"Be there at six o' clock sharp, no later. I've already ordered the flowers, as you apparently couldn't handle that task last time, so you simply have to pick them up. Be polite and courteous. Next week I want to set up dinner with Cecil and his wife, so you better leave a good impression. Cara picked the restaurant so let her suggest what the best meal is and take her advice."

It was hard to focus on my mother's words as I stood in front of my bathroom sink, trying to keep my stomach from twisting and curling and its contents from coming out. My mouth was dry and tasted like old leather, no matter how much water I sucked down. And then there was the headache. I didn't know how I was handling her shrill voice when it felt like Muhammad Ali was having a boxing match with my brain. I couldn't remember the last time I had a hangover this bad.

I never wanted to drink again.

"Are you listening?"

"Yes."

"Why do you sound like that? Did you go drinking?"

How did she know these things? A mother's intuition was disturbing.

"Bennett James—"

"I barely drank anything," I cut her off, rubbing my forehead in hope to alleviate the pain behind my eyes and basically everywhere. Was I a toddler? Why did she always use my middle name?

"Your relationship with that girl wasn't going anywhere to begin with, I don't know why you're so upset," she sighed, clicking her tongue. "Aren't you ashamed?"

This was not something I wanted to talk about right now. Or ever again. Pulling the phone away from my ear I inhaled deeply, preparing myself. "It's not—"

"Whatever, that's in the past now. Let's forget about it. Do not show the slightest bit of that disgraceful demeanor you've carried this past week to Cara. You know what will happen if you mess this up."

I looked at the ceiling, counting to three. "I'll be there, don't worry. I have to stop in the office so I'll be going now."

"Fine. I'll see you when you get here. You'll need to check in with the Wailea site anyway. It's your responsibility so I'm not going to be picking up the slack for much longer. I never wanted it there in the first place."

"Construction has started with no problems. Yates is there now overseeing it, he'll let me know if something comes up. I'm very aware of the development."

My mother made a noncommittal noise. "Fine. Goodbye."

After fighting to restrain myself from flinging my phone across the room, I headed back into my bedroom, falling on the bed and pulling a pillow over my face to block the bright lights. Why had I drank so much the night before? There were better ways to face my problems. Less distasteful, and less regretful ways. I could barely even remember what happened last night. Henley was there, I knew that much. And I had a vague, horrifying memory of vomiting on her.

Well she definitely wasn't going to give me a second chance anymore.

There is no second chance, my subconscious reminded me bitterly.

I took the pillow off my face, hurling it off the bed. There was no second chance? There was no first chance! I couldn't do anything as long as my mother controlled my life. I couldn't do anything. And it was all for Lee.

For Lee, who finally came back.

For Lee, who came to my house and didn't even try to see me after all this time. I was irritated. I was doing so much for him and he couldn't even tell me he was coming back? He couldn't spare five seconds to ask me how I was? So I could ask him how he was?

I hung my head. It was time to think about this rationally. Getting angry and drunk never solved anything— it was immature of me. There was a reason Lee was here and there was a reason he didn't tell me. There was also a reason that he'd gone off with Henley. That jerk—

I shook my head. They barely even know each other. Was I seriously about to get jealous of my own brother? But it was clear he was informed about her so someone was keeping in contact with him. I assumed it was Henry. But why would Lee come back if it wasn't by my mother's request? He wouldn't willingly come back. Not to a place that drove him to the darkest part of his life.

For now I just had to act like he wasn't here and keep my act up. If my mother got suspicious then everything I'd been doing up until now would be for naught. If she thought for a second Lee was coming back to reclaim the company, it was over. Lee could never come back. My happiness wasn't worth his life. I wanted my brother alive and healthy.

And I would do anything to keep it that way. Even if it meant sacrificing my own happiness.

My phone chirped and I reached for it, a text from an unknown number on the screen.

Hey, it's Cara. I'm not sure if your mother mentioned it but the place we're going tonight is super casual. Jeans and a t-shirt are fine. Hope you don't mind getting your fingers dirty :)

Jeans and a t-shirt? Was I Henley? An image of Henley in her ripped jeans and a maroon tee flipped through my mind and I found myself smiling. The look actually fit her quite well. She always knew what colors complimented her eyes and hair. I bet she'd look good in anything...

I stopped myself. Could I go at least two minutes without thinking about her? It didn't seem like it. It was over between us. I'd decided that. And yet I'd made a fool out of myself last night in front of her. I was so pathetic. What right did I have to think of her?

Letting out a long sigh, I headed back into the bathroom to prepare for work. At least it would keep my mind occupied. Hopefully my mother would be called out of the office so I wouldn't have to deal with her. I needed to stop thinking before I lost my mind.

