Page 3 of Faking with Three

I put my phone down, letting my mind drift to the thought of a night that doesn’t involve boardrooms and financial projections. The idea feels strange, but a little spark of excitement flickers in my chest. Maybe I’ll actually enjoy myself.

I check the time. I’ve got about an hour to get ready, which gives me just enough time to get out of my business armor—sensible heels, blazer, and all—and put on something a bit more... hopeful. Casual, but with a hint of effort.

I take one last glance at my laptop screen, scrolling through the dozens of unread emails from my investors, advisors, and accountants, each marked “urgent,” each wanting something only I can provide.

In my bathroom mirror, I dab a little concealer under my eyes, feeling a pang of guilt as I spot the dark circles that have taken up permanent residence there. I sweep on a touch of mascara, add a bit of gloss, and step back. It’s been a while since I’ve gotten dressed up for anyone but a board member.

With one last look in the mirror, I decide tonight’s going to be a reset, even if it’s only for a few hours.

By the time I slip out of my office, the building’s nearly empty, the hum of the cleaning crew’s vacuums and the soft clatter of someone’s abandoned coffee cup being cleared away filling the hall. Outside, the air is crisp, and the city lights give everything a soft, golden glow. I take a deep breath and head toward the restaurant where I’m meeting my date.

He suggested this place, a trendy but laid-back spot a few blocks from my office. As I get closer, I check my phone again, scrolling through our texts from earlier.

Him:Looking forward to tonight. Hope you’re ready to try the best veggie platter in the city.

Me:I’ll be the judge of that. :)

I spot him at a table in the back, checking his watch. He’s put-together, in that overly groomed way, his hair perfectly in place, not a wrinkle in his shirt. I take a breath, square my shoulders, and head over.

When he catches sight of me, his expression flickers—something I’ve seen before, a flash of disappointment that’squickly masked by a polite smile. I’m used to it by now, the split second it takes for people to process my size.

Still, I keep my own smile easy, crossing the room to greet him.

“Olivia, right?” He extends a hand, his grip firm but a touch too brief, like he’s already mentally readjusting.

“That’s me,” I say, meeting his smile with one of my own. “Nice to meet you, Chris.”

He gestures for me to sit, and as I settle into the chair, he gives me a once-over, and then, just barely, a slight clearing of his throat. “You’re not... exactly what I expected,” he says, trying for a light tone, though it’s clear he means something else.

I smile, letting the comment hang in the air, unbothered. “Oh?” I reply smoothly. “What did you expect?”

He laughs, a little too forced, scratching the back of his neck. “No, I just mean… Jess told me you were... very accomplished, high-energy, a video game developer. I didn’t picture someone, uh, with your look.”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. I know exactly what he means, but I’m not going to give him the satisfaction of making me feel small.

“Sorry to surprise you,” I say coolly, folding my hands on the table. “I guess I do bring my own kind of energy.”

He chuckles awkwardly, clearly not expecting me to meet his comment head-on. “Right, well, it’s good to meet you in person,” he says, trying to recover as he reaches for the water pitcher. “I went ahead and ordered us some sparkling water to start.”

“Sparkling water—fancy.”

“Best choice to keep you hydrated,” he says with a knowing grin, as if he’s imparting some sage advice. “I like to keep things balanced. Hydration, macros, nutrients—every little bit counts, right?”

I nod, feeling myself settle into the small performance I know well. “Absolutely,” I say, smiling. “Jess mentioned you’re a nutritionist?”

He perks up at that, and I can see him shifting into his comfort zone. “Yes! I run my own practice, helping people optimize their health through proper nutrition. It’s not just about what you eat—it’s about getting every aspect of your health in sync. A lot of people don’t realize how small adjustments can lead to massive results.”

His eyes drift over me for a second as he says “adjustments,” and my fingers itch to grab my phone, just to give myself something else to focus on. Instead, I nod, keeping my expression interested.

“So,” he continues, “I work with my clients on everything from meal prep to setting daily goals. You wouldn’t believe the transformations I’ve seen. You look like someone who could… benefit, too,” he says, smiling as if he’s just given me the biggest compliment of the evening.

“Oh, I’m sure,” I say, voice calm but pointed. “Though, I think I’m managing just fine as I am.”

He laughs, too loudly, like I’ve just said something utterly ridiculous. “Oh, of course, of course! But hey, who wouldn’t want a little extra energy, a little more... focus?”

The longer he talks, the more I feel my enthusiasm draining. I take a sip of the sparkling water, nodding at all the right moments, but my mind drifts to how Jess had raved about him, how he was “just my type” and “exactly what I needed.” I feel a small pang of frustration; sure, he’s handsome and driven, but every time he looks at me, it’s like he sees a potential client, not an actual person.

“And with the right kind of nutrition plan, you’d be amazed at what you could do,” he’s saying, leaning forward with a smile that’s a little too eager. “I could even set you up with somethingtonight. It’s like I always say, small changes make big results. Keto, especially, would really suit you. It’s a good thing I didn’t order before you arrived, but now I think I know what you need to have.”

---