The announcement had been a kick to the gut. Facebook. He'd found out she was engaged by Facebook. A whole childhood of memories, years of dating, a promise that they would always be friends. Fucking Facebook! It's not like he hadn't seen the pictures, he'd even met the guy once or twice but they'd been everything to each other and she couldn't even call him with a heads up. Text him even. So much for the stupid saying about loving them and setting them free. He'd really just thought they'd get back together once upon a time. Next thing he knew, she was perfectly happy with someone else, giving him pitying looks like he hadn't moved on. Why he'd made up the damn lie.
The first time he'd seen them together had been a bit of a shock, of course he hadn't reacted well. And what kind of stupid nickname was Snap anyways. So she'd called him, tried to smooth things over, saying he was supposed to to be dating too. At first he didn't want to date someone else, they'd been childhood sweethearts, it was supposed to be perfect. But she'd wanted to make sure they didn't regret getting married, they'd never been with anyone else. So he'd stupidly agreed. And now she was going to marry someone else.
It had been completely offhand. She called out of the blue. The soccer game on in the background was 100% to blame. He couldn't lie to save his life, usually. So when she asked if he'd been seeing someone, wanting to go on a damn double date to catch up he'd said yes he'd met someone. But online. And they couldn't because they lived in England. Fucking FIFA. It sounded so fake, even he knew it. But he'd clung to the lie like a lifeline. And now he was completely and utterly screwed.
She'd actually come over, to invite him personally. After Facebook, it didn't really count. Completely expecting the six months heads up would be enough time for him to arrange the vague significant other to come to the States. He'd nodded, he could fix this, he had tons of time. If he'd actually done something about it months ago.
"I need someone British," he moaned into his beer.
"Ah buddy, do I need to cut you off?" Finn said hesitantly. "That's a little random, even for you."
He looked up at his coworker. Finn had been transferred to his office last year, he was one of his few people in his life who had missed all of the drama. Why he'd accepted the offer to go out for a beer (or three), the guy was completely unconnected to his current crisis. So much for a night off of freaking out. "My ex's wedding is in two weeks," he started with a sigh. "I need a date, I stupidly said I had one. An English one. And I don't."
"Ask Hux," he said laughing.
"I'd skip out of the wedding before subjecting myself to that," he replied. That guy was a dick.
"How fancy we talking here?" he asked.
"What?" he asked, completely confused.
Finn rolled his eyes. "The wedding dumbass," he replied. "Is it one of those stupid, ridiculously expensive ones or we talking backyard with dollar store decorations?"
He had to shake his head. "Does it matter?"
Finn grinned at him. "Guess I've never mentioned my best friend, have I?" he said smugly.
He felt like a bit of an idiot. He and Finn were friendly but he wasn't quite sure they were friends. But Finn had insisted. So here he was heading over to the guy's apartment for the first time ever. This Rey was his last hope. He just had to convince her he wasn't completely pathetic. He was doomed. But Finn seemed optimistic. He was pretty sure that was the guy's default setting though.
He wasn't sure how he survived dinner, there was no way this didn't look anything like a set up. Finn and his girlfriend were obviously close with her so he was the one on the hot seat. A ton of semi invasive questions later, he found himself not so subtly alone with Rey. Fucking fantastic.
"So ... wedding date huh?" she asked. At least she sounded amused. And English.
He huffed. "How much did the bastard tell you?" he asked suspiciously. "I'm wondering how sad you think I am."
She laughed gleefully, head thrown back. At least he was good for something. "He only told me you needed a British girlfriend for the night," she answered. "It seemed a little strange but who am I to judge? He promised me you aren't some complete wanker. I figured I could see for myself. The open bar doesn't hurt either."
Wait? Was she actually considering this? "So what's the assessment?, he said aiming for casual. "Wanker or some even worse slang word I don't know because I'm a Yank?"
"Yank would be the worst case," she replied smiling. "And you don't seem terrible. I think we could come to a mutually beneficial arrangement Mister Dameron."
"K, that just sounds like the beginning to a bad porn," he replied. "And forget I said that, please. I'm not single because I'm some crazy porn addict, promise. Did Finn mention I have no filter when I'm nervous? I really hope so." He buried his head in his hands, Finn was going to be pissed.
He felt the small hand on his shoulder, the warm weight comforting. "He did actually," she replied after a giggle. "But I'm guessing he didn't mention my little problem."
He was a complete arse, but not a stupid one. He never did anything that she could go to HR about. He'd never touched her, asked her out, made her stay late alone with him. But he was always just too close, always watching her. Everything inside of her screamed creep but that would never get the man fired, he was the boss' son. So she'd lied.
It's not like she hadn't told the lie before. Going out to clubs, public transit, parties, every woman had probably told this lie. Too bad it works a lot better with a stranger than your supervisor. So she needed a boyfriend, someone to keep him away from her at the party. And hopefully that would be the end of it. Finn had offered, but she'd been worried they'd have to be convincing. She definitely would never be able to look at Rose or Finn again if they needed to kiss. So she'd figured why not meet the man when Finn suggested it. It was only for two nights, what could go wrong?
