Chapter 12
twelve
. . .
Stella
Girl Gang Group Chat
Stella
SOS. Operation Plus-One has officially become Operation Fake Boyfriend. My mother showed up unannounced last night and I panicked and told her Brandon is my boyfriend. FML.
Jess
Wait WHAT? Brandon? Like our friend Brandon? Your neighbor Brandon?
Natalie
OMG YES. I can totally see you two together! Maybe this will actually go somewhere
Stella
Nat, NO. This is a disaster management situation, not a matchmaking opportunity.
Sophia
Honestly? This is best case scenario. Brandon's a great guy and an even better friend. Why didn't we think of this in the first place? He's perfect to stall your mom and buy you time.
Blair
I'm sorry, can we back up to the part where your mother just SHOWED UP? Without warning? That woman needs to learn about boundaries. And maybe the concept of calling first.
Jess
Stella, be careful. This feels very familiar and I've seen how these things can get... complicated. Don't get sucked in and mistake the fake feelings for something else.
Natalie
Or DO get sucked in because Brandon is hot and you're both single and life is short
Blair
Natalie, you're not helping.
Stella
We're just friends, and he's just helping me out. It's only for a few days. What could go wrong?
Sophia
Famous last words…
Jess
Literally never ask that question. It's like asking the universe to intervene.
Natalie
Keep us posted! I want details. ALL the details.
Blair
Gotta run, baby time, but Stella, you're a grown woman with your own life. Just remember you are the one in charge!
Stella
Thanks guys. Wish me luck.
Sophia
You've got this. And Brandon's got your back.
Jess
Just…be careful. Fake dating can get messy fast.
Natalie
Or don't be careful at all! Sometimes messy can be fun