Previously: Hilary meets Kai's family and some things go well while others don't.

I get one thing done and call it a day

It feels weird to be alone after spending four days surrounded by a few close people. I strip off the dress and the layers of make-up, aware of every sound I make in the silence of my new home. Trying to relax after the craziness of the evening and adjust to the cold surroundings, I soak in the tub for about an hour, before curling up in my new bed in my new bedroom. It's not like I haven't been living alone for years, I tell myself as I struggle to find a comfortable position. It's ridiculous for me to be making such a big fuss. But it just feels so large, void of anything warm. I feel exposed.

When I can't unwind enough to fall asleep, I pull out my phone. Kai said he liked, or more accurately appreciated, me because I'm a problem solver. At this point, I've caused more than a few problems for him, so I owe it to him to actually help for once. Opening up my notes app, I start to make a list of the most pressing issues.

Salima mentioned the wedding. I've organized parties before, and very successfully I might add. However, I've never attempted anything as grand as what would be expected of a Hiwatari event. The idea of it is daunting, to say the least.

The cursor blinks at me in question.

Wedding Stuff? I type. Not at all descriptive of the actual issue, but a starting place.

Another thing I need to address is my family. I have what feels like hundreds of unanswered messages from my mom and, unsurprisingly, Emily. Mostly from Emily. She's already asking about bridesmaids. While I loathe the idea of making her one, it would be the easiest thing. It'll make her happy to feel involved. There's also the issue that I was a bridesmaid at her wedding (the last one to be asked. She also paired me with one of Michael's boorish friends. He stepped on my feet all evening. I was wearing open-toed heels, as per Emily's dress code. I did not have a fun time). To add to that, it'll hurt more when things between me and Kai are over if she's had personal involvement in our story. On the other hand, I know deep in my bones she'll want the maid of honor spot, not because she loves me that much but because it comes with the most influence over others. If I did make her maid of honor, I'd have to keep a close eye on her. Once Emily gets even a taste of power, she'll try to take control, and if she gets too close, she'll discover our secret.

My thoughts turn towards Mariah. Despite the short amount of time we've known each other, she would be the best option. But how do I explain to my family my choosing her over Emily or even Queen? And maybe Mariah won't even want the position. That's a lot to put on someone, no matter how much you're paying them.

Mariah? I add to the second line.

I'm sure there are other pressing matters, but these are the only things I can think of at the moment. Still, it feels good to have a to-do list again. I always do better with a plan of action. I put my phone down to take advantage of my drooping eyes but even as my head hits the pillow, my mind whirls like a hurricane.

I like Salima, but Kai said not to trust anyone.

Kai.

Yet another problem to address. I grab my phone again and add his name to the list. There's no doubt I've made a mess of things, and he has every right to be upset with me. I just wish he would explain clearly what he expects, but getting anything out of him is like trying to separate smoke from the air.

My sheets, as soft as the ones at Kai's, twist around my legs as I kick the comforter off in a frustrated shuffle. It's too hot in here. I need air. Back in my apartment, I never left the window open even though I was on the second floor. This is a different neighborhood. I'm safe here, I think as I eye the balcony doors.

I swing them open, allowing the cool night air to flow over me. Stepping out, I lean heavily against the railing, hands gripping the metal, letting the icy chill sink into my skin. The city looks small at night. Like I could fit it in a snow globe and shake it around. This is what Kai saw before he took over. Having had my first taste of his family tonight, I can see why he wanted the distance. Standing here, I try to imagine what it was like for him.

Cold. I feel cold.

I step back inside, leaving the doors open and returning to bed, curling under the sheets. My thoughts go back and forth, sick of how unsure I am. Just a few weeks ago, I knew who I was, what I wanted, and where I was going. Or I thought I did. Turns out, none of that was true.

By the time morning arrives, I'm still exhausted, my muscles ache, and I'm in a sour mood. But there are things to get started and no time to waste.

First thing I do is call my mom. She knows it's me when she answers on the second ring, despite not having caller ID on her old landline. I hear the tick of irritation in her voice, the drawn-out 'hello' that has me bowing my head like a child caught sneaking dessert before dinner.

