Page 28 of Wish You Would

That’s when I realize how easy it would be to fall for this girl.

SEVEN

THE BEST FAKE DATE I’VE EVER BEEN ON

Holden

I was eight when my teacher noticed I had a talent for drawing. She had asked the class to draw their dream home for an art project, and I drew a whole damn city. I got an A on the assignment and after that I took as many art and design classes I could all the way through school.

I’ve always had a creative mind, and I’ve always loved technology. So, I figured if I focused on web design, it would be the best of both worlds.

After high school, I took a part-time job as a server at a bar to make money while I worked towards a diploma in New Media and Web Design in college. As soon as I graduated, I got an entry level job at the company I still work for now. It’s a great place to work, I get to be creative and utilize technology to solve visual problems. But my end goal is to start my own company one day. My buddy Nick, who I work with, and I have talked about going in as partners.

That dream is still a ways off. Right now, we’re just busy making plans for tonight. Our boss got us tickets to a ReedPoint Outlaws pre-season college football game. Technically, it’s a work event—they’re calling it “team building”—but the reality is, it’s a free game and most of us are die-hard Outlaws fans. No one from the office is complaining theyhaveto go.

Nick’s wife Zoe also works with us—they met at work. She’s hilarious as hell, is always changing her hair color from one wild shade to another, and always has an insane story from her weekend. The story of how they hooked up is also insane. Let’s just say it involves a blind date, an “incident” with the Reed Point police, and many follow-up meetings with HR.

“Are you bringing a date, Holden?” Zoe asks, leaning against my desk, sipping what is probably her fourth coffee of the day.

“I wasn’t planning on it.”

“But you could?” Her eyes widen as she fishes for info. “Sounds like you’re seeing someone. Is this new? Spill the beans, Banks.”

I look to Nick for help, but he just raises his hands. “You’re on your own, man. Good luck.”

The game invite was extended to spouses and girlfriends too, but I am one of the only a few who are going solo. I’ve gotten used to being the third wheel, but it’s always a bit awkward.

This time around, it has occurred to me that now that I have a girlfriend—albeit a pretend one—I could technically bring someone along. I have no doubt Briar would be up for it if I asked her. Besides, if we’re going to start fake dating, we might as well start now.

“I’m seeing someone, but it’s new,” I lie. “Her name is Briar.”

“I love this. Are you going to tell us more?” Zoe leans closer to me, anxious for details.

“She’s a few years younger than me, she’s Canadian, and… she recently became my roommate.”

Zoe whistles through her teeth. “Dating your roommate? Scandalous.”

I wrinkle my brows. “You married your co-worker.”

Nick laughs. “Holden has a point. Don’t be judgey.”

Zoe narrows her eyes at her husband then returns her attention to me. “I really need to meet this Briar. Please bring her to the game.”

Nick nods. “I agree, Holden. Bring her. Need I remind you that you and Shirley from admin are the only people going without a date? And I love Shirley, but she’s like 60, dude.”

“Thanks. I’m well aware.”

“Yup, you should invite Briar. You know she would be welcome,” Zoe adds.

I weigh my options. This is probably the point where I should put a stop to this silly charade before it blows up in my face. But there’s no denying I want to hang out with Briar. She makes everything more fun.

“I’ll ask her and get back to you.”

A little while later on my lunch break, I dig out my phone and send Briar a text.

Me: Outlaws game tonight. Wanna come with your hot fake boyfriend?

Briar: Who is this and how did you get my number?

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