Fortunately luck was on my side for once. By the time I showed up at the head office I was informed that she'd headed out to one of the express hotels to check on the refurbishment. Relaxing, I made my way to my own office, with the plan of checking in with the marketing team to see how their promotional plans for the Wailea hotel were going.

Those plans came to an abrupt halt at the sight of the packet of papers on my desk that had LOYALTY PROGRAM stamped on the front. Were we really revamping it now? I already had so many things going on— okay maybe not— but Henry hadn't even shown up for work yet. Was I supposed to go through it alone?

You're late, I texted Henry.

It's past noon already, Mr. Calloway. I took the day off. You seem to be the late one.

LOYALTY PROGRAM!!!!! I texted back at him.

Day off... :) Have fun!

You're fired.

I scowled at my phone. So not only was he hiding my brother away, he was skimping out on work? Part of me was tempted to push the papers in a trashcan, but I knew my mother had left it on purpose. It wasn't like I had the final okay or anything, she did, but I'm sure she expected me to see the same flaws she did. I shouldn't have come to work.

Five came by and I felt my eyes burning. Usually Henry would compile all the important parts of it into a file for me. I felt like I was in college again, studying for a research paper. I also realized how stingy our loyalty program was. We offered free nights, but they were next to impossible to earn unless you lived at our hotel. Maybe our costs were too high. Someone like Henley would never pay the prices we set for our main hotels. Maybe our loyalty program could discount the nights, that way they were more affordable.

My phone ringing reminded me that it was time for my date. Something heavy settled in my gut as I adjusted my tie. I couldn't find it in me to dress down. It wasn't who I was. Jeans and a t-shirt... it wasn't for me.

A beautiful bouquet of lilac plumerias and white orchids met me at the front desk. I fidgeted with it, wondering if I should toss them out or not. But she didn't deserve that. None of this was her fault. She was most likely forced into this just like I was.

When I pulled up to Buffalo Wild Wings I realized why she recommended casual dress wear. I looked down at my white shirt and slacks. Then back at the chain restaurant in front of me. Then to the bouquet of flowers on my passenger seat. Then back to the restaurant.

Swallowing hard, I got out of my car, pulling the flowers with me. I made sure to triple lock it, just in case. It didn't take long to locate Cara, who was lounging against her car, sporting a maroon t-shirt and pair of jeans, as she'd said. The shirt gave me a jolt, but the thought was momentarily deterred when I noticed just what kind of car she drove. A BMW M6.

"Bennett!" she called, noticing me and waving me over.

"Is that the 2015?" I asked, my eyes on the car.

"The 2016."

"It's not available yet." Otherwise I'd have it, I added silently.

She grinned at me, her eyes crinkling in the corners. "Well, I have my connections. I couldn't help but notice you also drive a BMW."

"You drive this and yet decide to eat here?" The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them.

"What's wrong with chain restaurants? You can drive nice cars and still pay ten bucks for dinner. You should have taken my text more seriously. A white shirt to a wing place? Seriously?"

"I normally dress like this." I looked around her, trying to surreptitiously peek at the interior of the car. The windows were tinted to what I imagined to be an illegal limit, making it difficult. How did she get her hands on it? I wonder how much I could pay her to have her sell it to me.

"You can check it out if you want. Even drive it. I don't mind."

"No thank you," I said immediately. I couldn't be won over by a car. Although it was tempting.... No. I couldn't.

Cara smiled knowingly and then took the flowers from me. "Did your mom make you bring me these?"

"Yes." At least she was smart.

"Well I'll thank you all the same. However I'll be leaving them in my car. Ready to eat? I want to get the spiciest level!"

I begrudgingly followed her into the restaurant, immediately assaulted by the smell of the general public and boisterous voices. My shoulders hunched as a cheerful brunette greeted us and led us to a table in the back. Children ran circles around a table where their parents were eating and I looked around, shocked that no one had scolded them.

"You seem out of place," Cara commented as we sat down, allowing the waitress to pour us water. She gathered her hair together, pulling it into a ponytail and brushing it out of her face. Her features were pleasant— the type that promised her beauty throughout her whole life, even without using the resources to keep on top of everything.

Henley was prettier.

"I don't normally eat chicken wings," I said, meeting her gaze. I needed to put Henley out of my mind. Thinking about her made my throat feel thick. How was she feeling while I was off with some other girl?

"I figured as much."

"Excuse me?"

Cara smirked, leaning toward me, her elbows on the table. "You're not interested me in the slightest, are you?"

Was I that obvious? I could admit I wasn't trying to impress in any way, but I showed up didn't I? My mouth suddenly felt dry and I struggled to come up with an appropriate response. If Cara caught on and complained to my mother things would get ugly very quickly.

She giggled, reaching over to pat my hand that I hadn't realized I'd clenched around my glass. "Don't panic. I don't want to be here either. Since you so obviously tried to be someone I wouldn't like at our last meeting, I'm trying to be someone you wouldn't like with this one. Hence the chicken wings. I'm not doing so bad am I?"