"Good morning, Mom," I say, giving up the pretend chipper voice I had planned on using.

"You've finally remembered us, or so it appears,"

"Mom."

"No, I get it. You're fiancé certainly demands more attention."

"Mom,"

"I mean, we raised you and everything. Our job is done."

"Okay. I'm hanging up. Call me when you'll listen to my apology."

There's a brief, suspended pause. "I'm listening," she says.

I pour out my remorseful heart as much as I can. The love I have for my parents is not something I can measure with words, and the weight of my lies feels heaviest when I'm talking to her. She's half-convinced herself that Kai some dangerous, abusive Mafioso, having heard so many stories of manipulative men who separate their partners from family. That part is easy enough to deny.

"I'm okay, really," I urge, repeating myself. "Kai has no problem with me talking to you. There's just been a lot that's happened and I needed some time to catch up. Honestly, without Kai this week, I don't know what I would have done."

"What do you mean? What happened?"

I recount everything that happened since the announcement on Monday in as little detail as possible. It still makes my heart ache to talk about it, especially with the person who encouraged me to chase my dreams. Her sympathetic hums bring a bit of comfort that I've been missing.

"But, since I was worried about rent and Kai was worried about my safety, he let me move into an empty condo that he owned,"

"Oh?"

"I thought it would be more comfortable this way,"

"You're not living together? Why not just move in with him and save yourself the hassle of moving twice?"

I curse myself for not talking about this with Kai first. Another stupid mistake. "Well," I draw out, thinking quickly. "I didn't want it to be forced on him. He's finicky with his stuff."

She groans doubtfully.

"Besides, grandma didn't live with grandpa before they got married, and look how it worked for them."

"Huh," she says, considering it more than before. "If you're sure."

Yes! I make a mental note to tell Kai that so that we can keep the story straight.

"When can we expect a visit?"

Crap.

"Soon, Mom. Soon." It's a promise I'm not sure I'll be able to keep.

Before I end the call, I give her my new address. She fawns over the location, all but singing Kai's praises for "protecting me" now that she knows I'm in a lofty highrise behind gates. If only she knew the real reason I'm holed up in this castle, and it's not because I'm his princess. By the time she's finished and I get her off the phone, I regret even having parents. I wish I could be more like Kai and just not include them.

Which is weird...but not my priority right now.

Before I can do anything else, I need sustenance. Crawling out of bed with my comforter wrapped around me like a cape, I shuffle into the kitchen. I'm immediately thankful to Mariah, who in her infinite wisdom, set up a coffee station while I was being assailed by Giancarlo and his posse. The girl really is a dream come true.

'I'm declaring my undying love for you,' I message her as I wait for my coffee. 'If you ever get tired of your husband, you know where to find me.'

My phone buzzes a minute later, and I'm only partially surprised she awake already. 'thank you my dear but there's a line'

What's a girl to do?

With fresh coffee in my system, I hype myself up in my next call to Emily. I'm correct in my assessment of her character as she wastes no time getting to the crux of the matter. "So, who's the maid of honor?"

"I hadn't thought about it."

"Well, you should be, Hilary. Honestly, it's like you've never planned a party before."

"This is a little more than a party. I'm taking my time, Emily."

"I've already talked to Queen. She's not interested in being in the wedding party, but she and King do want to be involved in the planning, and I think their input can be valuable."

"I'm sure they do," I mutter. They'll leap at any chance to be disruptive.

There's a strange silence on her end. "Em?" I prompt.

"I just," she pauses. "I still can't believe it. I couldn't believe that you started dating someone without telling the family. You were always over the moon anytime someone showed you the slightest bit of interest. And then when I saw Hiwatari's picture, I was certain you were lying."

I knew it. And she's not wrong. We were both right. It's a point for both.

"I did start doubting myself when we met you at work and he covered for you, but still. Something was off about the way you interacted."

"We were keeping it a secret," I explain. "We couldn't be overt."

"It was more than that. You acted like strangers, not like a couple with a secret."

