Chapter 7
UPPING THE ANTE
REMY
“So you’re really fake dating my brother? My complicated, owl-loving, superstitious brother?”
Who’s also unfairly hot. But I keep that to myself as Clementine and I hunt through sweaters at a stuffed-to-the-gills thrift shop.
“Yes.” My voice pitches up as I explain how Project Plus-One became Project Fake Date.
“It was his idea. I said plus-one, and he said fake dating is better for sticking it to my ex. Are you sure that’s okay? ”
She meets my gaze across the vintage sweaters. “Like I said, it’s fine, but if there’s any fake kissing you need to tell me about, bring earmuffs.”
I smile, relieved she’s good with this escalation. “It’s a deal.”
“But,” Clementine adds, drawing out the one-syllable word as she peers around the shop, checking for eavesdroppers before she whispers, “what are you going to tell everyone else?”
I tilt my head. “About us dating?”
“Yes. You need a story.”
Shoot. She’s right. I think fast, cycling through options. “Should I say you suggested I go out with him?”
She cringes. “I’d never set you up with my brother. He’s far too…complicated.”
“You think I can’t handle a complicated man?”
She frowns, but her expression is full of both compassion and fondness. “No, Remy. I think you deserve a man who adores you. A man who cares. But I also think you deserve a man who isn’t so…shut down.”
Something aches inside my chest for several seconds.
Maybe it’s the reality that she’s probably right about her brother.
“It’s all good since it’s not like I’m going to real date anyone now,” I say as I spot a teal cardigan that looks perfect for my sister’s wedding picnic.
“All my focus will be on faking it for the wedding. That means we need rules, a plan, and a story.”
Once I find an outfit, I do just that—focus. As Clementine returns to Cozy Valley, I return to my place. I may have messed up my last romance, but I’ve got a chance to do things right in this fake one. Better get my ducks in a row.
I head to the kitchen, and I send Lake a text.
Remy: Apparently we need to establish rules for fake dating. I’ve got some ideas. Do you want to hash them out here over text?
I yank open the refrigerator to grab a raspberry bubbly water from the neatly arranged shelf of bubbly waters when his reply lands.
Lake: As opposed to you showing off your great date-planning skills when you plan a non-date during which you tell me the rules of our fake dating?
I can’t stop smiling as I read his note.
Or as I crack open the can, and it fizzes, sounding like I feel inside.
But I don’t take a drink right away. I lift my other hand and touch my cheek.
It’s warm, and I wonder where Lake is right now and if he feels a little flush as well.
He did just up the ante again—from texting to hanging out.
Remy: So it’s a real non-date to prep for our real fake date?
Lake: Whatever you want to call it, I’m there. Can’t wait to find out where you take me. I love surprises.
Remy: I hate them. Maybe even more so now after that game a couple of weeks ago.
Lake: That is very understandable.
Remy: Thanks. Appreciate you saying that. Also, I guess we’re opposites then.
Lake: We are. Good details to know about my new…woman.
Remy: Why is that good to know?
Lake: Maybe I’m keeping a list of things I know about you.
My fingers pause. I’m not sure how to reply. He’s teasing me. He has to be teasing me. And besides, if he’s keeping a list, it’s probably because he wants to be good at fake dating.
Nothing wrong with that.
I do too.
As I crack open my World Domination notebook, I review the list of things I know about Lake Axelrod even though it’s scarily small.
He’s superstitious. He’s ridiculously handsome.
He’s known as Axman on the ice, partly because he’s so tough on opponents.
He likes free food and, it turns out, owls. He loves surprises. He’s unruffled.
And then it all comes together, especially the part from Clem about him being a little weird. This might be the weirdest date I’ve ever planned. Or is it a non-date? I don’t even know what it is. But Lake and I make plans to meet after practice tomorrow.
I’m kind of counting the hours till I surprise him with the non-date for our fake-date prep.