‘Really.’
‘I mean, I would love that, if you have the time.It sounds like you already have a pretty packed schedule.’
She shrugs.‘I thrive under the chaos.I’d be happy to pencil you in.’
‘Wow, that’s kind of you.Thank you.’
‘No problem.’
‘What can I do to return the favour?Obviously I’ll pay you, but I mean for your time.’
‘You don’t need to pay me.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous
‘I’m serious.You don’t need to.This is just a friend helping another friend, no strings attached.I’d rather you keep your money, I honestly don’t need it.’
‘I cannot agree to that.’
‘It’s seriously so fine, Zayden.’
Suddenly, an idea strikes me, and I slap my hand on the table so loud several people around us turn to look.
‘I have a solution to all our problems.’
‘Okay …’ she says slowly, peering up at me curiously.‘What’s that?’
‘Since you’re helping me with my issue, I’m going to do something for you.’
‘Which is?’
‘I’ll be the guy.’
‘Huh?’
‘You know, the mystery guy,’ I say.‘The wedding date, the dude you’re seeing, the name and face you can direct your family’s attention to.’
Her brows shoot up.‘Wait, what?’
‘Yeah!Why not?’
‘That would be … great,’ she says, looking relieved and a little excited at the same time.‘That’s perfect.’She grins, eyes dropping to my arms.‘Oh, they’re going tofreakwhen they see your tattoos.’
‘Oh?’I furrow my brows.‘They don’t like tattoos?’
‘Loathe them.’
‘Long sleeves it is.’
She shrugs.‘It doesn’t matter.They don’t change who you are as a person, but they might make comments about them.’
‘Oh, that’s fine then.Nothing I haven’t heard before.’
‘So, wait, what are the rules surrounding this then?’
‘Rules?’I question.
‘As in, how does this work exactly?Is it my family only that we’re playing the part for?’
