The Fake Date

By Trisha Bradley

There's no such thing as love at first sight… but it's just as well—lust is way more fun.

It's my mother's wedding coming up, and the only thing worse than the bridesmaid dress I'm expected to wear is knowing that my ex is going to be there. Two years ago, he asked me to marry him, and I hightailed it the hell out of there. Now, he will either: 1) still be hung up on me, or 2) he'll have a gorgeous woman on his arm. I can't decide which is worse. Either way, it's going to be hella awkward.

I know exactly what I need… a fake date—someone to make me look like I'm not a total failure at love.

My sister's best friend is the perfect candidate. Panty-melting gorgeous, smart, and single—and it just so happens that he's already on the guest list. Whether or not he'll agree to play pretend is another matter altogether. We have history, but he wasn't interested in the kind of fun I had to offer.

Maybe this time will be different. With the right incentive, he'll see this little game can benefit both of us. No strings attached, of course.

Because lust is all fun and games until someone falls in love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trisha Bradley
• Release date: Jul 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201939731

Book preview

The Fake Date

Also by Trisha Bradley

Passing Grade

The Fake Date (Coming Soon)

The Fake Date

Trisha Bradley

Copyright © 2022 Trisha Bradley

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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Cover by EmCat Designs

Contents

1. Jody

2. Zack

3. Jody

4. Zack

5. Jody

6. Zack

7. Jody

8. Zack

9. Jody

10. Zack

11. Jody

12. Zack

13. Jody

14. Jody

Zack

15. Jody

16. Zack

17. Jody

18. Zack

19. Jody

20. Zack

21. Jody

22. Jody

23. Zack

Epilogue

Also by Trisha Bradley

About the Author

About the Book

There’s no such thing as love at first sight… but it’s just as well—lust is way more fun.

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It’s my mother’s wedding coming up, and the only thing worse than the bridesmaid dress I’m expected to wear is knowing that my ex is going to be there. Two years ago, he asked me to marry him, and I hightailed it the hell out of there. Now, he will either: 1) still be hung up on me. Or 2) he’ll have a gorgeous woman on his arm. I can’t decide which is worse. Either way, it’s going to be hella awkward.

I know exactly what I need… a fake date—someone to make me look like I’m not a total failure at love.

My sister’s best friend is the perfect candidate. Panty-melting gorgeous, smart, and single—and it just so happens that he’s already on the guest list. Whether or not he’ll agree to play pretend is another matter altogether. We have history, but he wasn’t interested in the kind of fun I had to offer.

Maybe this time will be different. With the right incentive, he’ll see this little game can benefit both of us. No strings attached, of course.

---

Because lust is all fun and games until someone falls in love.

1

Jody

Ahhh, Seattle. Once known as the city of flowers, it’s now recognized primarily for the Space Needle, Amazon headquarters, the Seahawks, and an active outdoor scene. All those hikers and kayakers…

Yeah, that’s not for me.

I’m here for the coffee, the music, and the delectable gray skies. And you know… the couch I’m currently sleeping on, can’t forget about that.

I’ve been staying at Sean and Veronica’s place for about three months now. They don’t seem to mind much, at least compared to my last roommates. I’m a quiet houseguest, neat and tidy—most of the time—and I try to pitch in toward rent. My purse, currently bouncing against my hip, however, is getting a little light these days. Time to pick up a temp job, I guess.

I focus on the sound of the water lapping at the pier pilings, the waterfront path beneath my feet. I take a long deep breath of salty air and look out toward the horizon. I’m not done with Seattle yet, which means I need to find a way to stay. I pull out my phone and bring up my QuickHire app. A few elaborately worded updates to my resume and I’m ready to go.

Boom. Look at me, being all desirable.

Except I’m not desirable to anyone these days, not for business and not for pleasure.