"So what do you think?" she asked once she had explained. "You help me and I help you."
He gave her a slow smile. "I think you've got a deal."
They'd exchanged numbers, needing to get their stories straight beforehand. Finn looked a little too smug when he caught them, Rose giving her a thumbs up, mouthing the word 'hot' behind her boyfriend's back. Usually she would have stayed for movie after dinner with them but she was certain they'd never actually watch the film with the mood they were in. They were acting like he'd proposed or something. She knew his name and where he worked, it wasn't anything more than that. She enjoyed her job (well, other than the one drawback), she was fine being single for now. She didn't know what his story was but it was just a business transaction as far as she was concerned.
They met for coffee on Wednesday, both rushing over from work. She had to agree with Rose, he was definitely hot. And the fact he looked good in a suit worked in her favour. They decided to just stick as close to the truth as possible, there wasn't any need to make up some elaborate backstory. They had met online, talked for almost a year. She only had been here for four months, so they were still adjusting to being a couple in person. Hopefully that would put off any questions about marriage. It was basically the truth, other than how they had met. Once she had finished her schooling she had moved to back America. Her father was from here, her mother English, she had grown up in both countries.
"So, boundaries?" he asked when he came back with a second drink for them both. "We've got your party first. I'm guessing a work thing will mean PDA's aren't necessary."
She could feel the flush on her face. "I doubt it but my boss seems like the persistent type," she replied. "We can probably get away with holding hands, maybe a kiss on the cheek."
"I promise not to slobber all over your face then," he laughed.
"What about the wedding?" she asked in return.
"Nah, maybe just dance a few times. Karé will probably want to meet you, then we can just hide out for a few hours before taking off," he answered. "There's going to be a ton of people, no one will notice if we leave early."
"Meet me?" she asked in surprise. "Why would she care?"
Poe let out a groan. "She thinks I'm still in love with her. When we broke up I figured it was just for a few months. Then next thing I know she's all serious with some other guy. I didn't do well the first time I met him and now all I get from her is these looks like I'm some sad puppy."
"Are you still in love with her?" she questioned. "If you're using me to break up their wedding, we're going to have a problem."
He looked shocked, like the idea had never occurred to him. "It's over, I got that a long time ago. I should have figured it out sooner but I didn't. First she wanted to go to different schools, then it was we needed jobs, then it was the whole we should experience life crap. She kept putting us talking about getting married off. So we do the date other people thing and she's happier than I'd seen her in years. I don't want her back, but I don't want the pity either. So I'm going to show her she can stop worrying about me, we were friends for a long time first. Maybe we can be again, but we weren't meant to be together."
She was glad to hear that at least. But it honestly just made her more curious. "So why haven't you found someone then?" she tried.
Poe just shrugged. "I threw myself into work, didn't really care about finding anyone. I've dated yeah but no one ever really clicked. You can't force falling in love. If it happens, great. If it doesn't, oh well."
She supposed he was right, not like it mattered. She wasn't looking for love anyways. They finished up their drinks, setting up the last minute details. The party was on Saturday, they'd see each other soon enough.
He could do this. It was just like any first date. Except they were supposed to be a couple already. And they're lying to everyone. And she was entirely too attractive but this was supposed to be just a quick ... whatever. He released the death grip on steering wheel, taking a deep breath. He could do this. He sent her a quick text, she said she'd meet him down here. Because this wasn't a real date, he doubted she wanted the random guy she'd just met knowing which apartment was hers. But they were supposed to be a couple so they had to arrive together. This was a mess.
She texted back, saying she would be down in a second. She'd be easy enough to notice, he doubted there'd be a whole lot of people in formal wear coming out of her building in the next few minutes. He spotted her instantly, the long skirt of her dress waving in the breeze. She looked good. Really good. This might be a little harder than he thought it would be.
He got out of his car quickly, walking around to the passenger side. She gave him an odd look when he opened the door for her but didn't object when he helped her in. He jogged back to his side, staring the car.
She was still staring at him. "Where's the party?" he asked her when she didn't say anything.
"You know no one is watching us, right?" she asked instead.
"Still doesn't mean I can't be a gentleman," he replied easily. "So where to?"
She gave him directions, their final destination a house he would never be able to afford even if he saved every cent he'd ever make in his life. They had valet parking, making him hand over his keys reluctantly. The sports car was one of the few luxuries he'd allowed himself. This was real life, not Ferris Bueller. Rey was waiting for him on the first step, it was showtime. He tried to give her a comforting smile before holding his hand out. She laced her fingers with his before heading up to the house.
She was an engineer, she had learned all sorts of different equations during her life. The one she was currently pondering was 'Ben Solo alcohol = asshole'. She knew she'd have to see him, it was his mother's house after all but he'd zeroed in on her the moment they'd walked in the door. "Rey! You're here," the slight slur evident in his voice. He stopped short when he noticed she wasn't alone. "Who's that?"
