Page 60 of Fake It For Love (Faux Love)
“I’m not involved,” I said with frustration.
“You are pretending to be engaged to the woman,” she countered. “You don’t think Mr. Sullivan’s old business associates or whatever they’re called are going to realize they can now collect the money he owes.”
“What does that even mean?”
“You!” she said. “When they find out the daughter is marrying for money, they are coming after you. They’ll expect you to pay.”
“I’m not sure why they would expect me to pay,” I replied. “And you’re assuming he owes money. From what I was told, they sold everything and moved away. We don’t know the details.”
“There are plenty of rumors that suggest he is still wanted by creditors,” Dad said.
“Gossip is not flattering,” I said. “I don’t care what her father did or didn’t do. That’s none of our business. Claire isn’t her father. She didn’t do anything. I think you guys have told us on more than one occasion not to judge anyone. You are judging Claire for something her father did a long time ago.”
“We’re not judging her, but it seems risky to get involved with someone with a checkered past.”
I rolled my eyes. “Claire is not checkered. Her father is. You should know better than to use such a broad brush to paint an entire family. Besides, I don’t believe John set out to ruin his family. We haven’t talked about the details of that situation, but I’m sure it was a mistake. From what I understand, the father had a gambling problem. It’s just like any other addiction.”
“Just how well do you know these people?” my father asked. His voice was hard, and it was clear he wasn’t happy.
“I don’t know them. I know Claire. She is not her father. She works hard. From what I know, she’s a schoolteacher. There is nothing shady about her.”
“But she signed up to be a fake date?” Mom’s lip curled when she said it. “Isn’t that a prostitute?”
“She’s not a prostitute,” I snapped. “It’s an escort service.”
I thought my mother was going to faint. My sister was hiding her laughter behind her hand. Dad shook his head. “Why would you hire an escort?” he asked. “You’re not a bad-looking guy. I know at least ten young ladies that would be interested in going out with you.”
“With me or my wallet?” I shot back. “I’ve had crappy luck on the dating scene. I don’t have time for a relationship. I’m never in the same city for more than a couple of weeks. I’m not interested in dating anyone right now, which was why I went to the escort agency. I wanted something quick and easy.”
“You should never have to pay a woman,” Mom said in a haughty tone.
“Isn’t taking them out to expensive restaurants and buying them pretty little trinkets the same thing?” I argued. “At least in this situation I know exactly what I’m getting. There’s no drama. Claire is providing a service. When it’s over, well, it’s over.”
“We should probably come up with a story to explain this,” Dad said. “We’re going to be the ones that catch hell for this. Our son hiring an escort is not going to look good for the family.”
“No one is going to know unless you tell them,” I said. “There is a strict confidentiality clause. I’m breaking it by telling you all this, and if anyone else finds out, I’ll know it was one of you who told.”
“How much are you paying her?” Eliza asked.
“None of your business,” I replied.
She shrugged. “I was just thinking about a backup plan.”
She was trying to lighten the mood, which I appreciated. Mom, not so much. “This isn’t funny. This could blow up in our faces. I really thought you were smarter than this, Ryan. What are we supposed to say when our friends ask us about this situation?”
“I don’t know,” I said with a sigh. “I don’t care. I don’t think it’s anyone’s business. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you guys what I was going to do. It was a last-minute decision. I truly never expected the news to reach here in a matter of days. I guess I underestimated the gossip mill. Good to see it’s up and running at top speed.”
“This isn’t funny,” Mom complained. “This is humiliating.”
“Tell them I was drunk,” I said. “I don’t care. I’m headed back.”
“You just got here!” Mom jumped up. “We’ve got lunch ready.”
“I’m not hungry,” I said. “I need to get back before a storm rolls in.”
“Son, don’t go away mad,” Dad lectured.
“I’m not mad. I’m just not going to sit here and listen to you guys judge an innocent woman. What I did was my choice. It’s to make my life easier. I’m the one that will pay a price if this blows up in my face. I’m a big boy, contrary to what you all might think. I can make decisions for myself. I’m going back to my vacation with my fake fiancée, who I just happen to actually like hanging out with.”
