Ben shook off Summer’s hand, quickening his steps.Ben, if you keep rejecting me so firmly, your mom’s just going to line up more dates for you, and others might not be as easygoing as I am. You’ll end up even more frustrated! Summer called after him, hurrying to keep up. Just go along with me for one act. It won’t hurt you and might actually save you some trouble. Why not give it a try?Ben paused, his mind turning. With Jamie, he had felt like he had the world at his fingertips. No one else ever caught his eye.When she left, he had become obsessed with finding someone like her, and now that she was back, all he wanted was to channel his anger, to confront and torment her. He had no time, let alone interest, for any other woman, even as a pretense.Just think of it as doing me a favor, Summer continued, sensing his hesitation. I really don’t want to be set up with some older, middle-aged guy. Do this for me, and I’ll owe you. Name it, and I’ll make it up to you. She played her hand carefully, knowing that while this might start as a charade, the outcome could be unpredictable. She had enough confidence to believe things might turn out in her favor.After a brief pause, Ben relented, his voice less rigid. Alright, let’s say I agree. How long are we ‘acting’ for?Three months. After that, we part ways, and I’ll get a ticket out of the country. My family won’t be able to pressure me if they can’t reach me, Summer replied, leaving out the part where she had overheard her mother and Mrs. Lucas talking about setting a wedding date in three months. Her plan wasn’t about breaking up, it was about sealing the deal with marriage.Ben nodded. Deal.Of course. You think I’d go back on my word? Don’t worry, I’m not that kind of person. Summer took out her phone and said, Add me as a contact.The two settled onto the couch, with Summer chatting with her friends while Ben, meanwhile, kept sending a string of demands to Jamie, each one escalating.Jamie, swallowing her shame, reluctantly complied, deleting each message and photo she sent, her hands trembling.She remembered the time she had worked at a bar, selling drinks for commission when she first found out about Charlie’s illness. Her boss had asked her more than once if she would be willing to dance on stage. Just one night would earn her two weeks’ worth of work. But she couldn’t bring herself to do it, no matter how much she needed the money. Now, though, what was she? Dancing for one person or for a crowd didn’t make a difference.As Ben finished reviewing the photos, he slipped on his headphones and texted her, Send me a couple of voice messages. What kind of voice messages? she replied.Just repeat what you were calling out last night. Was that unclear? His response was sharp.Jamie opened her mouth, barely managing to whisper the words, her voice barely audible.Ben, ready to press further, paused when he heard footsteps from downstairs. Mrs. Lucas was coming down, and Summer quickly moved closer, slipping her arm through his.Oh, Ben, the stories you wereme are just so funny! she said,putting on a bright smile. I just wishwe’d met sooner, though now’s as Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the ƒindNoᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.good a time as any.