Fake Dating The Enemy

8

Thomas

Elizabeth: Are you still picking me up before the party? Or shall I come to you?

Me: I'll pick you up, no worries

I stand in front of the mirror debating between which shirt to wear. Today is the engagement party for Luke and Ashley, and I want to look my best.

Me: What color dress are you wearing? I can't decide what shirt to wear.

Elizabeth: I got a new dress to wear. It's an emerald green color.

Me: Perfect

I take the dark green dress shirt off the hanger and slide it on, buttoning the front up and checking myself in the mirror. I roll up the sleeves before I take a picture and send it to Elizabeth.

Me: Does this match nicely?

Elizabeth: Wow so handsome

I smile at her response even though she was probably being sarcastic.

It isn't long before I head over to pick her up. When I get there, she is already standing outside. Her dress shows just the right amount of cleavage without it being too revealing, and it hugs her curves just right. I roll down the window to call out to her.

"Hey, sunshine. Looking good." She rolls her eyes at me before heading over to get in the car.

"Hi." She says, looking at me. "Look at us matching each other." She pokes fun, and I smile.

"At least it looks like we put some effort into this."

The drive is mostly quiet on the way to her parents' house for the party. She seems nervous, but I don't know how to address it. She glances over at me as if she can tell I'm thinking about her.

"You alright?" I ask, earning a nod in return.

"Never better." She says. "Do you think we'll be able to continue with convincing them tonight?"

"I think so. Why wouldn't we be able to?" She shrugs. "Elizabeth, talk to me. What's going on in that head of yours?"

"It's just that this is our first outing since my grandparents' party and lunch with Luke and Ashley. I want tonight to go smoothly. Although, I feel that's never possible when it comes to my family." I take the opportunity to lay my hand on her thigh, squeezing gently.

"It'll be fine." I give her a reassuring smile before focusing my attention back on the road. "Besides, we can always leave if things get too hectic."

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

We arrive at the house and as we enter, I notice a familiar face chatting with Luke.

"Oh, God."

"Thomas? What's wrong?" Elizabeth asks, placing her hand on my arm.

"Sophia is here." I watch as Elizabeth's eyes scan the room, landing on Sophia. "What- What is she doing here?"

"Thomas!" Sophia squeals, coming over to us. "Oh my god! How have you been?" She engulfs me in a hug, and I notice Elizabeth's eyes turn glassy.

"I- I've been good. Uhm- and you?" I'm just trying to be friendly. I'm not even sure why she's here. I'm the only person from high school she's truly kept in contact with. On more than one occasion, might I add.

"I'm going to find my parents." Elizabeth says and, before I can follow her, Sophia is talking my ear off.

*