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Part I

The Arrangement

1

Jennifer

My smile was fake I’d perfected a pleasant exterior asto escape this guy Why had I ever agreed to go on a date with hi

New rule: don’t date anyone you ith

“Oh, that’s nice, Evan,” I said, taking a step backward

Evanhis Nikon around as if it hadn’t cost him a ss all over the country, and it had see of Wright Vineyard That was before I’d agreed to go on a date with him The worst date of my entire life

“Maybe after we’re done, we can head out for a drink,” he suggested

I bit o cold turkey on guys for ninety days After a string of horrendous dates—truly horrendous dates—I couldn’t sto no was easier said than done when I’d spentwhat everyone else asked of me It was tiot what they wanted I wanted that, too

“I don’t know, Evan”

“Ten o’clock don?”

“I…”

“Perfect”

My eyes ith alarm at the stupid word that wouldn’t escape uy? No, I don’t want to date you No, I don’t want to sit through another dinner where you talk about yourself No, I don’t want to hear how much better you think you are than me Just no

But the word never left my mouth

“Uh…I don’t know Maybe…”

Evan furrowed his brow and opened his , but then his eyes darted up and over my shoulder He took a step back in response