I stared at her incredulously, trying to get a grasp on the situation. She was being forced to be here as well? Why hadn't she mentioned that last time? Maybe she was under the same circumstances as I was now. It's hard to go against someone with wealth and power. Cecil was no amateur, so it'd make sense.

"Your mother is very intimidating, by the way. And I thought my dad was," Cara said, making everything much more clear.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. As long as we both know we don't want to be here, we can work together."

"Together?"

Cara nodded, sipping her water. "We can pretend to like each other and date so our parents will get off our backs. Don't tell me you haven't done that before."

Uninvited, memories of Henley flashed through my mind. Our first meeting, our first date, our first kiss. When had it gone from a false front to reality? That moment had been the catalyst that sparked the end. All the pain that came with it... all because I'd suggested that senseless scenario. Maybe I should've never answered her call.

"Haven't you?" she prodded.

"It didn't end well," I managed to get out.

"Well second times the charm. You just have to be more convincing. We'd have to set up some guidelines, like a contract—"

"I, uh, have to go to the bathroom. Please excuse me." I stood up from the booth so fast my thighs hit the back of the table, causing water to slosh over the edge of our glasses.

Once alone in the surprisingly clean, but pungent restroom I stared at my reflection in the mirror, taking in my pale face. Did Cara know something? Was she making an insinuation? No, it didn't seem that way. This was just a cruel coincidence.

The guilt I felt could fill a sea. I couldn't do this to Henley. I knew I had to, but I couldn't. I gripped the edge of the sink tightly, a mental war igniting. One I've had too many times.

What I Had to Do Vs. What I Want to Do.

One had a perfect streak. I knew it did and yet every time I hoped it would end.

The dejected man in the mirror was someone I hated.

After allowing myself a few more moments to calm down, I headed back to our booth. Cara gave me a kind look as I sat back down. She pushed a beer toward me and I realized I'd been in the bathroom longer than I'd thought.

"Don't worry about this too much. I promise I won't ruin things on my end. It's tough enough for us as it is," Cara said, nodding toward the beer.

The sight of it gave me flashbacks to the previous night and I shook my head. "Sorry. Lately I've been drinking a bit too much."

"Well that makes two of us," she said, pulling it toward her and taking a swig. "Anyway, we don't have to do anything more than what would satisfy our parents. Maybe once a week we can go somewhere together."

"Like dinner?"

"Well, that too. One day I could take you to where I buy my BMWs," she said, winking.

"I wouldn't mind that." And for the first time all day, I felt my lips curve up into a smile.

She beamed back at me. "There we go! You've looked so sad this whole time, Bennett. I'm glad I could help you to smile a bit."

"I just have a lot going on."

"I understand. That's why I'm hoping you'll agree to my plan. I know your mother is breathing down your back— she's breathing down my back— and I think both of us could relax more if we pretend we're doing as our parents want us to. That way we could be free to do other things."

"Other things?"

Cara's cheeks turned pink. "Don't take this the wrong way, but I'm already seeing someone. My father doesn't really approve so..."

I let out a laugh that sounded more like a sigh. "We're more alike than I thought."

"I figured you already had someone in your heart. That's why I realized we'd make perfect partners. Oh! As long as she's okay with it."

"It's too late for me and her."

"Hmmm, you must not have loved her then."

I sat upright, heat flushing my body. "What?"

"If you love someone too late isn't in your dictionary. There's always time and there's always a way. That's what's great about love."

"It's not that simple—"

"Then make it that simple. Or keep on making excuses."

"You know how our parents are—"

Cara's expression softened and she nodded. "Yes. And I also fall victim to them from time to time. But for people like us if you truly love someone, sometimes you have to be prepared to throw everything away."

"I... I can't do that." If it weren't for Lee, would I throw away everything though? Just to be with Henley? It was a stupid question. I knew the answer before even asking it.

"Don't give up, Bennett. I'm guessing there's something else holding you back, but one day whatever that is might let go. And don't you want her to be there for that?"

Cara had it mixed up. Nothing was holding me back. I was keeping my family safe. Lee wasn't holding me back. Was he...?

"Ugh, it totally sounds like I'm lecturing you right now. I'm sorry. You just kind of sounded pathetic, no offense." She hesitated, as if realizing she actually did sound offensive. "Um, so do we have a deal or not? I could really use your help."

Every fiber of my being wanted to say no. No more fake relationships. But suddenly there was this very faint, very warm sensation in my stomach. Maybe this was the first step I could take in getting Henley back.

I wanted her back.

I knew I couldn't give up on Lee, but I also knew I couldn't give up on Henley. Something was going to change.

And maybe having a partner in crime wouldn't be such a bad idea.

I offered my hand out to her and she grasped it firmly, shaking it.

"We have a deal."