Chapter 222
Mamie was still overthinking every word when, out of nowhere, Scott’s message showed up first.
[Mamie, I’m here. Did you want to talk p>
Her heart did a weird little jump. She tossed her phone to the other end of the couch, like just holding it too long would give away all her secret nerves.
She tried to pull herself together, planning to play it cool and pretend the last half hour of indecision never happened. Before she could type anything, another message popped up from Scott.
[You’ve been staring at my chat window for thirty minutes. If it’s hard to type, want to just talk instead p>
He barely gave her a chance to react before a video call request appeared.
Mamie was not about to accept that. She switched off her camera before picking up. Instantly, Scott’s ridiculously handsome face filled her screen. He was all sharp lines and serious eyes.
“Is my phone broken?” His voice was deep and calm through the speaker. “Why can’t I see you p>
Mamie cleared her throat, trying to sound unfazed. “Because I didn’t turn on my camera. Scott, I’m not really comfortable video chatting with someone I barely know. Voice chat works just fine p>
Scott pressed his lips together, considering that. “I always thought looking someone in the eye was the best way to show I mean what I say p>
He paused, then added, “But as long as you can see me, that’s enough p>
Mamie couldn’t help but wonder what century Scott was from. Compared to Latham, he was basically an alien.
“So, Mamie, what were you trying to say to me p>
She felt her face flush hot. “It’s not a big deal, really. But my mom found out about you helping me out of that blind date mess. She’s been feeling. under the weather, and somehow she got it in her head that you’re my boyfriend. So… I wanted to ask if you’d be willing to pretend to be my boyfriend for a little while p>
She blurted it out before she could lose her nerve. “And, of course, I’d pay you for your time, just to be fair p>
On the screen, Scott was slouched
on a leather sofa, not in his usual suit but in a loose bathrobe. He looked nothing like his buttoned-up, serious self from work. His eyes seemed to
see right through her,
even from miles away.
He lifted an eyebrow, totally calm, and said, “We’re not really supposed to take side gigs. But if the payment is being your boyfriend, I don’t think I’d turn that down p>
His gaze grew even darker, more intense. “We can start with just pretending, if that makes you comfortable p>
Mamie pressed her lips together, not sure if she heard him right. “So… you’re saying yes p>
“Yes. I’ll be your boyfriend p>
Mamie thought the way he said it
sounded a little too real, but she
didn’t push. “Thank you for agreeing to help me Are you free tomorrow?
të
might need you to put on a show for my mom and dad as soon as tomorrow night p>
“Give me a second.” Scott actually looked down, as if checking his planner. “Tomorrow after six works for me. I’ll set everything up, pick you and your parents
up, and take care of the rest. Is that okay p>
“Yeah. That’s perfect p>
He thought of everything. Flawless, really.
Mamie couldn’t figure out how a guy like Scott was still single.