Lucy

I convinced myself a little time apart would be good for us, after Heather suggested it. When she said she was going away for six weeks, I was able to breathe a little easier. I wouldn’t be with her, but Braxton wouldn’t be around either.

However, now, I’m not so sure I should’ve kept my distance. I need for us to get back together. I need Heather to see how good things are between us. We have chemistry. I know we do. She just doesn’t see it because Braxton is always around drawing her attention.

Braxton’s a problem, but I don’t foresee him going anywhere. I might be crazy, but I feel like the two have become closer. I have a plan. I hate that I have to lie to her, but it’s the only thing I could come up with to force things in the right direction.

Heather is completely engrossed in picking out colors for my makeup look. I’m nervous. It’s the first time we’ll be doing a shoot since we took our break. I inhale deeply, readying myself to breathe a lie.

“Okay, I think I have the perfect look. Edgy, but soft,” Heather murmurs to the makeup before her.

She turns, placing her hands on her hips, her eyes bouncing over my messy bun and freshly washed face. Heather rolls her lips, then starts to chew on the inside of her mouth. The action is so hot, but I don’t even think she knows it.

“So the vacation was good,” I start.

“Yeah, it was great,” I see something flash in her eyes, but it’s gone before I can place it.

Heather starts on my makeup, tipping my chin up. I look into those brown eyes and my heart squeezes. She’s so pretty. If she ever were to model, she would take the world by storm.

“Did you hang out a lot?” I stop myself from asking if she went out on dates.

Heather snorts. “Not at all. I spent most my time relaxing. I wish I was still relaxing.”

She pulls a frown, a few thoughts seem to cross her face. I take a chance that this thread will be the right one to pull to get me where I’m heading. Heather turns to grab eye shadow and a brush.

“You seem pretty relaxed,” I reply.

Heather blows out a breath. “Looks can be deceiving. We both know this,” she mutters.

“You seem…I don’t know happy,” I smile.

“Yeah, because my Dad isn’t here driving me nuts,” she rolls her eyes.

Bingo! I mentally fist pump. This is just what I need. I want to jump up and down, but rein in my composure.

“Was your vacation too long or something?” I inquire.

“No,” she mumbles. Taking a step back, her eyes assess her work before she steps back in and adds more shadow to my right eye. “Dad’s up my ass about,” she stops and frowns. “He thinks I went away with someone. He knows we “broke up,” she stops to make air quotes, shrugging.

“He’s back at trying to set me up,” her frown deepens to a huge scowl. “How about you? What’s up?”

I jump at the subject change to me. It’s exactly what I need. I launch right into my plan.

“Things are kind of good. I’m interested in someone,” I spew out the lie.

“Really?!” She says, genuinely excited for me, causing a ping in my chest.

“Yeah, actually, I sort of wanted to talk to you about that,” I continue.

Heather pauses to shrug and look into my eyes. “Shoot,” she says, with that smile now on her lush lips.

“So,” I bite down on my lip, feeling the sweat start to dew on my top one. “It’s actually my ex.”

“Billy,” Heather’s brows wrinkle. She knows a little about our history.

“Yeah,” I nod. “She break up with her girlfriend. We’ve been talking on the phone some and we went out once. I…I sort of want to ask you for a huge favor.”

“O…kay,” Heather says, giving me a skeptical look.

“I think if she sees me dating, she’ll make a move. Please, Heather I know this sounds crazy, but I at least want to try. You know things going bad was my fault. I didn’t communicate with her. I think she’s wary now,” I rush out.

“How do you think this is going to help,” Heather groans, closing her eyes, and pinching the bridge of her nose.

“I know Billy. She just needs a little push. Besides, you just said your dad’s up your ass again. This could work out for both of us.”

When she opens her lids to look at me incredulously, I plea with my eyes. I hold my breath, dying inside. This is such a stupid idea. It’ll never work.

* * *

Heather

My mind races over all the things she’s told me about Billy. They dated for three years. Billy left because Lucy was focused on starting her business. They broke up not long before we started our arrangement.

“Please Heather, think about it. Your dad would totally back off. Billy with see us together a few times and we can act like we’re broken up again,” Lucy gives me a beaming smile.

I groan internally. I feel like I owe her so much. She was there for me. She wasted two years of her life to pretend she was my girlfriend. I’ll never be able to give her back that time. How can I tell her no now?

“Just think, you can help me get hot again and I’ll be out of your hair in no time,” her smile brightens some more.

I actually do groan out loud this time, face palming myself. Lucy walked in here looking a hot mess today. I didn’t mention it, but you would think she forgot everything I’ve taught her. I’m going to need to get after that hair as well.

I do want to get my dad off of my back. I could also use the buffer between me and Braxton. He’s wearing me down. I’ve had so much hope that I can get pass my damage, but I’m petrified that we’ll get into a relationship and I’ll find out that I can’t. This could be okay. I mean, her feelings for me wouldn’t be a concern, since it’s so that she can date someone else.

“Okay,” I whisper.

“Yes,” Lucy squeals, jumping from her seat to pull me into a hug.

When she releases me, she looks a little nervous. I cross my arms over my chest and sigh. I knew it wasn’t going to be that easy. I brace myself for her next request.

“Just one thing,” she shifts, her eyes dropping to the floor.

“Yeah,” I ask cautiously.

“It won’t work if we don’t look serious. I mean, we made out before…I promise not to touch you any way you don’t like,” she rushes the last part.

“Wait, what do you mean?” I side eye her.

“Like, making out and stuff,” she shrugs.

“Lucy,” I groan. “This is crazy.”

“If you’re uncomfortable at any point, fine. We can call it off,” she murmurs quietly.

The sad look on her face kills me. I hate that look. It reminds me of how broken she looked from my rejection. I look up at the ceiling, puffing out air.

“Okay,” I relent, feeling in my bones I’ll live to regret this.