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Chapter 1

“Ben is on my panel” Rose Beharie dropped that bo their weekly Wednesday family dinner What kind of perverse wench was Fate that she’d pair her with her snake of an ex-fiancé on her law school reunion’s legislative presentation panel?

“Are you kidding est sister, Iris, recovered from the surprise first Seated beside Rose, Iris stared at her, wide-eyed

Rose hadtheir first year of law school at the University of Michigan She’d thought he was The One Instead, he was one of the biggest ister for her ten-year law school reunion without first learning whether Benja Temporary insanity—or more likely hubris

She’d read in their alumni e-newsletter that Benjaeles He was an entertainment lawyer Whatever Rose was now a partner at one of the ious firms in Ohio Since they practiced such different types of law, Rose would never have pictured the on the saether? If so, who? Why? And did that person have exceptional health insurance?

“What are you going to do?” Her lass of iced cucumber water halfway to her mouth She was seated across the table from Rose

After their parents had died, Lily had suggested the three of them continue the weekly Beharie family meals Rose and Iris returned to their family home—now Lily’s ho support

That’s what Rose needed now “I have to find a date for the reunion”

“Why?” Lily finished her tilapia

“I’ve already registered and agreed to serve on the panel” Rose reen beans to another side of her plate A deep breath carried to her the savory aroma of seasoned tilapia “I can’t back out now Ben will think I’m not over him”

“But you are over hilowered as she stuffed a green bean into her mouth

“I know” Rose glared at her half-full plate Instead of the wonderful er, hurt and bitterness of her words “I want Ben to know it, too That’s why I need a date”

“Sorinned with evil intent

Rose stared at the original artwork on the wall behind Lily It was of a scarlet vase of wildflowers “So”

“And rich” Iris sipped her cucumber water

“I don’t understand” Lily slid aside her eer to your reunion and pass him off as your fake boyfriend so Ben will know you’re over hiet TV movie of the week?”

“No, it’s revenge” Iris drained her glass of water

“Ben was cheating on me even before he proposed” Rose shoved aside her half-full plate and leaned into the table “Do you have any idea how that made me feel?”

“No, I don’t But I kno it made me feel” Lily’s voice was quiet “And I kno it makes me feel to see you still so hurt and upset Rose, you don’t have toa fake boyfriend to it, either There’s a third option”

“What?” Rose regarded her sister closely

“You could go by yourself” Lily folded her hands on the table

Rose’s eyes widened “I

can’t go to the reunion by myself”

“Come on, Lil” Iris added her voice to Rose’s “It’s been sixteen months Ben can’t know that Rosie hasn’t even had a date in more than a year”