My sigh hangs thick in the humid air. This isn’t where I thought I would be at twenty-three. I mean, I’m not sure exactly where I thought I would be, but being labeled the bum on the couch wasn’t it. It’s not exactly like I could ever describe myself as being super motivated or anything. I graduated from high school by the skin of my teeth—not because I’m not smart but because I don’t test well, I swear—and I’ve bounced around between jobs and couches ever since. This way I get to see the world, experience all there is to offer…

Some people backpack across Europe on a budget—I just took it the next step and turned it into a lifestyle.

I head uphill away from the waterfront. Sean and Veronica live a bit of a hike from the waterfront, so I grab a bus. Their apartment faces west, so they get the best view for sunsets. The building itself isn’t fancy, but I’m not in a position to be picky. Through the lobby, up the elevator, I slot the key into their door.

The usual aroma of cooking dinner is absent tonight, and I wonder for a minute if they’ve gone out. However, when I step into the entry and close the door behind me, I turn around and freeze. They’re both sitting on the couch, staring at me.

Uh, hi, guys. Did you have a good day at work? I ask the standard question, even though nothing about this feels very standard. They don’t answer, and instead exchange a knowing glance. I find myself wishing I were entirely in the dark about the meaning of that look. I recognize it too well. I’m filled with a sick feeling of dread, wondering if it’s too late to turn around and walk back out. What’s going on?

Neither of them seems ready to say anything, but Sean finally clears his throat and says, Hey, Jody, why don’t you come in here for a quick second. We need to talk to you about something.

Okaaaay. Though I’ve agreed, my feet are frozen on the small Berber carpet square at the front door. I look down at my shoes; they’re starting to fray along the outside edges, but I haven’t been able to afford a new pair in a while. I figured I could stretch them out until next year.

Jody? Veronica prompts. I hate how soft her voice is. I know that voice.

Might as well get this over with.

I kick off my shoes and trudge into the living room, settling into the armchair kitty corner to the couch. They both turn to look at me, but I can tell that their gazes are actually a little off center, like they can’t look me directly in the eye. As if my forehead or my ear is somehow better equipped to handle what they’re about to say.

I want to tell them to just spit it out already. They’re so grim, a splotchy blush standing out against Veronica’s fair skin.

So… I’m pregnant, Veronica finally says, her face entirely devoid of any positive emotion.

Oh. My stomach lurches with momentary hope. That’s not what I was thinking they were going to say, it’s not how these talks usually go. Why aren’t they excited? I’ve been listening to them try (and try and try) on a nightly basis for months. They blink back at me, and I realize that my response wasn’t exactly the socially acceptable reply to an announcement like that. Congratulations! I add with as much enthusiasm as I can muster, but at this point, there’s no salvaging this. I think I mean it—or at least I would if their life-goal achievement didn’t make me feel so… inadequate.

Sean looks at Veronica from the corner of his eye, but when she doesn’t say anything else, he adds, And we’re moving.

Right, of course, I say, nodding, because this is a one-bedroom apartment, certainly no room for a crib or playpen or any of those things. I honestly have no clue what kinds of things I’m referring to. Babies are so small, but they somehow seem to need so much stuff. You’re probably getting a two-bedroom place, right? Maybe even a house with a yard, put up a swing set or something.

My friends both sigh, nodding, finally allowing themselves small, relieved smiles.

I grip onto my last vestiges of hope with both fists. I clear my throat and say, Just let me know whereabouts we’re moving to, because I was going to start applying for jobs and I’d like it to be somewhere within walking distance.

Their smiles fall.

Sean closes his eyes in a long blink and pinches the bridge of his nose. No, Jody… you’re not coming with us. He drops his hand into his lap and looks up at me with this unreadable expression. It’s frustrated and irritated, but also a little… condescending. As if he’s talking to a child.