I absolutely hate how observant she is. It's another problem to keep in mind. Kai's comment about my reactions to him echoes through my mind and I know I have a lot more work to do in that area.

"But it's obvious I was wrong. You really are dating Kai Hiwatari. I'm sorry, engaged."

"Is it really that weird?"

"It feels like I've entered an a different reality. I mean you and Kai Hiwatari?"

"Please stop saying his full name like that." Of course, Emily can't be relied on for respite. It might physically tear her apart to not say what she's thinking.

"Hilary Hiwatari," she continues, rolling the name around. "Nope, it sounds weird. At least it's good for alliteration. Are you sure you want to take his name? You know, women don't have to do that. He could take yours."

Yeah, as if that would ever be a possibility. I sigh. "Right. Well, one thing I didn't tell you is that we've set the wedding date."

"When is it?"

"December." I allow myself a little joy in telling her.

"December? You mean the month I'm due? You couldn't possibly pick another month, perhaps one when I won't be the size of a beachball in all of the pictures?"

I put on a sympathetic tone. "Kai picked the date. It's important to him. There is nothing I can do. Marriage is about compromise, right?"

"And the wedding is all about the bride," she huffs, clearly put out.

I smile. It feels good to have the advantage for once. Normally, I would avoid creating a conflict like this, but considering the truth of the matter, there's nothing wrong with letting her sweat a little. I allow her complain for a while longer before cutting her off, telling her I'll let her know when I decide on the wedding party and then disconnect before she can add anything else.

After getting Emily off the phone, I message Mariah again, asking if she'd like to meet for breakfast. It's the least I can do to make up for the huge favor I'm about to ask for. She replies a few minutes later, saying that she'll pick something up at meet me here.

'Are you sure? I want to pay.'

'You can get it next time.' She returns, quickly followed with, 'Stay put' with a smiley face.

It's been a long time since I've had breakfast with a friend and the excitement rolls through me like a wave. Mariah isn't exactly a life-long confidant, but it's easy being with her and she's been beyond helpful since we met. So far, she might be the thing I'll miss the most when this is over.

Huh. Kai was right. My life is pathetic. Putting that thought away, I change into some lounge clothes since I have no plans of going out and Mariah arrives with bags of warm breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and fruit smoothies for both of us.

"That's a lot of food," I comment as she lays it all out.

Then, with a knowing look, she hands me a newspaper.

Well, actually it's more of a trashy tabloid.

Of which, I'm on the cover.

Kai is there too, of course. It was taken last night when he called my name and caught me as I turned. My face is dead center with a caption that reads Hiwatari's Bride: Not What She Claims. Again, I can hardly recognize myself. But for entirely different reasons than last night. In the picture, my face is caked with creased make-up a shade darker than my neck. My looks hair is dingy and greasy, and as a final blow, I look as though I'm bursting out of the beautiful dress.

"This is-"

"They alter the photos to great controversy." Mariah rushes to say. She's trying to appear unbothered, picking at a muffin, but I can see the way her eyes watch me carefully, gauging my reaction as I read the article within.

Each word is a shot to my character. They make wildly outlandish claims about my motives – money, influence, power, of course. It says I'm blackmailing Kai somehow. It also implies that I'm possibly an escort of some sort. And while none of that is true, there is one line that that hits heavy. The conclusion:

Does anyone actually believe that this is the girl Kai Hiwatari is choosing to marry? I smell a cover-up. You read it here first!

I put the pages down on the kitchen island.

"Hilary?"

In a fit of rage that I can't contain anymore, and possibly a week of pent up stress, I tear the magazine in two, shredding the cheap, shiny paper. "That dress was beautiful, damn it! And I looked beautiful in it!"

Mariah is frozen, mouth wide open in shock as I continue to assault the trash. She blinks, pulling in together when I'm done with my attack and settle into seething. "I see confidence isn't going to be a problem," she mutters as she starts gathering the pieces and throws them away.

Trying to bridle my anger, I grab one of the pastries and bite into it. The sugary icing coats my tongue and I feel the tiniest bit better. "Has Kai seen this?"

