2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Claire

The clacking of keys sound around my cubicle as my co-workers type away, getting all the latest data inputted as fast as possible. Something I should do, but the red circle for Saturday shows Ellie's wedding, and it has me in knots.

Still no date for the wedding, and I have to go. For one, she's my cousin and two, I'm a bridesmaid. It doesn't matter, my ex is going to be in the wedding as well. After all, he's one of the groom's best friends. It doesn't matter how I feel like family trump's friend and the cheating ex-scoundrel deserves his invitation revoked. He's still going to be there, and with her, the mistress, no less.

Ugh. Is it still a mistress if we weren't married? It was like we were married. We were together for seven years. Ever since we were fifteen. His betrayal hurts and having to face him at the wedding as a single woman after splitting six months ago isn't something I'm looking forward to.

It was also foolish of me. I let Ellie know I have a plus one for the wedding. If I don't bring somebody, it's an even bigger failure and embarrassment.

Why does everything have to be so complicated?

The local college pamphlet flies onto the ground as I flop my head onto my arms on my desk and groan. In a flash, I snap my head up, hoping nobody caught me. I don't want my co-workers asking questions. This situation is humiliating enough.

I pick up the pamphlet and stuff it into my purse. The desire to go back to school is strong. I want to make more of myself, but it's not financially doable or the time for it. It never seems to be the time for it. However, I have other things to worry about right now. Such as facing my ex.

A breather is what I need, so I grab my tea cup and head into the breakroom, where a couple of women are chatting. We smile at each other while I go about making myself a cup of tea.

"I'm serious. My sister swears by it. She used the site and got a date for her company picnic. She got the guy to impress her bosses. It cost her a small fortune, but it didn't take her long to get noticed by the higher ups. The men she worked with even stopped trying to get her to go out with them."

"Really? A site for an escort?"

"It's not that kind of escort. Well, I mean, I guess it's possible, but no, it's where you get somebody you need for your plus one. There are all kinds of services. A date to an event, or pose as a significant other. Some pay, some work out an arrangement or exchange if they can't afford it, and some use it for a matchmaking service."

My ears burn with everything I'm hearing. Can this be true? Is this the answer to my prayers? It's even better because this only has to be a one-time thing. I don't have to get any guys involved thinking it's some booty call at the end of the night.

I'm looking for a date, and not ready for anything more. Alan was my first boyfriend, my first everything, and we were together for so long. The time to get involved with somebody new isn't right.

"Seriously? You're not pulling my leg?"

"Hand to God. If I wasn't married, I'd try it myself." Lois laughs, swatting Janine's arm.

"I'm so happy not to be out in the dating world anymore. It's a scary place."

She has no idea. I'm not even in the dating world, but I'm in singledom and it's another headache thinking about diving into the dating pool. The worry is strong for when the time comes to when I do want to date.

I pour the boiling water into my mug, trying to appear like I'm not listening, but we're not fooling anybody. If only I can get the name of this place, then maybe I can do some research and do the date exchange thing. I can't afford to pay somebody. So this has to work.

"Perfect Plus One. It has the catchiest name too, don't you think?"

Bingo.

I finish doctoring my tea while the women continue to chat and I tune them out, since I have the information I need.

Leaving the room, I walk back to my desk and glance at the clock. There's three hours before my shift is over, so I moan, hating to wait, but I won't log on and search the website here on the work computer. If anybody finds out I use this place, it will be so embarrassing.

Because I need a date pronto.

And I'll be going to the wedding with my Perfect Plus One.