Page 3 of Matched with Her Fake Fiance

My mom’s voice echoes in my head, “Remember to think of the positive. You can change a situation by the change in your attitude.”

This won’t be as bad as being alone with Cameron. Maybe he’ll keep his phone put away this time.

The last time we went out for dinner, he’d propped it up against his drink glass because his favorite team was playing.

I’m all for sports, but there’s a time and place for it.

The server comes to take our drink orders and leaves. I look over the menu.

“Anyone have suggestions on what to get here?” I ask. I don’t have a ton of money to go out all that often, and so when I do, it’s usually to the same places where I get the same dependable meal time and time again. That way I know I won’t be disappointed.

“Any of the steaks are good,” Miles says, his menu already closed. He glances around the restaurant, as if he’s not happy sitting next to the window. It isn’t my favorite place either, but Cameron had finally acknowledged me when we’d arrived at the table so I didn’t bother to say anything.

“I think I’ll get the ribeye,” Cameron says. As I glance at the price next to the description, I try to keep a straight face. There have been months where I’ve been able to do most of my grocery shopping for that price.

Cameron and I paid for ourselves the last time we went out, and I’m now hoping that’s the agreement again. All the cons keep adding up as I think about why in the world I’d accepted his invitation for dinner tonight.

His knee jabs into my thigh and I wince. “What happened?”

“Sorry, I got my, uh, shoe stuck on the legs of the table.” He doesn’t even look at me while apologizing.

I go down the list of food items, searching the prices on each. I don’t get paid until next week and my checking account is dangerously low as it is. The smallest steak comes with two sides and some rolls. I can splurge on that since I don’t want to look like a peasant in front of Amber. I have chips at home if I get hungry later.

The server returns with our drinks and the orders begin. “I’ll get the large house salad, with raspberry vinaigrette on the side,” Amber says.

Miles orders steak, at least that’s what I think it is because there are a lot of foreign words and descriptions in there. Cameron gets his ribeye, only he says “rabbi” and it’s kind of hard to keep a straight face.

Once I give my order to the server, Amber announces she’s heading to the restroom to “freshen up.”

A minute of silence passes as the buzz around us is the only sound. “I need to run to the bathroom as well,” Cameron says, ducking out of the booth.

Awesome. This is just what I want to do on a Friday night. Sit across from a stranger in awkward silence.

“How did you meet Amber?” I ask, curious as to their connection.

“At a function our mothers worked on a few months ago. I’d just broken up with a long-time girlfriend and she hinted at going on a date.”

A man who could take a hint? I’ve never found one of these out in the wild before.

“What about you and Carter?” Miles asks, twisting the straw paper around his finger.

I’m mid-sip of my water and feel it go up my nose. At least he’s amusing. “Cameron? We met on a cruise my brother invited me on.” I realize that sounds awkward and start waving my hands in the air. “I mean, my brother’s company invited him on the trip and allowed him to bring someone, which was me. I helped him get back together with his ex-fiancée and hung out with Cameron here and there.”

Miles nods, leaning forward so his arms are on the table. I didn’t realize he’s as large as he is, but I run a finger under my collar, pulling it out a bit as the intimidation sets in.

“Interesting. What is it you do, Danielle?”

I shake my head and say, “It’s Dani. Please call me Dani.”

“Okay, Dani.” The words sound foreign on his lips, but one side turns up in a half-smile.

“I am a Development Officer up at Boston University.”

“And what does a development officer typically do?” His hands are together, and a bead of sweat runs down my back. The interrogation of the first date has begun and I’m the worst at these. He isn’t my date, but it feels awfully close to one.

Why didn’t I stay home?

I smile, doing my best to organize my thoughts and quickly. Where is Cameron?

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