Mariah nods sympathetically, taking the seat on the barstool next to me. "He gets a message for anything that contains his name. Usually, he ignores it, but I'm sure he's monitoring the public's reaction right now."

I tear off another bite with clenched teeth.

"Look, I wouldn't worry about any of this. A.J. Topper and Brad Best have been after the Hiwatari family for years. No one really listens to them."

"Is this the reason you didn't want to meet me somewhere?"

"Yeah. I didn't want you walking around out there without a warning."

"Does this happen often?"

She doesn't even have to say anything; I can tell from her silence. "It's not forever, though, right? Eventually, they'll have nothing to talk about and focus on something else."

Still simmering, I finish the pastry and move on to the warm breakfast sandwich. I'm still grateful for the food but it's much less exciting now. "In the meantime, my name is going to be dragged through the mud. No one will want to hire me and Kai gets what he wants after all."

"He usually does," she laughs. I want to ask her so many questions about Kai – ones I know he won't answer. Somehow, though, I sense a wall. She may be Kai's employee, but she's a friend first. She won't be the one to divulge any secrets. At least, not the kind that I want. And judging by that daring gleam in her golden eye, she'd revel in the defeat of the person who'd try to break her.

"So," Mariah says, brushing her hands of crumbs and leveling me with an inviting look. "Tell me about last night."

Rolling my eyes, I set my food down and pick up the smoothie. "I liked Salima."

"Salima is very sweet," she nods approvingly. "Her mother is a piece of work though."

"You've met?"

"In passing. Whenever it's Kai's turn to host the family, Rei does the catering. Obviously, they don't talk to the help."

"I can't put my finger on it, but it feels like there's this weird undercurrent to the family. None of them seem to like each other."

Mariah shrugs. "That's probably not far off from the truth. I know he doesn't mind Salima's company and he tolerates Ralf most days. I wouldn't call it 'love' by any means."

I snort. "And I thought my cousins had issues."

"What else?"

Might as well get around to the juicy bit. "I told Kay -"

"Dr. Hiwatari, you mean," Mariah scoffs, adding a mock regal tone in imitation of the woman.

I chortle. "I told Doctor Kay that Kai and I aren't sleeping together and now Kai's mad."

Her shoulders shake with laughter. "I wouldn't worry about Kai; he thinks too much but he'll get over it."

"He was pretty upset last night,"

Mariah stands, throwing her stuff in the trash. "That's because everything is a game to them and he wasn't expecting you to make moves of your own. Sometimes he forgets that people are real and not pawns on his giant chessboard." She grins at me, leaning against the counter. "I think you do the most to remind him of that."

"What do you mean?"

She takes a moment, carefully considering her words. "Kai's perceptive. He's good at predicting people because he watches them so closely. I've seen him call longshot outcomes long before all the pieces are in place. Sometimes, it scary, how far he can foresee things. You, however, don't...align with his predictions very often. Or at least, I think that's what Rei told me Kai was trying to say."

The idea that Kai is talking about me while I'm not around shouldn't come as much as a surprise as it does. My heart is in my throat thinking about the kind of things he might be saying.

"Anyway," she says as she starts to gather her things, "I need to get going."

"Oh! Before you do," I say, "I wanted to ask you if you'd be my maid of honor."

Mariah's mouth falls open in a surprised gasp. "Me?"

"I mean, since you know the truth about everything, it'll be easier to talk and plan around you," I explain my reasoning. "If you don't want to, I understand."

"Hilary," she interrupts me, "of course I'll help. I'm surprised, but I get it. Anything for team Kai." She says the last part with a begrudging sigh before smiling again. "We'll set up a time later this week to get started on the arrangements. I promise this will be the best fake-wedding you'll never have."

I smile, happy we're on the same page. After I express an excess of gratitude, Mariah leaves. The door clicks shut, the sound of automatic locks moving into place. Standing alone, in the living room, I look around. It's only 10 a.m. and I've already finished with half my list. Maybe I should just take the day off. It's Saturday, after all, and this has been the most hectic week of my life. Ever.

