Deal

Hayley

Nothing really special has happened after we took the kids to school for their settlement. They were starting school next week Monday and I was really anxious about how their first day was going to be like.

"So Mrs Banes, your husband isn't here with you?" Mrs Cooper asked curious.

"Umm, no. He's having a late night at work and he couldn't meet up." I smiled indulgently at the couple I was having dinner with.

Thank God I was quick enough to come up with a suitable excuse. This dinner will be over if Mrs Cooper ever found out that me and my husband were on the path to divorce.

I was super grateful that we kept our separation quiet.

"Uh I see, the same thing with my Patrick here. He is ever busy and I had to drag him off work for him to be present here." She smiled fondly patting her husband's hand sharing a

I became uncomfortable and had to look away at that the moment that passed between them.

"Is that your husband?" Patrick Cooper spoke for the first time since we arrived here.

"What?" I asked confused. My back was away from the entrance.

"The man over there." He pointed out and I turned to the see the last person I expected to show up.

Kyle? What was he doing here? He was already close.

"Sweetheart, sorry I'm late." Kyle apologized kissing my cheek. I was stiff as a board but had to keep the cutting smile on my face.

"It seems that he made it after all." Mrs Cooper announced obviously pleased that my 'husband' was present. They wanted an interior designer who understood the importance of family relationship.

"Good evening, I am Kyle Banes, Hayley's husband." Kyle greeted the older couple with a nod.

"I am Anna Cooper and this is my husband Patrick Cooper." Mrs Cooper smiled introducing herself.

"It's a pleasure meeting you Mr and Mrs Cooper." Mr Cooper shook hands with Kyle over the table.

"

"Do you mind if I have a word with my husband?" My cheeks hurt from the fake smile I had on my face.

"Sure, take your time. We will be waiting for you."

I didn't have to say a word as Kyle followed me silently. I knew Mrs Cooper and her husband were watching us.

The moment we reached the bathroom, I confronted Kyle immediately.

"What are you doing here?"

"You asked me to be here." He responded closing the door behind us.

"Well I changed my mind. You didn't have to come." I continuously blamed myself for ever sending that text in the first place.

"I figured this must have meant so much to you since you asked me for help." His words almost melted my heart but I remembered our circumstance.

"So you suddenly care?" I threw out.

"Hayley, let's not do this here. Your potential clients are waiting for you out there. Let's not fight now." Kyle pleaded weary.

I looked at him for a moment contemplating. I had to admit, him showing up here has topped my chances of The Cooper giving me this contract.

"Okay for now. What's the catch?" I asked suspicious.

"There's no catch." I narrowed my eyes. He couldn't possibly be doing this from the goodness of his heart? Or could he? It was difficult to tell with Kyle because he was so unpredictable.

"Okay you've got me." I knew it! Folding my arms, I arched my brow in response, urging him to continue.

"I also need a favor from you. I need you to accompany me to my

"It's a no." I shook my head. There was no way I was pretending to be his wife at his company's event.

"What about me being here? I came when you needed me." He pointed out. Like that meant anything.

I didn't see how any of that was my business.

"I didn't ask for you to be here remember? And besides you have a girlfriend. She can accompany you."

"She can't. I haven't told anyone about our separation and it would look weird for another woman to show up. So what do you say Hayley?"

"Maybe Kyle, I don't really know if I can pretend but I will think about it." I shrugged not really promising him anything.

"Yes. If we can move on with designs?" I suggested trying to change the topic.

Mr and Mrs Cooper were a middle-aged couple who were interested in selecting an interior designer who was going to help redecorate their son's home.

According to Mrs Cooper, her son and his family were coming back to New York after years of living in Canada.

They specifically wanted a interior designer with more than five years of experience and excellent skills.

"Yes please. I can't wait to be amazed." I smiled before passing her the MacBook where my portfolio was located.

"Wow. This is amazing. All these designs are so stunning!" Mrs Cooper exclaimed as she scrolled through the different designs that I have accumulated over the years.

"Thank you Mrs Cooper." I let out a genuine smile.

"Please call me Anna." As I prepare to decline, Mrs Cooper continued.

"Please it's no trouble. I insist." She argued back politely.

"Okay Anna."

"Thank you. Your wife's work is very astounding

"Yes she never ceases to amaze me. How she juggles her work life and also try to keep our family together. You know it's really a mystery since we have two kids." Kyle spoke. I almost had to stop myself from pinching him on his thighs under the table.

"Really? How old are they? I apologize if I am being too intrusive but I love children a lot. I can't seem to resist their cuteness."

"They are just two turning three soon."

"Two?"

"Yes they are twins. A boy and a girl." I smiled fondly.

"That's nice. I can't wait to see my grand kids again after all this time." Mrs Cooper smiled too.

After we talked some more, Mrs Cooper finally agreed to give me the job. I was really happy and relieved that all my efforts weren't in vain.

"Thank you once again, Mr and Mrs Cooper for this wonderful dinner." I thanked them as we all stood up ready to leave.

"You are welcome. I do expect a wonderful result." She held out her hand for a handshake.

After The Coopers left, Kyle walked me to the parking lot where my car was parked. Though he offered to give me a ride home but I declined because I drove here myself.

Kyle watched me as I unlocked my car. Feeling his eyes on me, I turned to face him.

"Thanks for tonight. I .. I really appreciate it."

"No problem. It's my duty to make you life easier." He nodded making me gulp nervously.

I entered my car dropping my handbag in the console.

Kyle was still waiting for me.

"You can send Mary the date for your event so that I can clear my schedule." I told him before driving off.

I hope I wasn't making a mistake.