Chapter 6: Lunch Date

Dana POV:

"The food tastes so good,” I moan out loud in delight, shamelessly forgetting that I have a man right in front of me and that people might actually hear me.

"Is the food really that good? I've always thought the food here is just okay. I rarely eat out anyway," my pretty boy fiancée says, and I frown. If you're wondering why I call him pretty boy, well, it's not solely because he's good looking although that happens to also be a part of the reasons but in my neighborhood, where I grew up, the name pretty boy is usually given to rich, good looking and classy looking guys that we don't see very often. We either call them pretty boys or fancy boys as a way of praising them or sometimes, mocking them. Works both ways.

"If this isn't delicious to you, then you my dear Blakey, don't have functioning taste buds because I have never tasted anything better than this. I even want more of it,” I reply to him, he chuckles.

"You already two portions Dana. How much more can you eat?" He asks mockingly and I hiss.

"If you want really want to marry me mister, then there are a lot of things you should really know about me,” I tell him.

"Isn't that why we're here?" he asks, and I scoff.

About an hour ago, I received a phone call from a strange number and the caller turned out to be him. Last I remembered, we didn't exchange phone numbers and he only gave me his business card to call him soon and when I asked him how he got my number, he simply replied that he just asked around for it. Pfft! I'm pretty sure he used some kind of influential means to get it but who cares? At least, he called first. I've actually been meaning to call him myself, but I just didn't have the courage to go through with it.

He had asked if I was free to have lunch and when I told him I wasn't because I had work to do, he came over to the school and I don't know how he did it, but he got me a weeklong leave and the best part was, my pay wasn't gonna be affected by it.

"If that is, then firstly, you need to know that I love food and I eat a lot. I don't really get enough time to eat much but when I do, I go all out. Secondly, I'm very talkative just in case you haven't noticed. If you're gonna be around me, you and I are going to be doing a lot of talking because I can't stand overly quiet people and I don't like to shut up,” I tell him and what appears to be a light frown clouds his face.

"Well, it's quite unfortunate that I don't really like talking. I'm pretty much antisocial and I only like to talk when it's required or when I have alcohol in me, that's the only time I may talk a little too much,” he says, and I roll my eyes.

"I can assure you, that will all change with me in the picture. I can't have you staying home and not saying anything. You, your boyfriend, and I are going to have lots and lots of things to talk about. I can only hope he doesn't think like you cause that will only make things more difficult for me,” I tell him.

"He isn't anything like me, don't worry. He's a free spirit and I think you two will get along just fine and you won't need me to do much of the talking,” he assures, and I could see how his eyes lit up when he spoke about him. He must really love the guy. Such a shame that he is from a family of homophobic people.

"Can I ask what his name is?" I ask.

"Yeah sure, you can. His name is Jason Case and I assure you that he's a great guy,” he assures.

"You don't have to assure me of anything Blake. If he's the man you love, then I'm sure that he is what you say he is. Anyways, I've been meaning to ask you this. What exactly are you going to tell your parents about me?" I mean, won't they feel I'm not good enough for you?" I ask randomly, trying to mask my nervousness.

"I had a feeling you'd be worried about that but like I told you previously, you really shouldn't worry yourself about what they think,” he replies reassuringly but that wasn't helping.

"Listen Blake, I know it's a fake marriage and all, but you really need to consider factors that could ruin things before it even starts. For instance, you told me that your dad has been bugging you for months and you've constantly told him you're not ready yet. If you suddenly introduce him to me, wouldn't he suspect something's off?" I ask rhetorically.

"Also, there's the issue with my background. He may not say anything to us but if I make one mistake or say something off, he'll suspect me and if things really happen the way I see in movies, he'll do a serious background check on me. I'm not even a legal citizen in the States Blake!" I remind him and he's sighs.

"First, I'll need you to please calm yourself. I already thought of everything you're saying, Dana. I know he'll definitely do a background check on you and you don't even have to mess up for him to do that,” he says, I sigh.

"The truth is, I don't plan on lying to him about your background, he'll know for the get go that you're from Mexico and that you're not legal in the States and I'll also let him know that you are not from an affluent family either. He'll know the truth about your siblings and everything he needs to know. The only thing I plan on doing is fabricating a college degree cause my dad may accept anything, but he won't like the fact that you didn't go to college,” he explains, and I'm confused.

"Wait, you're fabricating a college degree? And also, what makes you so sure he'll accept me even with my tacky background?" I question sharply.

"My dad may be homophobic and strict, but he isn't that condescending. He'll accept you especially when he gets to know you. He's actually a sucker for people who love talking cause he's also quite talkative and since you seem like the really bubbly type, I'm pretty sure you'll match his energy and he'll definitely fall in love with you,” he guarantees, and I decide to trust his words.

"Okay then but what's this about the college degree? How are you planning on going about it?" I ask curiously.

"That isn't a big deal, Dana. I already found a small community college and they've agreed to help. It's called Green Spring community college and it's not too far from here. I also made your course of study English since that's what you wanted to study before,” he explains and although I'm not too thrilled about having to fabricate a degree, I don't exactly have any other choice than to comply.

"Listen Dana, I know this isn't exactly the easiest thing to do, but regardless of the fact that you're getting paid, I want you to know that I really appreciate this. You have no idea how tough things have been for me in the last few years and I can't even begin to explain how grateful I am that you agreed to marry me,” he tells me, sounding genuinely grateful.

"You really should not be thanking me pretty boy, it's not like I'm doing this for free. I should also be thanking you for walking into my and bringing the solution to my problems, which is money, with you,” I jokingly say to him, and he chuckles.

"I guess we're both thankful then,” he says.

"By the way, do you still want to order more food?" He asks and I could tell that he's thinking that I would actually refuse.

"Yes please! All that talking made me hungry again,” I reply with sly smile and his jaw drops open before he finally got himself together and helped me order another round.

"Before I forget, how soon am I getting to meet your parents?" I ask.

"Oh yeah, I actually to mention this but I already told them about you and uhm, they want to meet you in about a week,” he replies, muttering the last part with a lower voice.

"What! A week!" I yell out unconsciously.

"Why the fuck are you just mentioning this to me?" I question furiously, throwing him daggers with my eyes.

"I'm really Dana. I honestly just forgot to mention it and I also didn't want to put too much pressure on you,” he responds, and I sigh in frustration.

"Well, now the pressure is two times worse than it's supposed to be. Oh, my goodness, I'm screwed. A week isn't enough to prepare my mind,” I stutter nervously as different thoughts of me meeting his parents starts to pop up in my head and he quickly takes my palm in his.

"You need to tell yourself that you will be fine Dana because you will be. It's really nothing too serious,” he says to reassure me again for the thousandth time today and I immediately throw him a death glare.

"Of course, you'd say that pretty boy! You're the one they're gonna be scrutinizing all day and asking numerous questions like marrying you is the same thing as taking an SAT exam,” I hiss in irritation, he sighs.

"Just don't worry too much Dana, I'll be there with you all through and I promise you that it's all going to be fine. You have my word,” he assures again, squeezing my palm in his lightly.

"Okay pretty boy, I'll take your word for it,” I say to him, and he nods calmly, helping me rub my palms together so I could calm my nerves.

"You can do it Dana, you'll be fine,” I mutter under my breathe before drowning the thoughts down my mind and paying attention to the waiter who brought me my delicious meal.

"Thank you for the food, again,” I chirp childishly to Blake.

"You're welcome you foodie,” he replies, and I ignore his remark, paying more attention to my food.