Mister Fake Fiance

True. I guess it’s part of the role. Maybe I should’ve thought about all this in more detail last night before proposing the idea. “Okay.”

When I get back to my workstation, I order a replacement phone, to be delivered to the office. It seems presumptuous and a little weird to have it come to David’s home. On the other hand, since I’m living with David at the moment, it should be okay to be phone-free for a couple of days. It isn’t like I have anybody else who needs to get in touch with me.

The office begins to buzz as more and more people arrive. Every square inch of my body prickles. People are staring at me. Some are whispering. Some are texting. All are trying hard to be discreet.

Well…almost all. Bev comes over with two coffees and hands one to me. “So. Is it true?” she asks.

“Is what true?” Here it comes.

“Oh, please. It’s all over the news. David is your fiancé?”

Sigh. She could have at least waited until lunch.

“That video was hot. Did you see?” She titters. “What am I saying? Of course you did. You were there!”

“There’s a video?” I ask. I have no idea what she’s talking about. The incident outside the lobby was that much of a blur for me, except for the visceral terror I felt.

“Yeah. Wanna relive the sexy, alpha moment?”

She pulls out her phone and taps a few times, then situates herself so we can watch the screen together.

Reporters are jostling and yelling. I can barely make out what they’re saying. I spot myself and David. He has his arms around me to protectively against the aggressive reporters. I can barely see myself; I’ve got my shoulders curled inward and my head is down.

Suddenly, David says, “She’s mine!”

Bev lets out a squeal. “Did you hear that?” Her voice is at least four octaves higher than normal.

My face heats and warm tingles spread through me. She’s mine.

I know he didn’t mean it the way Bev thinks. But those two words send electric shivers through me anyway.

“So. When did you start da—” She looks down and sees the ruby ring. “Holy shit! Is that what he got for you?”

I nod. I knew this ruby would be super obvious. On the other hand, a diamond wouldn’t have been much better. Just look at how wide and eager Bev’s eyes are. At least the ring’s stunning, I tell myself. The kind I’d secretly love to wear, but wouldn’t dare if it hadn’t been for David pushing it on me.

“Oh wow. Honey, for a ring like this, I’d say yes to anybody.”

Not me. Warren could give me an entire ruby mine, and I’d still run the other way.

The door to David’s office opens and he comes out. Bev looks at him, eyes bright. “Congratulations on the engagement, David.”

He smiles. “Thanks, Bev. Erin, it’s time for the analysis meeting, and

I want you to join us.”

Thank God. “Sure.” I pick up my pen and legal pad and follow him. It’s nice to escape Bev’s prying. When she retires, she’s going to be one of those old ladies on the block who gossips with everyone, watches everyone, records everyone’s movements and, when there’s a murder on the street, will be the one interviewed on TV.

When I think we’re far enough away, I say, “I should’ve thought of everyone’s reaction. After I almost got trampled, it just seemed like such a great idea.”

“Wasn’t your fault. The video of what I said had already gone viral before your proposal anyway. The media was bound to run with it.” He gives me an ironic smile. “And it hasn’t escaped my notice that when I want something to go viral, it doesn’t, but when I’d rather not, it always does. Besides, even if I’d tried to clarify my comment, it would’ve just made things worse.” He shrugs. “Don’t worry about it. If your coworkers have extra free time to gossip, I’ll make sure they get more to do.”

I smile, grateful for his casual reaction, which is making me feel better about the situation. David is the only one who can reassure me at the deepest level so easily. “Thanks.”

But it’s never that simple. When we enter the meeting, everyone wants to congratulate us. Wants to know when the happy day is. There is widespread We had no idea. One guy says the news of David’s and my engagement just broke a lot of hearts on the dev team.

“Just the dev team? What about accounting and finance?” another jokes.

Gerry puts a hand over his heart. “I will never be the same again, Erin.”