Well she wouldn't have to point out her annoying supervisor discreetly. She glanced at Poe briefly, he didn't seem the slightest bit upset by the man's rudeness. "I'm Poe, Rey's boyfriend" he said breezily. "And you are?"
She watched him attempt to straighten up, Ben loved to lord his height over most people. "I'm her superior, Ben Solo," he said loftily. He reached his hand out to shake, probably wanting to do the hand crush thing men do.
Poe raised his right hand, never letting go of her own. She was confused until he shifted his grip to place a light kiss on her fingers before letting go to shake. Ben was furious, she almost giggled. "Sorry Brian, she's never mentioned you before."
"It's Ben," he replied angrily.
Poe's face scrunched up like he was in deep thought. "Don't remember a Ben either," he said casually. He turned to look at her. "So should we get a drink sweetheart?"
She nodded quickly, she didn't trust herself to open her mouth. Poe offered her his hand again, leading her away. They found their way the bar before she collapsed against his shoulder, laughing. "That was a thing of beauty!" she exclaimed.
He smiled at her. "True test is if he got the point."
Oh he got the point judging from the dirty looks they were receiving. Monday would be interesting to say the least. They spent the night avoiding Ben, Poe doing the perfect job of adoring boyfriend. He was always touching her somehow, hand in hand, on her back, she'd shivered when he had caressed her cheek. She was falling for the lie, everyone else must be sold.
They made it through the night without having to talk to him again, she just started ignoring the looks. She was surprised to find she was actually enjoying herself. Poe was funny, definitely intelligent and had a much better handle on dealing with people than she did. She was shocked when he was telling her it was close to 11, they'd agreed to leave before then. So he ushered her back to the entrance, giving the valet his ticket.
He waited until they were out of the driveway before saying anything. "Did I pass?" he asked grinning.
"You know you did," she replied with an eye roll. "Here's hoping he wasn't drunk enough to forget the whole night. It would have all been for nothing then."
He rarely got texts at work, everyone he talked to was usually working too. He always checked, paranoid it was his dad. He wasn't expecting to hear from Rey this early on a Tuesday.
He's worse!!!!!!!
Who, your boss?
YESSSS
Did he black out?
Noooooo
You're going to need to give me more than one word answers here Rey.
Help me
Two words answers aren't better.
Pick me up for lunch.My treatI might have to kiss you.Better mr perfect texter
He groaned. This was not how it was supposed to go.
No tongue.
c u @ 12
He went off to find Finn, he didn't even want to consider Rey's idea of directions via text. "So you guys had a good time?" he asked with a sly smile.
"Her texts are incomprehensible, but I'm guessing her boss is doubling down or something," he replied. "So we show him I'm still around. After next week, we probably won't ever talk to each other again. "
Finn didn't look like he believed him. He wasn't sure he believed himself.
Her leg was bouncing under her desk, eyes going frequently to the clock at the bottom of her screen. Watched pot, the most apt saying right about now. It had been an hour since she'd texted him the SOS. At 11:58, she was startled when her phone vibrated on her desk, too fixated on her computer. Poe was on his way up. It was just going to be a quick peck, she could do that.
Ben spent yesterday avoiding her, it was heaven. She'd been beaming the whole way home. But this morning? He'd been in her office seven times, wanting to 'check' on her progress. Asking if she needed any help. He couldn't help her if she wanted him to, he didn't have a bloody clue about design specs, not really. He was being an absolute pest.
She grabbed her purse from under her desk, heading towards the elevator to wait for him. It should have been simple, but the world was conspiring against her today. Both of the Solos were already there. "Heading to lunch too? You should join us," the bane of her existence asked.
Leia chimed in as well. "Yes, Ben has been raving about you for weeks. I didn't get the chance to talk to you at the party, I'm sorry. You should absolutely join us, I think we should get better acquainted."
She fumbled for a reply, the ding of the lift making her turn. The doors opened revealing Poe leaning back against the handrail. She was just going walk up, a quick little kiss. That had been the plan anyways. She rushed over to him, his eyes widening. He straightened up, arms circling her as she hugged him tightly. "I have plans with my boyfriend," she blurted out. "Perhaps another time."
She didn't know Leia Organa-Solo well, she rarely interacted with her. But the woman looked pissed. At her son. They'd followed her in, Leia glaring at the man. "So how long have you two been together?" the older woman asked.
"About a year and a half," she lied, after leaving his embrace. "Poe's one of the reasons I decided to move back to America."
"I see," Leia replied evenly.
"Great party Saturday, by the way," Poe chimed in.
Leia's eyes narrowed, head turning sharply to her son. Ben was avoiding everyone's gaze, his normally tall frame was hunched into the corner. She had the distinct impression her problems with her supervisor were over. By the end of the week, she had decided that lunch was the best $40 she had ever spent.