key part to making our relationship seem believable to the masses.” When Burkeley placed a hand on my leg, causing me to flinch, he tossed me a crooked smirk. He was right though, which only had me glaring at him.
“Okay, I think we should start with rules since we’re doing this. Rule number one, unless we’re with family or friends and need to play our parts, hands to ourselves. There is no need to blur the lines any more between us, Burkeley.” I gently removed his hand, placing it back on the table. “Rule number two, no pet names unless we’re in our roles, and if so, then mine is Mickey. Everyone calls me that. Rule number three, no kissing on the lips. Cheeks and forehead kisses are okay, but let’s limit themto when important people are looking, like our parents. And absolutely no sex. It’s going to be hard enough getting used to a vibe I know is temporary.”
“Sometimes the best thing that happens in life is breaking the rules,Mickey. And it’s a good thing I live to break ’em. I’m glad you brought back up nicknames because I could've sworn I told you to call me BK weeks ago.” I hated that I could tell Burkeley meant every fucking word. The smug grin he now wore with pride told it all.
The only rule I’d left off the list was him buying food and that was only because something told me Burkeley wouldn’t have it any other way. The others were nonnegotiable though.
We stared at each other.
“BK,are we going to get to know each other or what?” I asked.
“Yes. I know your name, your occupation, and age. When is your birthday?” he asked nonchalantly, in a tone that told me he wasn’t listening to anything I said.
“Not my full name though. It’s McKay Marie and my birthday is Halloween. And no, I don’t like all things scary and spooky. My life is spooky enough. Got me making crazy ass deals with strangers while apparently carrying another’s baby. I prefer all things romance even though it doesn’t seem to be a fan of mine. I listen to toxic R&B singers, even though I got a thing for Siren. I’ve got two best friends, Johnni and Hollis. We’ve been tight for years now. I am an only child. I go see my Grandpa Mackie weekly. I’m named after him.” I shot out all of the basic answers, not waiting for him to ask.
“If you don’t do spooky, how do you celebrate your birthday? And when I told you about my mother’s party, why didn’t you tell me it was a conflicting day with your birthday?”
I scoffed. “Growing up, believe it or not, all my parties would be centered around the holiday, down to the color scheme.It wasn’t until I was sixteen when I cried that my parents finally stopped throwing them. Now, with it being the holiday and people mainly entertaining that, I just dress up with my girls and go out to Black Diamonds for their annual Halloween party, completely giving up on celebrating my day. So when you mentioned your family’s gathering, I figured that would be okay too.”
“Holiday or not, you should still celebrate your birthday. If you could, how would you spend your day?”
