Mr & Mrs Fake

Chapter Five

Jade
Once I get home, the first thing I do is wash away the grime of the day. As I dry off, my phone pings with a new message. I glance over, and a smile tugs at my lips when I see Theo's name.

Theo:
Excited for our date tonight?

I quickly type out a playful response:

Jade:
Dreading it a little, ngl. Hope you don't try to kidnap me.

A laugh escapes me when his reply comes almost instantly:

Theo:
Won't make any promises.

Shaking my head, I set my phone down and start getting ready. I twist the front of my hair into Bantu knots, then plait two small braids that hang down on either side of my face. With a dab of coconut oil, I fluff out the rest of my hair until it's just right. A pair of lashes and a cute ombre lip color complete the look. I admire myself in the mirror, pleased with the outcome, and finish off with a spritz of my favorite perfume.

I punch the address Theo gave me into my GPS, debating whether to answer my mom's call as her picture flashes on the screen. I stifle a sigh and pick up.

"Hey, ma, what's up? I'm in a bit of a rush," I say, trying to keep my tone light as I merge into traffic.

"You're always in a rush, Jade. How did the meeting with your accountant go today?" Her voice is laced with concern.

"Ugh, I got approved for the loan, but I'm still about ten thousand short," I say, the frustration creeping into my voice.

"Oh, that's too bad," she hums sympathetically.

"Yeah, I was going to ask you and Dad if you guys could loan it to me?" I venture, hopeful yet wary. There's a pause, and I hold my breath.

"Well, let me talk it over with your father, and I'll get back to you," she finally says, her tone noncommittal.

"Thanks, ma," I murmur, my hope flickering.

"Where are you off to in such a hurry, anyway?" she asks, her tone brightening.

"I have a date tonight," I admit, pulling into a parking spot at my destination.

"Oh my God, Jade! A date?!" she squeals, her excitement palpable through the phone.

"Ma, calm down. It's just a date, not a marriage proposal," I say, rolling my eyes as I cut off her enthusiastic squeals.

"Excuse me for being excited! Call me later and tell me all about it," she demands, making exaggerated kissing noises before hanging up.

I chuckle and tuck my phone away before stepping out of the car. I walk into the restaurant, scanning the room for Theo. I spot him quickly, seated at a table near the back, but slow my pace when I notice he's engrossed in what looks like a tense phone conversation.

"I gotta go, eomma," I hear him say as I approach.

"Everything okay?" I ask, concerned.

"Yeah, everything's good," he says, standing to pull out my chair. His smile is genuine, but there's something off in his eyes.

"Are you sure?" I press, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, just some work and family stuff. I don't want to talk about that tonight, though. I'm just glad you agreed to come out with me," he says, brushing off my concern.

"I'm glad I did too," I say, smiling. "Honestly, I'm surprised you asked me out."

Theo's eyebrows shoot up in genuine surprise. "Why's that? From what I've seen so far, you're an awesome woman."

"Well, thank you, I appreciate it," I reply, feeling a bit awkward under the weight of the compliment.

The waiter chooses that moment to appear, interrupting the conversation. "Are you both ready to order?"

"I am if you are," Theo says, letting me take the lead. I nod, and we give our orders.

Just as I'm about to dive back into the conversation, my phone rings again. I glance at the screen and sigh. "Just a second, it's my mom. I'm sorry," I say apologetically.

"No worries, go ahead," Theo says, waving it off.

I step away from the table, heading toward the bathroom as I answer. "Ma, what is it? I'm on a date, remember?" I say, tapping my foot impatiently.

"I know, I know. Your father and I talked it over, and we decided we'll give you the full loan," she says, her tone making it clear she has more to say.

My eyes widen in disbelief. "Wait, the full loan?" I ask, feeling a mix of excitement and suspicion.

"Yes, so you won't have to go through the bank. You can pay us back over time, no interest or anything," she continues, her voice sweet as honey.

"Really? Oh my God, that's amazing! Thank you, thank you!" I say, practically bouncing on the balls of my feet.

"There's just one condition," she adds, and I can hear the smile in her voice.

I knew it. I narrow my eyes, my excitement deflating. "What is it?" I ask cautiously.

"Welllll," she drawls, dragging it out. "We'll give you the full loan...if you get married."

"What the hell?!" I hiss, my voice low as I fight to keep from yelling.

"Jade, watch your mouth. You can go through the bank, or you can get the loan from us, no strings attached—except this one. If, and only if, you get married," she says, her tone final.

I resist the urge to scream and roll my eyes skyward. "Mom, that's ridiculous. You and Dad—ugh, I gotta go," I say, cutting off the conversation and storming back to the table.

"Everything okay?" Theo asks, his eyebrows knitting together in concern.

"No," I say, shaking my head in frustration.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he offers, his voice gentle.

I hesitate, then sigh. "No offense, but you're practically a stranger," I say.

"All the more reason to talk to me. Who cares if a stranger judges you?" he counters with a small smile.

I look at him thoughtfully, considering his words. "I guess you have a point," I concede.

I take a deep breath and explain my plan to open a new business, the meeting at the bank, and my parents' ludicrous condition. "They offered me the full loan, but only if I get married first. Can you believe that?" I say, incredulous.

Theo's laughter catches me off guard, and I glance up sharply. "Why are you laughing? What's so funny?" I ask, bewildered.