This Love (Naturals One shots)

The Boyfriend Assignment( Part 2)

I felt the air leave my lungs, my head spinning for a second as I processed his words. A boyfriend? Had I misheard him?

"Um... Dad, did you say boyfriend?" I stammered, hoping maybe he'd clarify, maybe even laugh and tell me he was joking.

"Yes, Veronica. A boyfriend," he replied, his tone even, as if this was the most logical request in the world. "Bringing a boyfriend would... reflect well. Show that you're settled, mature. It's important to have the right image at these gatherings."

Settled? Mature? He wanted me to parade around with some pretend boyfriend just so his business partners could approve of his perfectly composed daughter? This was about him—again.

"Dad, I... I don't have a boyfriend," I said, my voice quieter than I meant it to be, betraying how small I suddenly felt. I wondered if he could even hear me.

"Then find one," he replied, brushing off my protest without hesitation. "There must be someone at school. It's just for a weekend, Veronica. Surely that's not too difficult."

My throat felt tight as I struggled to respond. "Right," I finally managed, the word barely a whisper. "Of course, Dad. I'll... figure something out."

There was a brief pause, and I hoped—stupidly—that maybe he'd say something comforting, something to acknowledge how out-of-line this request was. But there was nothing but silence, and then, "Good. I'll see you on Friday." And just like that, he hung up.

I stared at my phone, his number still on the screen, blinking back the familiar sting of disappointment. It wasn't the first time he'd treated me like this, but somehow, it still hurt just as much. I thought back to the ballet classes, the piano lessons, the endless events where I'd stood by his side in my polished dresses, always smiling, always the picture-perfect daughter he wanted me to be. But now, he needed a new prop—a boyfriend.

I slumped back onto my bed, running a hand over my face. How was I supposed to find a boyfriend by Friday?

"Hey, Ronnie, you good?" Scarlet's voice cut through the quiet as she entered the room, her face scrunching in concern when she saw me.

"Nope," I muttered, sinking further into the pillows. "Not at all."

She crossed her arms, giving me a sympathetic smile. "Let me guess. Parental units being their usual charming selves?"

"Yep," I sighed. "My dad wants me to bring a boyfriend to one of his work events this weekend."

Scarlet's eyes widened. "Wait, *what*? Does he know you don't... exactly have one of those?"

"Oh, he knows," I replied bitterly. "But he figures I can just... find someone." I let out a laugh that sounded hollow, even to my own ears. "As if I can just pick one up at the campus bookstore."

Scarlet gave me a long look, her wheels clearly turning. "Well," she said slowly, "maybe we can't get you a real boyfriend, but... what about a fake one?"

I blinked, her words not fully clicking. "A fake one?"

"Yeah! Someone who can just pretend to be the perfect boyfriend for a weekend. You know, a guy who can charm your dad and his friends, act like he's crazy about you, and then just... go back to normal life afterward. Simple, no strings, no mess."

I considered it, the idea settling uncomfortably in my mind. "Scar, that's crazy."

"It's not as crazy as you think, Veronica. You'd just need someone who's confident, easygoing, knows how to handle himself around adults and who you know you won't like in the future... someone like Tanner Briggs."

My head snapped up at that name, my stomach doing a little flip I tried to ignore. "Tanner? *Absolutely not.*"

"Why not?" Scarlet challenged, arching a brow. "He's perfect for this. He's smooth, good-looking, and practically oozes charm. You know he's the only one who could pull it off."

I groaned, pressing my fingers to my temples as if that might erase the idea. Tanner was... complicated, and while he was undeniably charming, he was also the last person I wanted to ask for a favor this big. I know he would hold it against me for...ever and he always knew exactly what to say to get so annoyed could I really handle that the whole entire time? 

"Come on, "Ronnie," Scarlet urged, her eyes dancing with amusement. "What's the worst that could happen?"

I gave her a withering look. "With Tanner? *Literally anything.*"

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized I didn't have many options. And as much as I hated to admit it, Tanner might be my best—and only—shot at getting through this weekend.

Notes 

So I know this is really cliche but I'm going to write it anyway I find the idea really cute and I'm really excited about it !!