He observes a quarter inch of hair has been removed from a woman’s head that he doesn’t see every day, yet he can’t acknowledge the effort that I put into my appearance tonight? I know this is a fake relationship, but the effort to tape my boobs for the backless dress, ladies and gentlemen, was real.

A simple ‘you look nice’ or ‘that blue dress is pretty’ would have sufficed. He picked the dress out. He could have complimented himself with that one. Why is it so hard to say something nice to me?

I’m about to storm out but a waiter places a plate of food in front of me. It’s filet mignon and grilled shrimp. I drop into my seat so fast Barrett is startled.

During dinner I focus on eating the delicious food and talking with Emma and ignore Barrett, except when I have to smile at him adoringly, and that one time when I was lovingly patting his thigh but decided to pinch and twist instead.

By dessert, Barrett’s arm is resting over part of the back of my chair, which wouldn’t be a big deal except my dress is backless and I’ve now accidentally leaned into his hand twice. Those fucking hands.

When it happens again, I nearly jump out of my seat.

“I’m going to the ladies’ room,” I announce in monotone. Now who’s the robot? I feel like Barrett’s charm is wearing off on me.

“Hurry back. They’ll be serving dessert soon,” Emma says cheerily.

I don’t use the ladies’ room, but instead wander the hall. I take another lap through the silent auction.

“Anything interesting?” The male voice beside me causes me to look up. It’s the handsome man from earlier. Hunter Cartwright, Emma had said.

“Nothing I can afford.” I smile.

He laughs. “But it’s for the dogs.”

I laugh. “Yes, they are cute,” I say, looking at the poster for the Goldendoodle dog fostering program.

“Hunter Cartwright.” He extends his hand and I take it.

“Chloe Anderson.”

“Nice to meet you.” He smiles again, his blue eyes sparkling. “That’s some dress.”

“Yeah?” I say, surprised. “Thank you. My date has yet to comment.”

As soon as I say it, I hate that it is what has been bugging me all night. I shouldn’t care what Barrett thinks. I don’t need his approval. I don’t need him to tell me I look nice.

“He’s an idiot.”

“He’s actually a smart businessman.” I’m shocked the words fall from my mouth so easily. They’re true, of course, but I thought I’d be the last person to defend Barrett tonight.

“Chloe.” We both turn to find Barrett entering the room. His dark expression lightens when he sees Hunter.