Page 72 of Matched with Her Fake Fiance

I nod, smiling at her. “That awesome. Congrats.”

“Working for Deloitte is probably a dream come true,” Boot Guy says.

Instead of acknowledging the guy, I turn to look at the other three on the table. I might as well jump right into the conversation and see how we can all help each other. “Where do you all work?”

The man dips his head a bit and shakes it. “I’m Paul Donohue. The company I was working for just downsized.”

I swallow, a mound of guilt rising up to my throat. In a city as expensive as Boston is and with a partner, being laid off has to be difficult.

“What is it you did before?” I ask, leaning against the table.

“Research. I worked for one of the tech divisions here in Boston.”

I nod. “What kind of tech?”

“Configuring all the parts and then testing them out. They fazed out our entire division when they bought machines to do that work.” The man pauses for a moment and shakes his head. “Don’t they realize they’re going to need humans to fix the machines that make the machines?”

“We’ve got a research team up and running on some new tech for the hospitals. Here’s my card,” I say, pulling it from my suit coat’s inner pocket. “Give me a call on Monday and I’ll set up an interview.”

The man looks up, his jaw dropping as he’s dumbfounded. “Really?”

“For sure, Paul. Everyone deserves a second chance.”

I glance around the table and catch the nametag on Mr. Boot Leg’s jacket. Clay.

Why does that sound familiar? It’s not too common, but I know I’ve heard it recently.

He must be trying to figure out who I am as well. “Miles Clark. Rich daddy and mommy, right?”

I give him a fake smile and shake my head. “Knowledge of work isn’t something I lack.”

“Didn’t you just get engaged?” Lauren asks. Her gaze bounces from my face to something or someone behind me and I turn, seeing Dani walking in my direction.

“How’s it going over here?” she asks, standing with a few inches to spare next to me.

Lauren’s eyes widen and she says, “She’s your fiancé, right?”

Dani’s cheeks go a bright pink and she nods, smiling. She glances up at me and then over at the other people along the table.

It’s then the smile drops and all the color drains from her face.

“Danielle?” I turn to see Clay hobbling to the side of the second tall table and things are starting to click. This is her ex-boyfriend?

“Clay. I didn’t know you’d be here.” Her words have an edge to them.

Clay shrugs and gets closer, reaching out a hand to touch Dani’s arm. “It was time, honey bear. And I thought I’d run into you here.”

Dani takes a step back and frowns. “Please don’t cause a scene.” From the way her voice drops so only Clay and I can hear, I know she’s nervous.

“I think it’s time for you to go, Superman.” Clay glances at me, trying to figure out what I mean by that.

He shakes his head. “No, I’m right where I need to be. Danielle and I belong together.”

She scoffs and shakes her head, her arms folded tightly around her waist. “You’re the one who broke things off, Clay, by dating Amber.”

I turn to see if Dani is serious, a bunch of pieces clicking together. No wonder she was irritated with Amber when we first met. The woman had stolen her ex-boyfriend.

“The chances of you being with this guy are slim. Is she paying you to be here?” Clay asks, turning to face me.

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