As they pulled into the venue, Aaron reviewed the details of his fabricated identity for his "girlfriend." Her name was Bethany Carlisle, from a prominent Boston family with Harvard ties. They had met in school but lost touch when she went abroad to London for a year. They reconnected during one of Aaron's business trips.
One of his Boston contacts actually had a daughter named Bethany Carlisle, but she was only eight. His father wouldn't know this, however. Any investigation into the Carlisle family would reveal Bethany's existence, but Aiden had planted a misleading online trail.
"All you have to do is remember the basics, smile, and look pretty," Aaron said grimly. Aiden bristled at the "look pretty" comment but nodded. "And don't call anyone 'dude' or 'man' here! Do as I do."
"Okay! Geez, man, no need to be so uptight!"
Aaron's glare silenced Aiden. "What. Did. I. Just. Say?"
"Sorry, du—I mean, sorry, Aaron. I've got this; don't worry. We'll get Lacy Knighton out of your hair once and for all," Aiden said confidently.
They had better. Failure today would amplify the rumors, making them exponentially harder to dispel; everyone would sympathize with Lacy. He couldn't let that happen.
"Put your arm in mine, like a lady," Aaron hissed. "And keep quiet."
"Yes, dear," Aiden said meekly, embracing the role. This felt wrong, but they had to stick to the plan.
The other guests immediately whispered upon seeing Aaron with a woman. They all believed him to be single.
Alistair, furious at his son's defiance, marched over, his glare intimidating.
Aiden trembled. This man was far scarier than his boss.
"Who is this?" Alistair demanded icily.
"My girlfriend. Bethany Carlisle, of the Boston Carlisles."
Alistair's eyes narrowed. "You never mentioned a girlfriend. Is this why your mother's matchmaking attempts failed?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you say anything?" he thundered.
He had promised Aaron to Lacy! Lacy was preferable, but the Carlisles weren't a bad alternative. Had he known his son was involved with a woman of such standing, he never would have interfered, old friendship with Brann Knighton aside.
"You wouldn't have listened. You're fixated on that woman being my wife," Aaron said coldly.
Alistair began to sweat. He was committed to Lacy Knighton as his daughter-in-law, but a Carlisle would work. Their Harvard connections could expand the Hales' influence beyond New York.
What would he tell Brann? They were planning to announce the engagement tonight!
He cleared his throat, ignoring Aaron's last comment, and turned to Aiden. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Carlisle. Excuse me; I have an urgent matter to attend to."
After Alistair left, Aiden was impressed. He knew Alistair's stubbornness better than most. The man had done a complete about-face regarding his son's romantic choice.
"I really don't like that guy," Aiden said sourly. He'd accepted the "Bethany" ruse because of her wealth and background, despite his prior commitments.
Aaron felt affection for his friend. It was validating to have his feelings acknowledged. Besides the promised vacation, he should buy Aiden an original Super Mario Bros. arcade machine as a thank you.
"Me neither. Come on, let's be seen together."
They mingled, speaking to as many guests as possible. No one questioned them until they ran into Alice. Aaron had completely forgotten she'd be there.
"Since when are you dating?" Alice asked suspiciously. "I saw you a month ago, and you were single."
"Shh!" Aaron nervously glanced around, pulling her aside. "I don't actually have a girlfriend, but you must keep quiet. I can't let Lacy Knighton win."
Alice's mouth formed an 'O'. "Then who is she?"
"Mysecond closest friend," he said grudgingly. Aiden would certainly earn the title after tonight's stunt.
"You have female friends? Besides me? I only see you at board meetings and parties."
"He's not female."
Alice was appalled, glancing back at Aiden, who was chatting with other guests, maintaining a fake smile.
"Aaron! Are you insane?! That's not a girl!"
"I used a professional stylist and high-end prosthetics. He's one of my people, doing me a favor. I had to offer significant incentives."
Alice shook her head. "I understand hating your father and wanting him out of the businessbut what's with Lacy Knighton?"
His face hardened. Her actions were too extensive to explain. "She hurt the woman I love because she wanted me."
Alice's expression softened. She seemed to feel sorry for him. "I had no idea you cared about someone. Anyone I know?"
"I doubt it. She's not in our social circle."
Her eyes lit up. "It's that girl from high school, isn't it? Callie? Kaitlyn?"
"Keeley. Buthow did you know?" Aaron had never mentioned Keeley to Alice.
Alice smiled and rolled her eyes.
"Aaron, you're never seen with the same girl twice. Everyone thinks you're a playboy, but I know a man trying to avoid commitment because his heart's already taken. She's the only girl you've had consistent rumors with. And don't forget, I was at that Valentine's dance. I saw you kiss her."
He hadn't realized he was so transparent. Alice was perceptive; she seemed self-absorbed, but she observed everything. He'd learned this over their years of partnership.
"You can't tell anyone," he said seriously.
"Who would I tell? I don't interfere in other people's happiness."
She didn't. Her husband did enough of that. He wished she'd leave him and live for herself, but it wasn't his place.
"Thanks. We should rejoin the others."
Aaron led her back, watching her laugh and chat with other guests with a heavy heart. She was like Keeley, hiding sadness behind a happy façade. They both deserved better.