On Saturdays, I do my laundry! That's part of my normal routine. It'll be nice not to have to gather everything up and lug it down to the laundromat. I grab the few items that I've used this week and put them in the hi-tech washing machine. Standing back as it fills up with suds and water.

Well, that took all of five minutes. Back in the living room, I flip on the TV and click through the channels. Nothing. I turn the TV off and toss the remote away. Maybe a book. I don't have any books. I never had time to read before. Silence reigns and I...am suffocating in it. What do people normally do with their time? What did I use to do?

I worked.

While in school, I thought about homework, clubs, and organizing events. And I had friends then. When I worked, I thought about projects, reports, and the bottom line. None of that applies now.

Wandering through the condo, I look for something to spend my time on. My feet tap lightly on the tile floor as I go from room to room. Back in my bedroom, I find the suitcases and boxes I packed up and set my mind to unpacking. I put my clothes away the day before, but I still have a box of personal items I can scatter about. I carry the box room to room, putting my things in places that previously lacked any personality. The last thing I put in place is the picture of me, Emily, and the twins, setting it down on the side table in the living room. Looking around, the place starts to feel like a home for the first time.

As the morning goes on, I feel myself loosen up. I haven't had this much space to myself since I was back home. It feels good to be able to spread out. Though it hasn't changed much, the area already feels brighter and more lived-in. I whirl around the living room, enjoying the opportunity to take more than ten steps in one direction without the fear that I'm encroaching on someone else. Who would have thought a simple picture would land me here?

Realistically, I know what Kai and I are trying to do is insane. Just the thought of it - a fake engagement - is not in the realm of sensible. All my life, I've done 'sensible' and 'practical' all my life and look where's that's gotten me. I'll admit, Kai's plans make me nervous. He obviously doesn't like to play by the same rules as everyone else. But he is successful.

Perhaps it's time I give up my rigidity and need for order and take a page from Kai's book.

I pace around the condo, lost in thought about what my next step needs to be. I'm startled out of my meditation by phone, alerting me to a caller. Whether my heart is pounding because of my pacing or some other reason, I'm highly aware of it as I bring the phone to my ear.

"Kai," I answer, trying not to gasp into the receiver.

"I -" he pauses. "Are you okay?"

"I'm good. What's up?"

"Okay," he draws out, suspicious. "I was calling to invite you to dinner tonight. Now I'm worried I need to order you a doctor."

I freeze at the idea of dinner. If he's inviting me somewhere, that means going out. Going out means company and I'm not entirely sure I can handle another night like yesterday. However, Kai is paying me and I'm living in this apartment rent-free, so this is technically part of my job.

"Hilary?"

"I'm here,"

"Did you short circuit or something?"

"Something," I reply quickly. My heart has slowed, but I still have to take a deep breath before answering. "Yes. Dinner would be great. Who's going to be joining us?"

"I'll be just us. I've made the arrangements and I'll pick you up later."

"Oh," I say with surprise, relieved to know I won't be putting on a performance tonight. Good. Clearly, I still need practice.

"And Hilary," he says, his voice low like he's telling me a secret. "Wear something nice. It's not the last time you'll be on the cover of a magazine."

*/*/*

Because of Kai's words, I spend over an hour after my shower staring at the few dresses I already owned and the two that I recently bought. It brings my total up to five, including the one I still have from Emily, but that's automatically out. Four feels like a low number, but I usually wear skirts and a button-down for work. Not exactly upscale restaurant attire. I'd look like his assistant.

What would Kai consider nice? I waver between the red dress that I already owned and the black dress I just got. The red dress is bold, but the black dress is flirtier. I bought it specifically with this situation in mind – the so-called "little black dress."

But would Kai think it's nice? 'Wear something nice,' he said. I know I've been complaining a lot about other people dressing me, but the list of people I wouldn't kill to have Olivier shove me in the bathroom with the perfect outfit and remove all responsibility from my hands is a short one.

I pick up the black dress. Holding it up to my body to get the full image, I sigh. "Kai paid for you. Might as well get to see where his money's going."

