“Rubbish,” Scarlett says. She’s been eating as enthusiastically as I have. “What’s the point in coming to a restaurant like this and having a bowl of steam?”
I giggle. I like her. The fact that she’s not as used to this lifestyle makes me feel better, because it obviously doesn’t bother Orson.
The waiter comes and takes our plates away, then tops up our glasses with wine. I need to be careful not to drink too much, but I can usually handle a couple of glasses without making a fool of myself.
We chat for a bit, and then the waiter brings over our mains. The Canterbury lamb rack comes with roasted garlic mash, harissa glaze, and seasonal greens, and it smells amazing. Do women like Sabrina nibble at their dinners and only eat half of it before declaring they’ve had enough? Well, I don’t care if it does mean I have extra curves, I’m not going to let a piece of this go to waste. I tuck in, enjoying every mouthful of the tender lamb and vegetables, and dipping into the extra truffle fries with parmesan and aioli that Orson ordered.
Outside, the moon is rising, shining her light down on the people still queuing for a table and the people walking by who linger to catch a glimpse of any famous faces. Usually I’m the one outside looking in, not just physically but metaphorically, and itfeels strange today to be sitting at the table with two rich guys, drinking what I’ve discovered is the most expensive Sauvignon on the wine list, and eating exquisite food.
And not only that, but I’m going to be doing it for the next six months! I can’t believe my luck. Ria was right—why shouldn’t I grab this opportunity with both hands and run with it? I’m helping Kingi out by pretending to be his fiancée, so it’s not like it’s charity. It’s hardly going to be a chore to act like I’m in love with this guy. It’s easy to look as if I’m hanging on his every word, because I kind of am. He’s warm, funny, friendly, and gorgeous, and he makes me feel as if I’m the most important person in the room when he looks at me.
Of course it’s all for show; I have to remember that. But it’s fun to pretend it’s real.
After our mains, Kingi asks what I’d like for dessert. I declare that I’m full, so he suggests the four of us share a plate of desserts, and I can have as little or as much as I’d like. I insist I couldn’t eat another bite, but when it arrives, it’s impossible not to nibble on the hokey pokey crème brûlée with almond biscotti, the manuka honey panna cotta with poached tamarillo., and the Valrhona chocolate fondant with salted caramel ice cream.
Afterward, Kingi talks me and Scarlett into having an Irish coffee, and we sip from our glasses and give ourselves cream mustaches while the guys entertain us with stories about their schooldays together. The ambience, the food, and the company are all delightful. I thought I’d be far too nervous to have a good time, but I’m surprised to discover I’m really enjoying myself. The two of them have known one another a long time now, and of course they work together too, so it’s no surprise they’re at ease in each other’s company, like a double act, bouncing off each other and easily able to make Scarlett and me laugh.
We’re close to finish off our coffee when Scarlett says, “Oh, I’ve had a brainwave! We should have a double engagement announcement!”
Orson grins. “That’s a great idea.” He smiles at me. “It would take some of the focus off both of you that way.”
“I’d love that,” I say with relief. “I admit the thought of being the center of attention terrifies me.” I look at Kingi. “What do you think?”
“Sounds fun,” he says. Then he says to Orson and Scarlett, “Are you sure it’s not…” He hesitates.
“What?” Orson asks.
“I dunno,” Kingi says softly. “Your engagement is real. I wouldn’t want you to feel that we’re making a mockery of your commitment.”
Orson looks amused. “Are you getting soft in your old age?”
“No… well, maybe.” Kingi shrugs. “Obviously I didn’t know you were going to propose yesterday, and I guess your sincerity shines a light on our…” He looks at me, pained.
“Deception?” I reply. “Hoax? Scam? Wicked and fraudulent fake?”
His lips curve up. “Yeah, I guess that sums it up.”
“Well, I don’t care,” Orson states. “Scarlett?”
“I wouldn’t have suggested it if I did,” she replies. “Guys, it’s not like you’re doing it to con someone out of money or something, and it’s not going to hurt anyone else.”
“I don’t think faking a relationship is what the board had in mind,” Kingi mumbles.
She frowns. “Maybe not, but you know you’ll do a great job, right? If it’s all about appearance for the press, surely it doesn’t matter whether it’s real or fake? What does matter is that the kids have the right person at the helm, someone who’s going to show them what they can achieve if they’re determined and work hard.”
“I agree,” I say.
“All right.” Kingi gives a wry smile. “I give in.”
“Actually,” Scarlett says, “I’ve had another genius idea. Why don’t we announce our engagements at the ball next weekend?”
“Ball?” my eyes bulge. Kingi had mentioned it, but I hadn’t realized it was so soon.
“Yeah,” Scarlett says, “there’s going to be a charity ball at Midnight.”
“It does make sense to announce then, while everyone’s there,” Orson adds.
“Ball?” I say again, my heart hammering. “At Midnight? Oh my God.”