Love at First Lie

The Strange Request

Katie was walking down the street not knowing where to go now, since her father and stepmom decided to kick her out of her home. She was at a loss because she didn't have a car or a job to be able to get a place of her own. She was in college, but because it was within walking distance, she wasn't able to get a dorm room. Her swollen-red-rimmed eyes blurred her vision that she couldn't see in front of her. She continued walking because she wanted to get as far away from her dad's house as she could. She wiped her eyes as she stepped onto the road, crossing to the other side without looking for cars. Suddenly, she jumped at the sound of a car horn, making her fall back on the cold hard ground.

She was embarrassed when a handsome blonde-haired, emerald-eyed man got out of his car to see if she was okay. He was concerned when he approached her with his hand out to help her off the ground. In a panic, he approached the girl where he saw the distress in her grayish-blue eyes. Her eyes were so puffy that he actually felt bad for her when he asked. "Miss, are you okay? Did I hit you? Do you need any help or medical treatment? Do you need anything?"

Katie's embarrassment made her feel unworthy of being in the same vicinity as this man. He waited patiently for her to take his hand. When she looked up, she saw how his jawbone was sharp, leaving a dimple on his left cheek, his golden hair falling just right between his brows, making her catch her breath as she reached for his hand. She just stared up at him when she realized he was waiting for her to respond. She answered in a whispered tone as she stood up, dusting herself off. "I'm okay, for the most part, you didn't hit me. I should have been paying attention to what I was doing. I doubt you could help me even if you wanted to."

John was curious about why this well-dressed woman needed help even though she looked like she came from wealth. Her wavy-blonde hair had fallen out of her bun when she fell. John was intrigued by how her body fit perfectly in her outfit, but after a closer examination he noticed that she had a small suitcase next to her. He felt bad for yelling at her in his panic that he had to make it up to her. He was so curious about her situation that he asked half-jokingly. "If you don't need the paramedics, how about I buy you some dinner? You can explain to me why you are upset that you wanted to end your life by walking in front of my car."

Katie knew she had turned red with embarrassment, but couldn't be mad at the assumption. She would have thought the same thing if the roles were reversed, but she wasn't trying to end her life. She just wasn't paying attention like she should have. Katie started to stutter: "I wasn't trying to kill myself, I was just too distracted to pay attention to my surroundings. No, I don't need medical treatment, but I also don't want to burden you. You seem like a nice guy and all."

Before she could finish her thoughts, she was interrupted by this man who seemed to be more and more like her guardian angel. John laughed as he picked up her bag. He carried it to his car as he replied with a laugh. "Trust me, it's no burden to me. I'm only a few blocks from where I was heading anyway. Who knows, you assumed I couldn't help you, but how do you know that I can't unless I know what you need help with? We may be able to help each other if you are willing to hear me out."

Katie followed the man to his car with reservation, unsure how she, who had just been thrown out of her father's house, could help him. She didn't even have anything anymore. She watched this man open the door for her when she finally sighed, knowing that he wasn't going to take no for an answer. She climbed in, waiting for him to climb into the driver's seat before she said, "Thank you, I'm not sure what I can do for you though, but if you insist on taking me to eat, can I have your name first?"

John was thankful that tonight wasn't a busy night and that the streets were quiet. He realized that they hadn't been properly introduced. He looked over at her as he started driving to the restaurant and said, "My name is John. John Scott, now you know who I am. May I have yours?"

Katie was surprised when she heard his name, so she answered back. "My name is Katie Crimson. You are John Scott, the owner of The Oak and Ember off of main street. It's the top-notch restaurant in the state."

John kept his eyes on the road as he was about to pull into The Oak and Ember parking lot, feeling the heat run into his cheeks, knowing he was the one to be blushing now. He gracefully pulled into his usual parking spot as he turned to look over at Katie. He wanted to see her reaction when he answered. "Yes, I'm that, John Scott. My mom and dad opened up this restaurant two years before they decided to have kids. About five years ago, my mom died of cancer and my dad had a stroke. He is still alive, but can't run the restaurant anymore. My brother Shane and I have a partnership. I run the day-to-day stuff, while he keeps things floating financially. Before we go in, do you want to explain to me why you think I can't help you?"

Katie wasn't sure where to begin as she tried to gather her thoughts on how she wanted to word things. When she finally knew where she wanted to start, she replied. "Today, when I got home from college, my dad and stepmom were waiting for me. My dad owns a small little flower shop called Crimson's Arraignments which my stepmom thinks I want. I would take it over if my father wanted me to, but I'm going to school to become a child's therapist. I have forty-eight hours to figure things out. I'm not allowed to be in a dorm room because I'm within walking distance, and I have no money for an apartment. I don't even own a car."

John's eyes had a sparkle in them as the corner of his lips lifted, knowing there was something he could do for her. He knew it was now or never as he spoke the words he only thought out loud. "I have an opportunity for you, but it's going to sound strange. It's a win-win for both of us. I have a young daughter whose mom left us after she was born. I want to pay you to be her mom for those times, such as school events, mother-daughter-type things, maybe even shopping with her. I will pay for your time. It will help me out so much. I can even help get you an apartment if you would like. All I'm asking is a few hours when needed. I don't need an answer now, but it would mean the world to me and my daughter."

Katie was surprised by the offer. She wasn't expecting this, but she did need time to think it through. Just at that moment, her belly rumbled with hunger. She laughed as she asked, "Can we discuss this over dinner?"