I slip the dress up and zip myself in, and then quickly brush on some eyeshadow and blush in the bathroom. I'm sure my skills won't impress Giancarlo, but I know at least three decent looks. To finish, I throw on the black pumps I already own. Finally, my work is done and I stand back to stare at myself in the mirror.

It's underwhelming compared to yesterday, but at least I recognize myself. I do like the black dress and how it makes me feel. Girly and pretty. Worthy of a handsome date and a special evening.

At eight, Kai rings the bell. Greeting him is less awkward this time around. It feels more like friends meeting up than a date.

"How are you really?" He asks in the elevator after we've gotten through all the perfunctory small talk.

"I don't know. The newspaper threw me."

"They'll call you a hundred different things hoping just one of them will stick," Kai replies, shrugging it off. "You can't let them get to you."

"Right." I wonder who would be more comforting, Kai or Emily? Neither of them seems to know the meaning of the word.

Kai leads me out of the elevator and I'm only slightly startled to feel his hand on my waist as he directs me to the parking garage. Other tenants that are walking through spare him an appreciative glance and then see me and look away.

Yeah, I see you, I think spitefully as they turn their noses up.

Instead of the usual black sedan that Spencer drives, Kai leads me to a silver car with tinted windows. "You drive?" I ask when he gets behind the wheel. I'm absolutely flabbergasted by this revelation.

"Just get in," he says, starting the car while standing outside of it.

It is the most elaborate car I've ever been in. Instead of a dashboard with many buttons, there's a large touch screen that has control options. "So, why are we having dinner tonight if we're not meeting anyone?"

"Honestly," Kai says as we leave the garage, "we need the publicity."

"What?"

"People need to see us a couple, in public. We also need to talk. Two birds, one stone and all that."

I'm silent as I try to process the idea that people will actually be seeing us. Obviously, that's the intent of all this. Yet, somehow, in my head, everything was going to happen behind closed doors and in secret rooms with just his family. Still, this is an evening with just the two of us and I'm excited to get to know him further, now that I'm getting more comfortable with him.

"Is that a problem?"

His question pulls me from my thoughts. "No, it's not a problem. Is this what you meant when you said that I wouldn't be the last time I'm on a cover?"

"Yeah. That's why I said to wear something you feel confident in."

My growing lightness comes to a crashing halt. "No, you said nice. Wear something nice."

He looked over to me, clearly perplexed. "Are those different things?"

"Yes," I reply. "They are very different. You need to learn to communicate your thoughts accurately."

"I'm a great communicator. People need to learn to listen."

"I can't believe what I'm hearing," I mutter to the passenger window. If he hears me, he doesn't let on. Just as well. Best not to get into an argument before we're supposed to act like a couple. "I mean, you didn't even tell me that you were going to announce to the world that we're getting married."

"Excuse me?"

I don't know why I said that. It seems I can't stop myself from talking. "You said you were a great communicator. And I'm saying that there have been some missed opportunities for you to display that skill." Why won't my mouth stay shut?

Kai stews in silence as he drives us into the city, while I mourn the obvious death of my tactfulness.

We pull up to a restaurant with a valet at the curb. Before the man can open the door, Kai locks the doors. The man looks, understandably, confused.

"I think that man has a job to do."

"Hilary," Kai sighs. "Is this going to be an issue? Every time I do or say something you don't like, are you going to bring that up?"

I have to bite my lip to keep from saying the first thing which comes to mind. Which is 'no,' by the way. My first instinct is to deny everything and be cooperative because I'm thinking like an employee. And yet, I know I need to be honest with him. Clear communication is the only way we'll get through this.

"I don't know. Probably." I say finally. "I want to help you. All of this is way out of my comfort zone and I tend to get combative when pushed, but I am trying."

Kai nods as if he's filing this new information away. "Good to know. Explains a lot, actually."

"So, I can't promise I won't bring it up again, or any other mistake you make. It doesn't mean I'm backing out."

"I haven't made a mistake. Often, it's just a difference of opinion."

