Deal

“HERE’S YOUR COFFEE!” I put the coffee in front of him and then decided to sit down.

“Thanks.” He met my gaze, so I slowly bowed to the food.

I swallowed a few times before speaking again.

“Any plans for today?” he asked as he sipped a coffee.

“Hmm, I don’t have any plans today.”

“May I ask you out on a date?” he instantly said while looking directly at me.

I pursed my lips. I did not immediately respond to his offer.

“How about shopping? Or movies?” he suggested and laid his back against the chair.

Maybe I’ll do the baking of the cake later.

“I’m not busy, so let’s go,” I agree.

After we ate, we went to the mall. He left me for a while to buy a ticket while I bought popcorn and drinks.

From here, I can see how some women look at him. I have to admit that he’s attractive and definitely a head-turner. I can’t help but wonder if the women’s necks were not clenched as they look at him.

He came back with a ticket. Then he snatched the large popcorn and drinks from my hands, and we walked into the cinema.

I’m still not comfortable with him, especially now that I’m just sitting next to him. I almost smell his good perfume, and the heat that comes from him made me uncomfortable.

I couldn’t help but glance at him.

I was startled when he suddenly turned to me. “What is it?” he barely whispers to me.

I couldn’t respond since the redness on my cheeks appeared to be becoming worse. Thankfully, the darkness was dispersed around me.

“Do you agree?” he asked again without distracting the viewer.

I sighed quickly at his question. Until now, I still can’t answer his offer to me since last night.

I closed my eyes to go back to what happened last night.

“Rence?!” It was obvious in the woman’s voice that she knew Lawrence.

“Elliesse.” There is a frown in Lawrence’s throat when he speaks.

“I’m sorry, daughter. I didn’t tell you right away that Lawrence is here,” the old man apologetically said to her.

“It’s okay, Dad.” She gently embraced her dad.

I could feel the tightness of Lawrence’s grip on my hand as Elliesse turned her gaze at us.

“Ah. This is Margaux, my girlfriend,” Lawrence introduced me.

I quickly look at Lawrence with an astonished face.

“What are you doing?” I whispered very softly.

“Hi! What’s your name again?” she asked me with a wide smile before offering her hand for a handshake.

“Margaux, Margaux Collins,” I said and gave her a handshake.

“Nice to meet you, Margaux. I’m Elliesse Del’fierro, Rence’s ex-girlfriend,” she introduces without hesitation.

I glanced at Lawrence, who was now pale.

After his meeting with old Del’fierro, Lawrence and I immediately left the building.

“Wait, Margaux.” He stopped my arm.

I violently turned to him. “Why did you do that?!”

“I don’t have a choice. I have to do that,” he said in a low voice.

I was silent for a moment. Up to this moment, I still do not understand why he did that.

“And I want you to do me a favor,” he said in a serious tone. He stared into his eyes confidently.

My heart almost stopped as I watch how his jaw hardened and his eyes were so dark.

“Can you pretend to be my girlfriend?” he asked in a soft voice.

My lips parted in what he said. What exactly is he thinking? We don’t have a deep connection yet for me to accept his offer.

“Just only for a month. Just pretend to be my girl.” He glanced at me as if wondering what my reaction would be.

He gripped my hand tight, so I quickly took a deep breath and averted my eyes.

“Why me? There are many other girls out there,” I refused.

I could hear his heavy breath, then he let go of my hand. “The truth is, I don’t know,” he frustratedly said, then he shook his head.

I shut my eyes with pain. I do not know where I pulled the pain that rose in my heart.

“I don’t want you to get involved in this, but Elliesse was so obsessed with me. She can’t accept our breakup. That’s why I need your help.”

“I’ll think about it,” I answered before finally getting into my car to leave.

“Collins?” He thought before he spoke again, “The owner of Collin’s hotel?” When this question is confirmed, Lawrence is now in the spotlight.

Yes, Uncle,” he confidently said.

“Nice to meet you, hija.” He held out his hand to me, which I reluctantly reached out.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Sir!” I smiled widely at him.

At the same time, we turned around when the door opened. Her hair was golden brown with pinkish-

white glow skin. The ant seemed to be ashamed of its red lips and squinty eyes.

***

I ROLLED ON my bed a few times and was still drowsy after Lawrence took me home from our date earlier.

I kept wondering if I would accept his offer to be his girlfriend for a month.

I’m not desperate enough to pose as his girlfriend, and what will I get if I accept his offer?

I was thinking like that when my cellphone rang on the side table. I immediately picked it up, and my heart pounded as I read the caller’s name. I took a few deep breaths before answering the call.

“How are you?”

But I heard no answer from the other line.

“Lawrence?!”

“I’ll hang up the phone if you don’t speak,” I threateningly told him.

“Sweetie,” he whispered in a husky voice.

I was taken aback. I am now the one who is unable to speak.

“Did I disturb you?” he asked.

“No,” I answered weakly.

“Why are you still awake?” His voice returned to being baritone.

“Because I’m not sleepy yet. Why did you call?” I scratched my head because of what I asked. I still asked it even though I knew the reason.

On the phone, though, I could hear him take a deep breath. My heart starts to race. I can’t deny that my heart is racing with anxiety.

“Rence?”

“Alright, Elliesse will have a photoshoot at Saavedra’s Resort by next week and—” he paused for a while, “I need you to come with me.”

My lips quivered, not knowing what to answer.

“Margaux,” he whispered my name in a sweet soft voice.

I swallowed hard. I could not pick up the right word for it. Honestly, I did not expect it. I don’t know why but I want to nod.

“I know it’s hard for you, but this is the first and last thing I want you to do.”

I closed my eyes and filled the lungs with heavy air before I could speak. “Yes! I will accompany you,” I said shyly.

He cleared his throat first before he spoke. “A-are you sure?” His voice grew hotter.

“Yes, I agree, but promise me something,” I paused as I waited for him to answer.

“Sure,” he replied.

I took a deep breath before speaking again. “Please, no string attach.”

A few minutes after I hung up the phone, I still couldn’t sleep. I’m also not sure why I agreed to his wishes. I just know that I am happy with my decision.