There are better ways to bond with your fake boyfriend than standing outside a café in thirty-degree weather while someone in a hairnet accuses you of arson.
Theo looked mildly amused. I looked like a raccoon in a panic attack.
"You sure this isn't your way of making an entrance?" he asked, eyeing the smoke wafting from the bakery next door.
"I'm not that dramatic."
"You asked me to pretend to fall in love with you for Instagram."
Point, Theo.
Someone handed us plastic water bottles. I was too frozen to be grateful. My nose was turning into a cherry tomato.
"You cold?" he asked.
"Only on the outside. Inside, I'm a volcano of anxiety."
He laughed. It wasn't fair how good he looked laughing. Like his jaw got sharper from joy.
"So," I said, trying not to stare, "do you always sign up for public love stunts with total strangers?"
"Only when they insult my shop's smell."
The fire trucks arrived. Flashing lights. Chaos. A cupcake rolled onto the sidewalk like a tragic metaphor.
"We're doing our first date tonight," I announced suddenly.
He raised an eyebrow. "Are we?"
"Yes. We need content. We'll make it look like we've known each other for weeks. I'll wear something red. You'll smile like I'm your favorite plot twist."
He nodded slowly. "Are we having dinner or staging a rom-com montage?"
"Both. Bring flowers. But make them weird."
"Weird flowers. Got it."
And then, as if the universe wanted to remind me I had zero control over anything—
"Hannah? Is that you?"
Oh no.
I turned.
Ex-boyfriend. Perfect hair. Smug smile. Arm around a girl who looked like she moisturized with unicorn tears.
"Jason," I said, through gritted teeth.
"Didn't know you were still in town. Or dating..."
He eyed Theo like he couldn't decide if he was an intern or a tax write-off.
Theo didn't miss a beat. He slid his arm around my waist, leaned in, and kissed my cheek.
"Nice to meet you. I'm her boyfriend. For thirty days."
Jason blinked. "Come again?"
Theo just smiled. "It's a long story. She'll blog about it."
I almost melted. From horror or heat, unclear.
"We should go," I said, dragging Theo away by the sleeve.
"You're welcome," he whispered.
I didn't answer. Because I had just realized something terrible.
I might be catching feelings.