Chapter 92: Ninety One

Safe to say it was possible to die of humiliation, but she was stuck here with Tyler, so she just had to act like she didn’t care. She adjusted the frying pan on the stove, pressing the bacon into the pan with the frying spoon she was holding. 

Behind her, Scott, Corporate and Tyler sat there, and Scott was talking about a woman he had just met a week ago. 

“I’m just going to play it safe, take things slow. I don’t want my heart to be broken again.” Scott said and Corporate grunted. 

“Yeah, right. That’s what you’re scared of. You better put in your all and see how it goes.” He said. 

There was tension in Raina’s stomach as she listened to their conversation, but it wasn’t even that, that bothered her. It was Tyler’s input that made her feel like she was being humiliated for no reason. 

“Don’t do that, Scott. Taking it slow like you said and playing it safe is nice. There’s nothing good and forcing yourself on the person you claim to like. If they like you too, it will surely take off.” Tyler said.  

Now, tell her just how that doesn’t sound like he was talking to her.

Raina’s grip on the frying spoon tightened as she listened. Tyler’s words felt like they were aimed straight at her, even though he hadn’t mentioned her name. Her cheeks burned, and she focused on the bacon sizzling in the pan, pretending not to care. But inside, she felt like a balloon ready to pop.

She took a deep breath and forced herself to turn around, plastering a neutral expression on her face. “Breakfast’s almost ready,” she said, her voice calm despite the storm brewing inside her.

Scott grinned at her. “Smells amazing, Raina. You’re a lifesaver.” He said. 

She nodded, avoiding Tyler’s gaze. But she could feel his eyes on her, could sense the tension in the air. It was like he was daring her to react, to say something.

“Like I said, playing it slow is definitely the smart way to go,” Tyler added, his voice calm but firm. “Better than rushing into something you’ll regret later.”

Raina clenched her jaw, biting back a retort. 

She wasn’t about to let him see that his words were getting to her. “That depends on the situation, doesn’t it?” she said, her tone light, even though her chest felt tight. “Sometimes, you just know when something’s right, and waiting only makes things harder.” She said, she couldn’t help herself. 

The room went silent for a moment, and she could feel everyone’s eyes on her. She didn’t care. She wasn’t going to let Tyler have the last word, not when he was clearly using this conversation to make a point.

Scott laughed awkwardly, as if trying to ease the tension. “Well, I guess it depends on the person. Some people are worth the risk.”

Raina shot Scott a grateful smile and turned back to the stove. She could still feel Tyler’s gaze on her, but she refused to look at him.

“And some are definitely not.” She said, looking over her shoulder at them. “Breakfast’s ready,” she announced, grabbing a plate and piling on the bacon and eggs. “Come and get it.” She said. 

They all say around the table, and started to eat. “So, Corporate. How’s your dating life? Anything interesting happening?” Raina asked and the man looked at her a bit surprised.

“Nothing really. My life is a bit boring at the moment,” he said with a grin, “but I surely hope it changes soon. I’m hoping to meet someone that would change all that.” He said. 

“Maybe go out more, fraternize with beautiful women… I could even help you if you want. I know this game very well. Pretending to be with a woman like me in a club, but also showing minimum interest would make you look more appealing to women.” She said. 

“And how would you do that?” Scott asked. 

Raina lifted the corner of her mouth in a smile. “Really? You don’t know?” she asked. “Well, all I have to do is pretend to have an interest in him, and all he has to do is act like he’s not interested all that much in me. It's that's simple.” She said. 

She raised her hand to Corporate’s shoulder, behaving like they were already at the bar or club, and rubbing his shoulders, grabbing them even though her hands were too small for the size. 

She could be wrong, but she heard someone growling, and if her hearing was good, it sounded like Tyler made the sound. Looking at him, she saw the expression of his face… all smudged like something was wrong with him. 

Corporate chuckled, leaning into Raina’s touch. “You might be onto something there, Raina. Maybe I should let you coach me.” He said and Raina laughed lightly. 

Withdrawing her hands, she said. “It’s not coaching; it’s common sense. Trust me, women are way more interested in men who don’t seem desperate for their attention.” 

Scott smirked. “Hmm, I guess that means Corporate is going to be a ladies’ man soon.” He said. 

“Exactly,” Raina said, her voice sounding playful. She could still feel Tyler’s gaze burning into her, but she refused to acknowledge it. She wasn’t about to let him ruin her fun.  

Corporate leaned forward, grinning. “You’re really selling this idea, Raina. Maybe we should put it to the test. You and me, fake date at a club. See what happens.”  

“Yeah, let’s,” Raina said, smiling brightly. “Just let me know when, and I’ll make sure you’re the most sought-after guy there.”  

Tyler’s fork hit his plate with a sharp clink, and everyone glanced at him. His jaw was tight, his expression unreadable, but his eyes were fixed on Raina. 

Scott, oblivious to the tension, leaned back in his chair. “Sounds like fun. I might join in and see if Raina’s advice works on me too.”  He said. 

Raina laughed, shaking her head. “One at a time, Scott. Let’s see how Corporate does first. Besides, didn’t you say you just met someone?” she asked.

Tyler finally spoke with a calm voice, but it sounded like it was laced with something sharp. “Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out, Raina. But don’t you think playing games like that might backfire? Real connections aren’t built on pretending.”  

Raina turned to him, her smile cool. “It’s not pretending, Tyler. It’s strategy. Some people need a little help getting noticed. Not everyone is lucky enough to have everything handed to them, and they still don’t know how to receive it.” She said. 

Tyler’s lips twitched, but he didn’t smile. “Or maybe they just don’t waste time with people who only see them as part of a game.” He said. 

The air grew thick in the room, and Raina wanted to throw something at him. Corporate looked between them, raising his eyebrows. “Uh, did I miss something?” he asked. 

Raina shrugged, her gaze never leaving Tyler. “Not at all. Tyler just likes to overthink things, as usual.” She said. 

Tyler leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed. “And you like to act like everything’s a joke. But hey, whatever works for you.” 

Scott cleared his throat loudly, breaking the moment. “So… about breakfast. This bacon’s great, Raina. You’ve outdone yourself.”  

Raina finally looked away from Tyler, giving Scott a warm smile. “Thanks, Scott. At least someone here appreciates my effort.”  

“Anyway…” Scott said. “That strategy, you should all go out and see if it works.” He picked up a bottle of water and poured himself some.

Corporate nodded. “Yeah, that’s fine. I can’t wait to go on a date with you. I’m sure we're going to have so much fun. Maybe I will even enjoy your company and ignore whoever actually catches my attention.” He said. 

Suddenly, they heard Tyler push back his chair, the legs scraping back against the floor. “Yeah, well… that’s not going to happen. So maybe find another woman to do that with you.” And without waiting for a reply or saying any other thing, he walked out of the kitchen, leaving his food there.