5

Tiffany’s POV

I was on my third drink at the Coastal Bar when Rosie called.

“Well? How did it go? Is he the one?” She asked eagerly.

“I’ve no idea. He was a no show.” I said.

We were talking about Tim, a guy she’d arranged to meet me that evening, after I’d called to tell her how desperate my situation had become. The meeting was at 7pm, it was nearly 10pm and still no sign of him.

“Have you tried calling his number?” She asked.

“Straight to voicemail.”

“What the fuck is wrong with him? When I told him how smart and sexy you were he was eager for a meet. What went wrong?”

I sighed. “Who knows? But he’s not here.”

“Don’t worry. It’s his loss. I’ll find someone else. Don’t worry Tiff, you’ll get a fake fiance come hell or high water.”

I thanked her and hung up with a sigh, wishing I shared her optimism.

There was no doubt now, I was going to end up a family laughing stock. The thought of the names they’d call me made me drink even more.

By the time I stood up to leave, I was feeling drunk. That’s when I bumped into someone and found myself staring into the face of my biggest enemy.

Could this evening get any worse! The last time I’d seen Andy Harris was at our high school graduation, when the bastard had deliberately broken the heel of my stiletto as a prank. Since then, I’d occasionally read about him online, usually involving some shocking or controversial behavior.

I wasn’t surprised. He had the IQ of a donkey, as I often told him, so I never expected him to do well in life.

“What the hell are you doing here ‘professor’ Fanny?” He smirked, calling me the name he used to call me back in high school, the one he knew I hated. “Does that stick up your ass let you walk to places as far as this?”

“I’m actually here because I heard a low IQ NeANDYrthal had been sighted, guess I’ve finally run into it.”

His eyes darkened. I knew how much he hated me calling him that back in high school.

We had an enmity that went back to junior high, starting when I’d beaten him in our spelling bee competition. I hadn’t been arrogant about it, and had been willing to help teach him what he didn’t know. But his arrogant ass couldn’t accept being tutored by a girl so he’d acted like a dick. Bullying and pranking me every chance he got, and I made sure to return the favor.

“All your intelligence in high school seemed not to have worked out for you in the real world.” He sneered. “I heard about your recent Internet fame. The pics were great , when can we expect more?”

“Bastard.” I hissed, and made to slap him, but I staggered onto him instead.

“Easy,” he laughed mockingly, holding me again. “If you want to give me a practical demonstration we should go somewhere private.”

“Go to hell!”

I pushed him away and walked out. I marched to my car, my eyes stinging with tears of anger and humiliation.

I tried to open the door but the keyhole seemed to keep moving,.

“Give me that.”

Andy had followed me and was reaching for my key.

“Get lost. I don’t need your help.” I snapped.

He snatched it from me. “You’re so drunk you can barely stand. Where do you live? I’ll drive you home.”

“The hell you will!” I grabbed the key, but he pressed me against the car.

“Listen, this isn’t the time to act stubborn. You can’t get home in this state. So it’s either I drive you home, or I’ll let you drive then call the cops and have you arrested for drunk driving. Your choice.”

I wasn’t so drunk to realize how embarrassing the latter would be. Sulking, I handed him the key. He opened the door and I got in.

“Where do you live?” He asked.

I reluctantly gave him the address.

“I’ve never known you to act reckless, what’s up with you? What sorrow are you trying to drown?” He asked. He seemed genuinely concerned.

“The sorrow of seeing you.” I snapped rudely.

We drove to my place in silence.

“Need help getting inside?” He asked.

“I can get into my own house, thank you.” I said. But as I stepped out of the car, I staggered.

He jumped out and caught me, then walked me to my apartment. He helped me open the door, but didn’t follow me inside.

“Thank you.” I muttered reluctantly.

“You're welcome. Don’t start a fire, I’d hate for this nice looking apartment to get burnt.” He teased.

I scowled at him and slammed the door.

Jerk! Yeah, I was grateful for his help, I really had been in no position to drive, but if he thought this one act of kindness would make up for all his years of assholery in high school, he was an idiot.

I knew he hadn’t changed one bit, except physically. Then, he’d been gangly and rough looking. Now he looked really good. Tall, handsome, with well developed muscles, and sleek dark hair. I wondered what it would feel like to run my hands through it and was shocked by the thought.

I’m drunk. I sighed and crawled into bed. I had bigger problems than Andy Harris.

Unfortunately by morning, they’d gotten even bigger. It was a phone call from Rosie that announced them.

“Hello?” I groaned, my head throbbing from a hangover.

“Tiffany!” She shrieked. “You’ve done it!’

“What?” I asked, squinting in pain.

“It’s all over social media! Yes! I knew you could do it! God, is he handsome. Sophia and her gang of witches will eat their heart and all their other organs out…..”

I gaped at my phone, wondering what on earth she was talking about. I couldn’t ask because she wouldn't stop talking.

But she’d mentioned social media, so I logged in. The pictures that appeared on my screen made my head explode!