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I glance up at the TV, trying to figure out what to say to that. The tone on the last message was more formal than the others had been. It’s a possibility it tells the truth, but I’m not sure about it.

Me: No problem. Good luck with all that.

I breathe out a sigh and turn off the notifications for the app in my settings. I didn’t need to worry about some weirdo messaging me. That is the big sign my romantic life is going nowhere and fast.

CHAPTER4

Miles

Nothing is worse than one of my best friends messaging someone without talking to me first.

I’ve gone through the messages a few more times and there’s something about the woman’s answers that intrigue me. She’s direct and resolute, a lot like the woman I had dinner with the other night. Dani.

I still have her business card on my dresser. Even though I’m ticked at Jack for all he did the night before, there is some measure of reality there.

Do I want to keep avoiding my mother by dating women who walk through my life like a revolving door? Or could I get someone who sticks around a bit longer and helps me get past all the insecurity crap Tanya left in her wake?

Actually, a woman shouldn’t have to do anything, but a support system helps.

I walk to my room and pick up the business card. Maybe Dani would be up for something like that. I mean, the people we were dating decided to make out with each other. We could be mutual partners in the fight against love. A small surge of triumph rises but fizzles quickly.

How did my life come to this?

Instead of making the call, I head down to the workout room in my apartment building and work up a sweat for a few hours.

The mental pro and con list to fake dating has been building ever since I completed the test the night before. And then, obviously not thinking clearly, I’d given Jack his phone without logging out of the system.

It wasn’t until the end of the hockey game that I noticed him enthralled with something. Whoever had to endure his messages, I hope they find someone much better than what my account has provided.

After a shower and a large breakfast, I finally dial the number from Dani’s business card. For some reason, my fingers are shaking, as if I’m fourteen again, getting ready to call a girl for the first time.

The phone rings a few times, heading to voicemail.

This is Dani. Leave a message and maybe I’ll get back to you.

I smile at that, remembering our adventures at The Riptide. When the buzzer beeps, I hurry through, trying to figure out what to say. “Hey Dani, this is Miles Clark. I’m calling to see if we can get together.” Is that too forward? I mean, we had an amazing conversation about books and places to travel. My mouth makes the decision for me by saying, “To, um, discuss the dry-cleaning bill.”

I wince and hang up, knowing that’s probably the worst idea I’ve ever had, but she was so determined to pay me back, maybe this will get her to meet me.

“And then what, Miles?” I say to myself in the mirror. “Dry cleaning is the bait and hook method? First of all, you’re lying to get her there and then you’re going to ask her to be your fake girlfriend?”

A message pops up from my mother. A reminder to not be late for lunch with some potential clients.

I pull out a suit from my walk-in closet, choosing a tie that’s brighter than normal. Maybe it will help get rid of some of the irritation flooding through me.

Because lunch with Mom is more of an interrogation than a normal conversation. And if Dani says no, I’ll have to go with whoever is on the other end of the matchmaker app.

My options for a fake relationship are limited.

CHAPTER5

Dani

The moment I see my boss’s name pop up on my phone, I know something is wrong.

“Danielle, I thought I was clear you wouldn’t use that particular company for the catering.” Not the best call to wake up to on a Sunday morning.

I’m still in pjs but I pull every notebook I own onto the bed surrounding me and my laptop in front of me.