A/N: I know, I know. Everyone is itching to get to the fake marriage/sexual tension part, but a little more setup is needed.

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"You said 'yes,' didn't you?"

Rey looked up from the remains of her meal and eyed Ben on the other side of the table. She had called him this morning and asked if he could join her for lunch and they had met at their favorite restaurant just before one. It wasn't an unusual thing for them. They had long ago learned, after three turbulent years, that they made better friends than lovers. Their conversation had revolved around their jobs, their friends, and how Ben was doing without being able to talk to his mom every day. Now, at the end of their meal, he had finally asked about the subject Rey wanted to avoid but knew she couldn't.

"I asked him why he couldn't just let you have it," she said, answering indirectly. "You could keep him as Vice President and let him control everything and in ten years he could buy you out. You know what he told me?" Rey watched as Ben's eyebrows lifted inquiringly. "He said he didn't trust you, that you'd probably sell to Armitage before him."

"Hux?!" Ben exclaimed. He shook his head. "He's a shrewd businessman and a clever financier, but I would never give my parent's company to him. He doesn't have an altruistic bone in his body. My mom and Poe both kept Organa Enterprises focused on the work and not the money."

"So, you agree that Poe is the rightful heir?

"Of course!" Ben nodded. "And if I could, I would ensure he got the controlling share without any hassle."

Rey nodded in return. "This is the quickest, easiest way for him to get that share," she stated.

"Quick and easy for him," Ben argued. "But what about you?"

She shrugged. "Poe and I have been in each other's pockets for over twenty years. It shouldn't be hard being his roommate for a year."

"Oh, sure," Ben continued. "Except when you have to go out in public and pretend to be a couple hopelessly in love."

Rey shrugged again, biting the inside of her cheek. In a soft voice, she said, "Well, then I won't have to pretend."

Ben shook his head and sighed deeply in frustration.

"Look, I know you don't like him…"

"I don't like him because of the way he hurts you!"

Rey's hackles immediately went up. "He doesn't mean to hurt me," she argued. "He would never knowingly hurt me!"

"So, he's just gonna divorce you at the end of the year? And that won't hurt you?"

Rey sat back in her chair, taking a deep breath. "It's part of the deal," she told him. "Besides, he said we can get it annulled, which would let me marry in the Church later if I so choose."

"On what grounds?" Ben had been raised Catholic, though he didn't practice anymore.

Rey paused, then licked her lips nervously. "Non-consummation."

Ben snorted. "That comment right there probably hurt you."

"Ben. Stop." Rey readjusted her seat and crossed her arms on the table top, leaning forward. "It is what it is." She paused. "We probably shouldn't have lunch together in the future, either. I don't want people to question anything."

Ben nodded. "Is he going to behave, too?"

Rey tilted her head questioningly.

"I know Zorii is itching to get her claws in him again," was Ben's response.

Rey winced. Zorii Bliss, one of the share-holders and a member of the board, had dated Poe off and on in the past. "She doesn't know about the will, does she?"

Ben shook his head. "No. I'm the only one on the board that knows the specifics. But she does know that Poe inherited a lot of money and quite possibly the business, so he's got her interest again."

"Well, too bad for her," Rey wasn't afraid to say. "Poe already promised me he would be faithful to the wedding vows. So, she's SOL!"

Ben chuckled. Then he became serious again. "Have you told your father, yet?"

Rey blanched. "No! I'm not going to until the deed is done! Once it's official, he's less likely to murder Poe!" She was joking. Mostly. "He hates Poe, and I don't know why. He and Kes are best friends to this day."

"He hated me, too," Ben reminded her. "He hates the idea of any man with you. You are his precious princess, and no man is worthy."

Rey scoffed at his words, but she knew there was an element of truth to them. Luke hadn't been so hard on Poe until Kes' son had reached maturity and started dating. Poe had been very popular in High School; a musician with a quick wit and great looks, not to mention stellar grades, he had been as celebrated as the school's jocks.

"Dameron hates me, too," Ben continued. "Probably for the same reason."

"He doesn't hate you," Rey argued. "He doesn't necessarily like you, but that's because it was him I went to whenever you and I fought," Rey mumbled, glancing at her watch. "I better get going. I still have a couple of appointments this afternoon. Then I have to get ready for dinner out tonight."

"First act?" Ben asked wryly. "Be seen dating?"

Rey nodded, rolling her eyes slightly.

"Just remember, if you need anything through this charade, you know where to find me."

"Thanks, Ben. But I will be fine."

She heard the lie, and she knew Ben did as well, but they parted without acknowledging it.

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