The Heartbreaking Agreement

Chapter XVIII

I love Mrs. Erinson so much <3

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I double checked myself in the mirror that was next to Jerome's bed. I mean, my bed. Technically, it's his, but I sleep in it now. Alone, not with him. I'm not dating Jerome Walls. And yet, I'm going on a date with him. Double date, actually. With his "boss" and his wife. It's complicated. Actually, it's really not.

So over two weeks ago, Jerome asked me to pretend to go on a date with him to show the Old Man he was still in a good shape. Apparently, Jerome's private life affects his racing rates and if he's on a date with a nice chick, he'll win more races, which mean more money for Phoenix.

I'm the nice chick here.

Damn, I feel weird. Stupid, for some reason. My thoughts are short, simple, and yet so confusing. I don't like this. This is a bad idea. I want to stay here and watch Netflix. Maybe eat pizza, if Mike would order. He knows a good pizza place.

"Cupcake, are you ready?" Jerome's voice entered the room behind closed doors.

Am I really ready to pretend I want to date an attractive criminal, who I made out just a day before and we didn't talk about it and it seems we probably even won't mention it, like ever? Maybe.

"Just give me 5 more minutes!" I yelled, trying to find a red lipstick in my purse. I heard Jerome's footsteps walking away from the door. Thank god. I could feel the awkwardness even if I was 6 meters away from the door. I don't know how I'll survive an entire afternoon (and probably also evening if things will go too well) with Jerome by my side. I've never been in a situation like this before.

I found the lipstick and carefully put it on. That red shit is the devil itself. It's annoying and hard to keep it classy and perfect. Wait, does it mean I have shit on my face?

"Angel!"

I rolled my eyes, taking my purse and walking towards the door, opening them with a little too much strength. They fit the wall as I looked at Jerome who was looking outstanding. For the first time in my life I saw him without a leather jacket or in plain, dirty Disney T-shirt. He had a light blue shirt on and a navy blue jacket with a tie of the same color. The jacket had only two golden buttons, but he didn't button them up. He also had regular jeans on, which made the look more casual, but at the same time the entire outfit was neat. He had dark sunglasses on his always-messy hair and his wide open hazel eyes were staring at me.

I decided to go with a simple, yet cute look. I picked a strapless white shirt, covering that with a white jacket. I found my old favorite pair of skinny jeans and always good brown boots. I also added a little necklace of pearls, which I got from grandpa on my sweet 16. Apparently they belonged to Nana and that made one of the most valuable things I ever owned.

"You look... nice" Jerome commented, trying to focus his eyes now on my face. I smiled politely and a little awkwardly.

"Thank you. You also look nice."

"OH MY GOD! You guys are so annoying!" Mike screamed from the kitchen. Jerome turned around and both of us looked at the Zebra Boy, confused with his overly expressed frustration.

"What?" Jerome walked towards his friend, who was currently eating some old noodles.

"You are going on a date! Knowing the Old Man, probably someplace really fancy. With fresh and good food. I need normal food, so if you could bring me some leftovers... No, wait! Get me a regular meal to go. Something with bacon."

"I don't think they have bacon in fancy restaurants" Jerome hid his hands in pockets of his jeans.

"But you don't know for sure so please, bring bacon for your boy" Mike asked, making really bad puppy eyes, but he knew he would get what he wants. If Jerome won't buy him bacon in the restaurant, we will probably stop by store and buy him just regular bacon. That would satisfy him.