I assumed it would be easy money when a beautiful stranger offered me $500 to play her boyfriend for three hours. I didn’t realize that accepting would lead to a labyrinth of deceit that almost ruined everything I had fought for. My name is Anthony, and I considered myself to be in control of my life until six months ago.
I had a respectable position at a mid-sized marketing company, a modest apartment that I could afford, and—above all—enough money to care for my aging mother. After Dad left when I was twelve, she gave up everything to raise me. It was my turn to look after her now.
I was more concerned with moving up the corporate ladder than the majority of men my age were with getting married and having families. I would get up at six every morning, get my coffee, and get to work. I would typically turn down invitations from my coworkers to go out for drinks.
I had tasks to complete, goals to reach, and a promotion to obtain. My coworker Jake used to say, “You need to get out more, Anthony,” virtually every day. “You’re 32.
When’s the last time you went on a date?”
I would simply tell him that I was too busy and shrug. In all honesty, I had no time for relationships. Dating seemed like a luxury I couldn’t afford because of my job and my responsibility to help Mom with her medical problems.
I was happy with my routine nonetheless. Put forth a lot of effort, save money, and create a future. It was easy and secure.
David, my manager, had observed my commitment. A few months prior, he had taken me aside and suggested that a management role would soon become available. During long nights and tense deadlines, that talk helped me stay motivated.
For Mom and me, this employment was the key to financial stability. I truly enjoyed my work. I was naturally good at marketing strategy, and I was truly happy when campaigns worked.
I was well-liked by my coworkers and had established strong bonds with my clientele. Everything was coming together just the way I had intended. Then that late September Saturday afternoon arrived.
My neatly planned existence was utterly upended when I was enjoying my one day off and reading industry papers in my favorite café. I got to know Meredith at that point. I was reading about the latest trends in digital marketing when I saw someone walking toward my table.
When I looked up, I saw a woman who looked like she was straight out of a magazine. She had a smile that could stop traffic, long auburn hair, and beautiful green eyes. Uninvited, she slid into the chair opposite from me and said, “Hello, my name is Meredith.” “Want to earn $500 for three hours of your time?”
My coffee almost choked me.
My mind raced to take in what she had just said. In cafés, attractive ladies did not approach strangers and make financial offers. This must have been a hoax of some sort, or worse.
With trembling hands, I managed to put down my cup and stammer, “I’m sorry, what?”
With utter seriousness, she leaned forward. “I need a fake boyfriend for one lunch. Three hours, max.
Cash payment.”
I was genuinely perplexed now. “What’s the catch?”
“My dad is ridiculously strict and obsessed with finding me a husband. I got so sick of his constant nagging that I told him I already had a boyfriend.
The guy who was supposed to help me out just bailed last minute, and now I need a replacement for one lunch with my parents.”
I gazed at her as though she had suddenly revealed that she was from Mars. I had never had a more bizarre talk with a total stranger than this one. “Look, I know it sounds crazy,” she said, “but I’m desperate.
One lunch, we pretend to be dating, and you walk away $500 richer. That’s it.”
My pragmatic side was screaming that this was a bad idea, so I paused. “I picked you because you’re genuinely good-looking and seem trustworthy.
Plus, you look like the type of guy my parents would approve of,” she said, grinning once more. $500 and flattery? My determination began to crumble.
For two months, Mom’s physical therapy appointments could be paid for with that money. I inadvertently heard myself say, “Okay, but just this once.”
Her expression brightened. “Perfect!
What happened next changed everything…
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