I swallow around the lump in my throat. I see. And I do. This isn’t the first time I’ve been kicked out of a friend’s place, but I’m surprised I didn’t have a little warning. Normally the friendship breaks down first, but we’ve been eating dinner together, shopping, cooking, laughing and hanging out. And if I’m being honest with myself, I’m not ready to give this up yet. We have a good thing going. So, instead of rolling over, I find myself saying, I guess I thought… I mean, I could watch the baby for you, give you time alone. That could be good, right?

Veronica’s hands grip her knees, and all she says is, "No, Jody, no," her voice tight. Sean is shaking his head beside her.

Oh, I say yet again, like some total moron who can’t take a hint. Sorry, I just thought you guys liked hosting me, that I was like… a guest.

Veronica gives a little growl and then stands up, towering over me. We’re a host all right, but you’re not a guest. You’re a fucking parasite! She spins on her heel and storms out of the living room, down the short hall to their bedroom, slamming the door behind her. The framed pictures on the walls rattle, and Sean and I are left looking awkwardly at each other.

My heart is beating in my throat, my stomach in knots. How could I have been so blind or so stupid? I thought things were good.

She doesn’t mean that, he whispers—like, legit whispers, probably because he doesn’t want her to hear him backing down, as if she’s likely to storm back out here and take another shot at me.

It’s fine, it’s… whatever. I heave myself up to my feet and look around the tiny living room. I don’t have a lot of stuff to pack, so within five minutes, I’ve gathered up my clothes and toiletries into my bag.

Sean is just standing there, hands in his pockets, as he watches me, totally speechless. Finally, he stutters, W-we didn’t mean you had to leave right this second. You could stay until… He trails off. Seeing as he waited to say this until I am totally packed, I think it’s pretty obvious that I’m not welcome to hang around.

I flash Sean a look. I think we both know I have to go. He just nods, angling his eyes to the floor.

I just wish we’d had this talk this morning. Now it’s getting dark, and I don’t even have enough in my bank account for a hotel room.

As if sensing my dilemma, Sean reaches into his pocket and pulls out his wallet. Here, let me help you out for tonight. He tugs out a few bills and tries to hand them to me, but I take a step back and sling my bag over my shoulder.

I’m not taking your money, Sean. I slip on my worn runners and pause with my hand on the knob. I peek back over my shoulder at him. Hey… I really do wish you guys the best. I know you’ll make great parents.

He ducks his head. I hope so.

I chuckled out a dark laugh. If you have the patience to put up with me for so long, I have no doubt that you guys will be amazing.

He offers me one last smile, a genuine one this time. Thanks, Jody. Are you sure I can’t…? He holds up the cash again.

I’m not proud to say this, but in a moment of weakness, I reach back and pluck a twenty from between his fingers. I haven’t eaten dinner yet and getting booted out of my temporary home is hungry work.

Thanks, Sean. And tell Veronica that… well, make up some profound shit for me, ‘kay? Something that’ll make her forgive me one day?

He nods and gives me one of those pity-drenched smiles I’m too familiar with. I’m not sure if it’s better or worse than Veronica’s anger. Yeah, sure. We’ll see you soon, okay? It’s nice of him to lie like that.

I smile and nod, knowing I likely won’t be seeing them again any time soon. I can practically smell the smoke as another friendship goes up in flames.

I try to keep my head up on the way down the hall to the elevator, but by the time the lift spits me out in the lobby, I’m buckling under the weight, my shoulders bowed.

Veronica was one of the best friends I had left, which is why I initially tried avoiding taking her up on her offer to crash here. I didn’t want to ruin a good thing, and crashing with friends always has a way of burning bridges.

Even though I’ve been here for months, I haven’t really made any local friends—at least not ones I can ask to put me up for the night. Twenty bucks is enough for a meal, but not enough for a roof over my head. The weather is warm enough that I can sleep outside, but the personal risk makes me twitchy.

Yep, I’m screwed. But I’ve been screwed worse.

My phone trills from somewhere in my bag, and I scramble to dig it out before it goes to voicemail. My cell is paid up to the end of the month, so that’s my deadline for getting everything figured out, and if I’m lucky, it’s Veronica calling to apologize.

