Chapter 2

Alexander

"So how was the big date? Are we going to hear wedding bells in the future?" Michael, my best friend and business partner said, stepping in to my office.

I looked at him from my laptop, surprised. It was Saturday morning, he usually never came in on the weekends. Not after he married at least. "What are you doing here?" I asked.

He made a face. "Syd wanted to see her mother. I dropped her and came here, to help you," he said.

I raised my eyebrows in disbelief.

"Fine, my father-in-law was there. You know how much he scares me." He shuddered. "Now don't try to change the subject, tell me about the big date." He sat on the chair that was in front of my table and looked at me expectantly.

I sighed. I wanted to tell him the truth that I made a stupid deal with Nihara to fake date her for six months. But I knew what would happen if I did, he would try to over analyze my feelings and say that the reason I created this insane plan was because I secretly liked her.

What I told Nihara last night was absolutely true, about not wanting a serious relationship, and I was relieved when she said that she didn't want one either. But a tiny part of me was disappointed as well (A part I didn't want to look too closely at). She was beautiful with olive skin and big brown eyes, and when she smiled I found myself staring. When she talked about her bookshops, the passion in her voice, it was as if she truly loved what she did. It was similar to what I felt about my business.

Maybe I did have an ulterior motive.

I needed to analyze my feelings privately, I decided. "It was fine. We decided to give it a go," I said lightly, hiding my real thoughts.

"Seriously dude? That's all I'm getting?" He crossed his arms. "When I went on my first date with Sydney I told you everything. I mean every single thing. And I get a 'fine'?"

"I remember alright. I couldn't get you to shut up," I said rolling my eyes. "Listen, she was a nice girl, we had a pleasant conversation and both of us agreed on taking things slow."

"I feel cheated," he said dramatically. "Your aunty must be on the moon that the date she set up went so well, are you going to see her today?"

Every Saturday evening I spent time with my aunty Pushpa. She adopted me after my parents died when I was fourteen even though she was happily living alone. When I started R.E.D (Pvt) with Michael I moved out of her house and moved to an apartment complex in Colombo since it was closer to the office.

"I will, once I finish working, which I can't because someone keeps distracting me," I said pointedly.

Michael pointed to himself as if to say 'me'? And stood up. "I can take a hint. You know now that you are officially dating you will have to," an exaggerated gasp. "Take a break from working once in a while right?"

"Which will not be today," I said.

He's face turned serious. "Listen, I hope this works out for you. I really want you to have what I have with Syd."

"Thanks man," I said feeling guilty. I opened my mouth wanting to tell him the truth but closed it again, changing my mind.

Michael grinned. "You should invite her to the match next week, then you won't be the weird third wheel," he said walking out of my office, laughing.

I didn't feel guilty after that.