I want to roll my eyes so hard they'd pop out of my head. Unbelievable. "Let's go inside," I jerk on my door handle, waiting for him to unlock it. When it remains close, I tug on it repeatedly. When that doesn't work, I look at him. "We're holding up the line. That's rude."

Wordless, Kai unlocks the door and gets out. I follow, stepping out onto the curb where Kai meets me, wrapping an arm around my waist. A few photographers are milling about but they're held back a respectable distance. Still, with those telescopic lenses, I'm sure my pores will be clear as day in any pictures they print.

"Next time, wait for me to open the door," he whispers as we walk into the restaurant.

"I thought we weren't changing who I am?" I reply. I feel his fingers tighten around my waist before relaxing again. I can't fight the grin.

We're not stopped at the podium and instead a hostess, dressed in a black dress that's nicer than mine, immediately leads us inside where we're sat in the back corner of the restaurant. All of the tables are full but the room isn't crowded at all. Must have a strict guest list. It's the kind of place I used to imagine he went to after work. Now, I'm here.

"This is place is fancy," I mumble to the menu. It's one page, no prices. "I dressed like the staff."

"You're fine," Kai answers. He's not even bothering with the menu. Probably because he has been here a billion times before and is close to the head chef. Instead, he's watching me.

When the waiter comes around for our drinks, we both order water. Kai offers wine, but I quickly, and probably too loudly, object. "Maybe another time," I whisper when the waiter leaves. "Comfort zone."

He nods silently, a small grin pulling at his lips. The waiter brings our drinks and asks for our order.

"I'll have the..." I glance at the menu again, still undecided. There's a lot that I want to try, never having the opportunity to before and now my mind can't decide what to go for first. On the other hand, I should order something that won't embarrass Kai. What are girls supposed to eat on a date? "The seabass?"

He asks for my sides and I order the broccolini because it sounds like what would go with fish, but my mind won't leave the French fries alone, so I order those as well. The waiter has a good poker face because he doesn't blink twice at my request.

Kai orders roasted chicken with an arugula salad on the side. And I'm confused.

"I thought you said that your favorite was steak. They had it on the menu," I ask once the waiter is gone.

"What? Oh." Kai gives me a look as he sips his water. "I lied. I didn't think we'd ever have a reason to speak again after that and I thought steak sounded like what you'd expect to hear."

"So, steak isn't your favorite?" I have to process through my confusion.

"I don't have a favorite. I don't eat because I enjoy food. I eat because I have to."

"One, I can't believe you lied to me. And two, I've never heard anyone say anything like that. Everyone has a favorite meal."

Kai shrugs.

I throw my hands up. "Okay, no more lies. I'm going to ask you questions and you're going to be honest with me."

He leans back in his chair. "Oh, really? How will you know the difference?"

"Because if you lie to me again, it could ruin your entire plan," I argue. "I'm on your side. You need to start acting like it."

Kai's dark eyes study my face but I'm determined not to let any weakness show.

"So," Kai says, "what do you want to know?"

There are so many things. Where did he grow up? What was school like? Why are all his friends also his employees? Were they friends first or did that come later? Why does he dislike his family so much, other than the obvious reasons? Why am I here?

"Everything," I mutter because it's too hard to pick.

His eyes tighten, immediately throwing his guard up. I have to look away, embarrassed by the confession and scared I'm revealing too much. But maybe that's the way to go.

I force a laugh. "Too much? Maybe we should start with me,"

So! The chapter. So many times I wanted to delet the first half and just focus on their dinner because having a chapter with so little Kai (especially when he's being a brat) seems counter productive. And then I didn't want to minimize Hilary's...rebound? So I kept it? I promise, after the next chapter, we won't be following her minute by minute and things will start speeding up. And Kai's in the next chapter. And he's somewhat nice (by our standards, so to him, he's being an angel sent from heaven). So that's good.

Fun fact: in the phone call between emily and hilary, emily nearly said "I feel like i've entered an alternate universe" but a voice in my head laughed too hard and my sad attempted to be funny. Ultimately, I changed it because I thought seeing the words "AU" would bring a reader out of the story and that's just kinda mean.

Same time next week? Take care until then. - Konix