Let's pretend we're together

Chapter 2.

Leo's POV:

Emily and I have been together for over six years now, a relationship that started in sixth grade for what feels like the silliest of reasons—her attractiveness. Looking back, I can't help but acknowledge the foolishness of it all. But at that age, we all make questionable choices. Despite our fair share of problems and fights, I do love Emily, and I know she loves me too. However, there's a lingering doubt deep within me, a feeling that we might be better off as friends rather than romantic partners. It's a thought that has been growing stronger lately, especially as I spend more time with Riley.

Riley and I have been working on a project together, diving into the depths of Brazilian culture. We've put in countless hours, preparing for our presentation that's scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. Today, I mustered the audacity to ask Riley if she would pretend to be my girlfriend for an upcoming dinner with my parents. To my surprise, she agreed. The truth is, my parents didn't express much interest in meeting my "girlfriend." The whole thing was a ruse. But this project and the time I've spent with Riley have brought about a realization—an awakening of emotions beyond friendship. I see Riley differently now, and I can't deny that there's something more between us.

After our productive work session, I give Riley a ride home before heading back to my place. As soon as I step through the door, I hear my mother's voice calling out my name.

"Leonard," she says, and it grates on my nerves.

"It's Leo," I respond, feeling slightly annoyed.

"Oh, darling. It's the same thing," she casually replies.

"Well, my birth certificate says otherwise."

"Fine, fine. So, Leo, I got a call from your English teacher. He wanted to know if your project with Riley Jones is ready."

"Yes, it is," I reply, trying to maintain my composure.

I retreat to the solitude of my room, lying down on my bed. In this moment of introspection, I can't help but entertain a perplexing thought that has been bothering me. My English teacher and my mother seem to have some sort of connection. It's a notion that confuses me. After all, my father is a well-off man who treats my mother with love and care. I can't fathom why she would be involved with someone else. It's a puzzle that continues to nag at my mind.

I wake up the next morning, feeling a sense of urgency. I quickly get ready, grabbing a glass of milk and a slice of toast before making my way back to my room. Today, I need to decide on a phrase in Portuguese to practice, ensuring I won't embarrass myself during today's presentation. I settle on the phrase "O amor é fogo que arde sem se ver," which translates to "Love is a fire that burns unseen." It feels perfect, capturing the essence of what I've come to understand about love. I repeat the phrase over and over as I make my way to Riley's house, determined to get it right.

I ring the doorbell, and when Riley opens the door, she momentarily forget that we're supposed to be fake dating for the moment.

"Hey, babe," I say, my voice low and hushed.

"Leo?" Riley responds, sounding slightly surprised. "Oh, right, we're fake dating."

"Hey, sunshine," I say "Let's go. I'll give you a ride."