I tell her about how Kaz and I reconnected at Grazie Mille, him standing up for me, and my relationship status as fake girlfriend to an All-Star former NHL player, while avoiding telling her said fake boyfriend is my roommate. She’d have too many questions about my house. I conclude my story with the crazy events at last night’s gala.
“His ex-wife sounds like a cow,” Ciara says. “That explains why her son is such an asshole.”
I nod.
“I guess she did you a favor when she broke things up between you and her son.”
“I should send her flowers.”
“Dating Kaz is a huge step up from dating Chett,” she says.
“The two men couldn’t be more different.”
She taps her chin. “You say you’re his fake girlfriend, but the way the guy was looking at you in that photo… it wasn’t giving off a smoke and mirrors vibe.”
I can attest to that.“It’s all an act, Ci.” I hesitate. “There’s something else I haven’t told you.”
“I’m listening.”
“Kaz offered me a job as his public relations liaison and social media manager, and I accepted it.”
Ciara frowns. “I gather things didn’t work out with your client. I guess with the economy, going back to being a corporate florist would be toochallenging?”
That ship has sailed.“It would be. This is a great opportunity I can really sink my teeth into. And being in charge of getting the word out about his charity would be pretty incredible.”
“In that case, I’m happy for you.” More chin tapping. “So, you’re in a fake relationship with your new boss who happens to be your ex-boyfriend’s ex-stepdad. If your story were a romance book, you’d be hitting a lot of juicy tropes––hockey romance, grumpy x sunshine, opposites attract, fake boyfriend, office romance, ex-boyfriend’s stepdad, age gap, forbidden romance. Anything else I’m missing?”
I want to laugh, but my heart sinks at her words.
All romance novels end with a happy ever after. I’m carrying enough baggage to shipwreck the largest cruise liner in the world. A man like Kaz can do so much better.
Chapter 26
Here’s the deal
Kazimir
The chauffeured car pulls in front of The Fifth rooftop bar on 5th Avenue, located a few blocks from the Empire State Building.
I tap the chauffeur’s shoulder. “I’ll open the door for the lady.”
“Very well, sir.”
I step out, straighten my jacket, close the door before circling the back of the vehicle to Harley’s side to help her out.
She emerges from the car wide-eyed.
I close the door to the car and tap on the hood.
The chauffeur drives off.
Harley’s gaze lifts, taking in the building with the preserved historical facade. “I’ve heard of The Fifth, but never imagined I’d step inside this iconic building.”
“Aren’t you glad I asked you to be my fake girlfriend? I helped you cross something off your bucket list. You’re welcome.”
She laughs. “Having you as my fake boyfriend has its perks,such as having the appropriate wardrobe for such a momentous occasion.”
I give her a onceover. “That dress was designed with you in mind.”