I groan. No such luck.

I click accept, not even trying to stifle my groan. Mom, I say. I shove everything back into my bag and rise up, surveying my surroundings in an attempt to formulate a plan. Yeah, as if something will just spontaneously fall into my lap to solve all my problems.

Jody! I finally found you! I’ve been trying to reach you for weeks.

Yeah, that’s what happens when I avoid taking your calls, I mumble, picking a direction at random and walking.

Don’t be sassy, Jody. Just because you’re my baby, that’s no excuse to be rude to your mother.

I sigh, stopping right there on the sidewalk, shame burning my gut, and stare up into the darkening sky. You’re right, I’m sorry. I’ve just had a bad day. And then as I’m staring straight up, a star winks into existence, and I think those magic words to myself. Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight…

And just maybe, my wish has already been answered. Hey, Mom? I begin, a tiny flicker of hope blooming inside me. I was actually thinking… maybe I could come by for a visit? If you’re not too busy, I mean.

Her squeal is loud enough I need to hold the phone away from my ear, and a dog starts barking nearby—I’m sure it’s not a coincidence. I put the phone back when I hear her talking at a reasonable volume. —would be amazing, Jody! It’s been too long since I last saw you. I’ll make up the bed. How soon can you get here?

I can always rely on Mom. You know what, I’m actually just in Seattle. I can hop on a bus tonight if that’s not too soon. I cross the fingers on my left hand.

Not too soon, she rushes out. "In fact, it’s perfect! I have so much for us to do together. We’ll need to do some shopping, maybe get our hair done."

I interrupt her before she can run through all my prepaid minutes. Yeah, that’s great, Mom. Look, I hate to ask, but—

Not at all, Jody, she says, already knowing what I was about to say. I can wire some money into your account for your ticket.

I smile, warmth and comfort blooming in my chest. Thanks, Mom, I whisper. I’ve always been a massive pain in the ass, but she’s never turned her back on me, no matter how many times I’ve screwed up. I can always count on my mommy. But then something occurs to me. Wait… why do we have so much to do? You said shopping and our hair?

Yes! she squeaks, taking a dramatic pause before bursting out with, I’m getting married!

A cold sensation begins in my toes and creeps up my legs like ivy—or like gangrene. I’m surrounded on all sides by important life events, weddings and babies. And yet, here I am—alone, homeless, hopeless, with not a single thing going for me.

The cold feeling shifts into regret. Is it too late to bail on this visit?

2

Zack

Everything hurts. My feet, my back, the insides of my eyelids. The couch is calling me. Hey, Zack.

Oh, wait. That’s not my couch, that’s my neighbor.

I stop where I am, key poised in the lock, and lean forward to rest my head against the wood door. I should see what Samantha wants, but I can’t even seem to find the energy to turn my head.

What the hell, Zack? Are you ignoring me? She doesn’t really sound annoyed with me, not really. I don’t think she has even one single grumpy bone in her body—not since she met her boyfriend, anyway. They’re both sickeningly blissful.

I hear her stop beside me, and I force my eyes open to look blearily at her. What? Is that rude? Yeah, I’m probably being rude. I should apologize, but that takes effort, and I just don’t have it in me.

Hey, are you okay? That little crease forms between her eyebrows, and I feel a stab of guilt that I’m the one who put it there. She’s my best friend on the face of the planet, and I would never do anything to cause her even the slightest amount of unhappiness.

I dig deep and dredge up the last smidgen of energy. Hey, don’t worry about me. I’m fine. Just tired, is all. I’m gonna take a long, hot shower then fall into bed. I’ll be right as rain tomorrow.

Her lips pull down in a frown. "Are you just getting home from work? You’re trying to do too much, Zack. It’s almost midnight, and I know for a fact that you went to work before the sun was up. I know the money’s