It was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life that I hired a fake boyfriend for our family dinner.
Lara hated going to family events, especially once Emily, her sister, started making light of her lackluster romantic life. Lara makes the decision to rent a lover for the evening in order to endure her father’s birthday dinner. She had no idea how a romantic comedy would end.
Although I like my family, I used to dread going to family get-togethers. My sister Emily would always find a way to make fun of my single status whenever we were together.
She went too far the year before at Thanksgiving, setting aside a spot at the table for my “imaginary boyfriend,” complete with a napkin and a drawing of his face. Around the table, people were laughing, and I tried to grin.
She would always reply, “It’s funny, Lara!” if I brought up the incident.
It was not at all humorous.
It was only fitting that we have a family meal to commemorate my father’s upcoming birthday.
I told my buddy Kate over coffee that I could never sit through another one of those gatherings with my family.
“I’m telling you now, Emily probably already has something planned,” I complained.
“Then just get a date for the evening!” Kate laughed and stirred her coffee.
“Send in a man?” I let out a cry.
Indeed! My sister used an agency to do it. She looked for the agency because she didn’t want to attend her ex-boyfriend’s wedding alone herself. Look, everything is done legally, and the guys fulfill your requests to the letter.
“It’s not… sleazy?” I asked, searching for a more appropriate phrase.
No way, Lara,” she chuckled. “You are aware of my sister.” She is really refined and poised! If she didn’t believe everything was legal, she wouldn’t have moved forward with it.
This is how I came to hire a date for the family get-together. Using the same agency that Kate’s sister used, I was able to locate Jake. He seemed to know exactly what I wanted, and he was personable and easy to talk to.
We convened several times prior to the meal to clarify our account, as I didn’t want Emily to discover any irregularities.
“Well, the story goes that we’ve been dating for three months after hitting it off over their dog at a mutual friend’s party,” a beaming Jake remarked. It seems about correct.
Opening our Chinese order for supper, I retorted, “Look, any story involving myself and a dog are winners.”
He said, “And I’m an architect with a love of cooking, right?”
Yes, exactly, I replied.
We had practiced the story so much that I was beginning to think it was true. All the same, Jake had said it, and I loved the notion, so I started to wonder whether he was really an architect with a love of cooking.
On the day of the family dinner, Kate stated over the phone, “You don’t need to get to know him too well,” while I was doing makeup. “Just enough to get by and feel at ease throughout the night.”
I took Jake’s hand as I walked into my parents’ house. My mother even grinned and raised an eyebrow upon our arrival, as my family as a whole fell silent.
Instead, my sister leaned in to smile at Jake since she was never one to pass up a chance.
“If she’s making you come here, blink twice,” she commanded. “We’re all aware of how challenging it is to be with Lara. I feel bad for you since you have to deal with that.
Jake smiled at me and gripped my hand tighter, drawing me closer just as I was about to break.
Calm yet forceful, he replied to Emily, “Listen.” “Will you behave in this manner the entire evening? Do you feel envious of your sibling?
Emily’s cheeks flushed red, but Jake proceeded before she could respond.
“Because having someone as incredible as her would be a blessing for anyone.”
My sister stumbled, “Um, no, that’s not what I meant,” and followed my mother into the kitchen.
After that, dinner went remarkably smoothly. Jake enthralled my parents with tales from his travels and even sparked a conversation on architecture and the need of belonging in spaces with my brother Mark, who is known for being aloof.
“I’ve never considered it in that way,” Mark remarked, raising his wine glass.
“Most people don’t,” Jake retorted, accepting the roast potatoes I had extended to him. “But it’s crucial.”
Emily remarked, “You’re really different from the usual guys that Lara dates.” “You seem too wonderful to be true.”
I gave her the eye roll.
But Jake?
Emily was forced to concede as Jake skillfully and humorously parried her punches. I noticed that I was genuinely observing him and questioning whether this was all actually happening.
When we lit the candles on my father’s birthday cake and sung to him for dessert, that’s when things really started to change.
Naturally, Emily had to add another cruel remark about how rapidly “relationships” may fall apart.
Jake lifted his drink to his torso.
With his eyes meeting mine, he remarked, “I’d like to propose a toast.” “First of all, happy birthday, sir! To the man of the evening! May you get all the happiness you deserve in this new chapter.
He took a moment to allow each person sip from their drink.
However, I also want to raise a glass to the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. You’re smart, compassionate, and have the cutest laugh ever, Lara. Since the first time we met, I have been incredibly fond of you.
I wasn’t prepared for how hard Jake’s remarks affected me. I shook glasses with him, tears starting to build up in my eyes. Feeling that this was a real relationship, my parents smiled.
My sister seems surprised as well.
I took Jake aside after the toast.
“I’m grateful,” I murmured gently. “I don’t know how I can ever repay you for that; you’re an amazing actor.”
Jake softened his eyes and clasped my hand.
He said, “Lara,” echoing my tone. You see, I wasn’t acting. All of what I mentioned was accurate. I have been in love with you since our first meeting.
Heart palpitating, I fixed my gaze on him.
I answered, “But the only reason we met was because I hired you for this night.”
He gave a shrug while grinning a little.
He responded, “Yeah, life is funny that way, isn’t it?” These things can occur when we’re not seeking for them. I want to give things a formal try. I mean, with you.”
Grinning, I nodded.
“I’d also like that.”
We ate big chunks of cake after joining the family.
It’s months later, and Jake and I are still happy together. I hired Jake, but we never really told the family. He was the boyfriend who surprised me and won me over, as far as they were concerned. And that was accurate in a way.
“You mean that I’m the only one who knows the truth?” Kate enquired as we sat wearing face masks in my living room.
“Yes,” I answered. Because you are aware of Emily’s nature, Jake and I decided not to be honest with my family. This will give her a field day. She hired him because her poor younger sister was unable to find a partner for herself.
But you did manage to find a partner,” Kate said.
“Yes, I did,” I said. Additionally, he has departed from the agency. He is thus sincere in this. That’s unfamiliar to me.
A few weeks later, I returned home for tea with my parents. I wasn’t dreading going there for once because they were aware of Jake.
However, Emily shared something with me there. As we worked on the dishes in the kitchen, my sister turned to face me.
“I apologize for being so rude,” she uttered. And when Jake came over for Dad’s birthday, I didn’t mean to treat him so badly. It drew to my attention a few things.
“Explain what you mean.” I enquired.
“I split up with Paul, but I didn’t tell you this. He didn’t miss Dad’s birthday due to work. We’ve been separated for several months now. I’ve been resentful of your joy.
My sister was carrying the weight by herself, which baffled me, but at least we could communicate now.
I’m not sure how long my sister will be this vulnerable, new version of herself, but let’s wait and see.
