“I don’t take well to being made a fool, especially when it comes to those asshole Pruitts,” Isaac says with a glare. “So, you’re going to need to tell me what’s going on. Right fucking now.”
His reminder of my lies—and getting caught—stops me in my tracks. Isaac not only deserves to know the truth, but the future of Yasmin’s job is now in his hands.
“James was right,” I admit, swiping a tear that’s fallen despite me begging myself not to cry. “I’m Camilla Hutchinson. James and I dated for a while, and last year, when I was home for spring break, he proposed.” Of course, I had no idea he was cheating on me the entire time. “In August, James ended our engagement. I didn’t know why, and I didn’t really care.” That was the first sign I knew I never really loved him. “Shortly after, the IRS came after them, and Clint threw my dad to the wolves, framing him for tax evasion amongst other things. I realized James ended it because he wanted to make sure all ties were cut between our families.”
I exhale a sharp breath. “I’m sure you know everything that comes after since it was splashed all over the news and social media. My dad is now serving fifteen years in prison while Clint and his son are walking free.”
Suddenly feeling mentally exhausted, I walk over to the bench behind us and have a seat. Isaac follows, staying quiet so I can finish my story. “I’m sure you also know my dad lost everything… which means I did too. After I moved home to be by my dad’s side during the trial, I lost my scholarship for school, and then lost my home when they confiscated it. I moved into the building I live in, which ironically, is owned by the Pruitts’ real estate company.”
I roll my eyes. I had no idea they purchased it and eventually plan to renovate and charge triple. It wasn’t until I was late the first time, Gordan mentioned the owner isn’t giving any second chances because he wants everyone out.
“I realized quickly, when I was looking for a job, I was blacklisted everywhere thanks to Clint and James. And even those who didn’t know them would see my last name and put two and two together. It sucks living in a small city where everybody knows everybody, but I can’t move because my dad is in the federal prison here, and even if he wasn’t, I can’t afford to.”
I shake my head, realizing I’m rambling on. “Sorry, back to the name change… I met Yasmin, with a Y, after I moved into the building. She got me a job at Azul’s and then left shortly after to work at Fairy Tales since they pay better. Recently she met a guy that she fell for, and her date with you was on the same night he asked her out. She needed an out and I needed the money, so I went in her place. She goes by Jasmine, like the princess. We figured it would be a one-time thing since I was a hot mess during our date, but then you requested me again. And now… here we are.”
Isaac nods, his eyes never leaving mine, and then he says something I’m not expecting. “I’m glad she couldn’t make it.” He takes my hand in his. “I enjoyed our date, hot mess and all.”
I find myself smiling, despite how badly this night has turned out, once again. “I did too.” And now comes the hard part… “I need to ask you a huge favor.”
“Yeah?”
“Can you please not tell Lucinda about what happened? I can give you the money back for both dates, as a matter of fact, I insist.” With the drama I’ve caused, I should be paying him instead of the other way around. “But Yasmin needs this job and if Lucinda finds out, she’ll be fired.”
“You’re not giving me any money back,” Isaac insists, “and I’ll tell you what… I won’t rat on your friend under one condition: you agree to go out with me again.”
“Excuse me?” I stand, yanking my hand from him. Maybe it’s after watching everything my father went through, and losing my choices and rights along the way, but what he says doesn’t sit right with me at all. “Did you seriously just blackmail me?” I don’t wait for him to answer. “Maybe in your world that’s how things work, but not in mine. And the way to start a relationship or whatever it is you’re asking me for, is not by blackmailing me into it.” The sad thing is, had he just asked me out, I would’ve said yes because I’m that attracted to him.
Without allowing him another word, I stalk back toward the restaurant to find someone to call me a cab. I hear Isaac calling after me, but I don’t turn around. Luck must be on my side—for once—because just as his voice gets closer, a cab pulls up and I jump in without asking if it’s available. I make sure, as the car drives away, not to give another glance to Isaac. I already dated and was engaged to a man who played games, and I’ll never do that again—even if the chemistry between us is sizzling hot.