Page 49 of Silver Tears

I blink. Wait, what?

“You spoke with Peggy?”

“I did. Me and Peggy are buddies now. And she, like me, believes you deserve some time off from all your responsibilities. So, there you go. No more excuses. Get dressed.”

“Wait! What do I wear?”

“Sensible shoes, jeans, and bring a jumper.”

“Okay.” I scrunch my nose. Where would we be going that requires sensible shoes? “Why are we going on a date? That’s what proper couples do, and we both know this isn’t real.”

He’s silent for a second and I’m just about to ask him if he’s still there when he replies. “Exactly, that’s what couples do. If Tam and everyone else are going to believe we are a genuine couple, then we need to be seen out on dates together. Now quit with the hundred and one questions and get your pretty arse dressed and ready. See you shortly.”

The phone goes dead at the other end. He always has to have the last word. I’m annoyed, but I also feel a tiny slither of excitement. Ryan and I didn’t really do dates and I’m kind of curious about what Seb has planned. Seb also doesn’t do dates, so does he even have a clue. God, I hope he’s not taking me to play golf or something as boring as that. He’s a rich boy, so he’s likely a regular on the golf course at the country club.

Admitting defeat, I climb out of my warm bed and head for the shower. Looks like I’ll have to study later on.

* * *

Just under an hour later, I’m standing at the bottom of our drive waiting for him to pull up. Damon asked me a ton of questions about what I was doing and who I would be with, but I managed to evade him. I look back at the house, scanning the windows to see if he’s snooping on me. Luckily, dad was doing a workout in the gym, so I avoided having to go through more questions with him as well. I hear his music before I see his car and I step nearer to the road.

He pulls up, leaning his head out of the window and flashing that sparkling smile at me. The one that has all the girls giggling like idiots at school. It doesn’t work on me, of course.

“Morning, precious.”

I arch a brow as I walk around the front of the car and open the passenger door. “Do you have to call me that?”

He chuckles, watching as I climb in and fasten my seat belt. “I have to have a nickname for my girl.”

“Except I’m not your girl. Not really.”

He bobs his shoulder, checking the road in his rear-view mirror before pulling away. “Oh, but you are, Mills. To everyone out there you are. Until I say otherwise, you are my doting girlfriend.”

I frown, crossing my arms over my chest. “Thanks for the reminder that I’m at your mercy and have no say in the matter.”

He laughs at me. “Deep down, you love being my fake girlfriend. You’re just too stubborn to admit it.” He grins again. “It’s okay, Mills. I get it. It must be hard to admit that you want me.”

It’s my turn to laugh. I adjust in my seat so I’m side on. “You know there’s a word for people like you. It’s called delusional. Now, are you going to tell me where you are taking me?”

“Nope. It’s called a surprise for a reason.”

“I don’t like surprises. I like to know where I am going and have a plan for the day.”

He fake yawns. “Boring! Life is about spontaneity. Living for the moment. I promise you’ll love it.”

I jerk in surprise when he reaches for my hand and raises it to his lips, kissing it. We both freeze. I don’t miss the way his own eyes widen in shock. I don’t think he consciously meant to do that. Seb clears his throat, and casually lowers my hand back down and releases it.

What was that?

And why did I like it?

I don’t like him. I hate him.

Well, maybe hate is a strong word. I dislike him.

Yes, that’s better, or maybe it’s more I can tolerate him now. In small doses, of course.

I quickly pull out my phone and pretend to busy myself scrolling through TikTok whilst he switches between radio stations. Inside, I’m having an internal meltdown. Maybe us spending time together on fake dates is not the way to go.

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