My Fake Boyfriend

Our Fake Beginning

I could feel Aaron’s questioning glance burning into the side of my head, but I carried on smiling at his Mum as she gave me the same tight smile in response, before clearing her throat with a cough.

"Forgive me, Alexis. I was going to go make dinner, if you guys want to head upstairs to hang out," she murmured with a tired laugh, gesturing to the stairs and I let out a small laugh.

"Oh, I could help, what are you thinking of making?" I offered, to which his Mum raised an eyebrow. Nevertheless, she shook her head gently.

"No, I would hate to put that work on you," she started and I let out a small laugh, shaking my head.

"It's no work at all, I would love to help. Plus, I cook a mean pasta," I joked, to which his Mum wordlessly gestured to the kitchen, an indecipherable look on her face. 

I nodded in thanks before making my way over, ignoring the way in which Aaron was looking at me, most likely wanting to decipher why I was here. I heard Aaron's Mum behind me and looked around in awe as I entered the furnished room. It looked so amazing, and I eyed the marble countertops in fascination.

"Only if you're sure, Alexis, I could just order something," she said and I turned on my heels as I placed my phone on the kitchen counter, grinning widely, watching as Aaron entered from behind, a curious look on his face.

"Oh, but nothing beats a home-cooked meal. Besides, I make a habit of making dinner every evening," I joked again, and Aaron's Mum gave me a once-over. It made me cower into myself slightly, but I stayed with a smile on my face.

"That must be difficult to keep up with as well as school now that you all have your exams?" she questioned. 

I gave her a wave of dismissal before looking around to familiarise myself with the utensils and ingredients. "It is lot of daily tiresome work. It's not easy, but I think I'm managing." 

Aaron let out a scoff, making me turn to him. "Just managing? You're getting A's left, right and centre." 

His eyes glimmered but gave nothing away and I coughed awkwardly before turning away towards the stove. I couldn’t tell whether he meant it, or was just playing into the act.

"Can cook and a straight A student? What else can I say except for, where do you want me to lend a hand?” Aaron's Mum spoke, giving me her first genuine smile. I pointed towards the fridge.

"Well, I could use some help cleaning and cutting some chicken, if you have any, Miss Walker," I said in a bright tone.

“You can call me Sam." Aaron's Mum rolled up her sleeves before giving me a large grin, wheeling towards the kitchen.

I could feel Aaron’s stare through the side of my head as though he was asking me to turn, but I ignored it. I started for the kitchen, but a hand on my shoulder stopped me.

Aaron's voice rang out behind me.

"Why'd you come back?" he said quietly. I looked at him, his face as impassive as his voice. Even though he was distant right now, I could tell he was happy. The promise to his Mum was being fulfilled and I spoke, my voice tight with emotion, but I shrugged almost noncommittally.

"I’m doing it for you mom. I had promised you I would hear your reasoning out and, on that basis, I want to help. Whatever happened between us during the day is irrelevant," I said with a levelled tone, sparing him a glance as he nodded almost robotically.

“Thanks,” he said and I nodded in acknowledgement at his words.

Who said we had to get along for this to work?