"You know it wasn’t intentional, baby," I mumbled softly as I stepped out of the car and dragged my bags and some files behind me.

A loud, dramatic hiss came through the phone, ending with a scoff. "Or maybe I'm no longer needed. I don't appear that important ag...."

"Kate stop! You and I know how hectic my work can be. Even with my dramatic arrogant manager, you know how rough my days usually get..." I snapped, already tired of her dramas.

I mean I know how dramatic my childhood friend can be, ...but this wasn’t what I needed tonight. I already had a stressful day, so all I needed was to strip off my clothes, get under the shower, and let the water wash away today’s stress.

With a breath, I pressed the close tab on the car remote before heading upstairs. "Ok I'm sorry... I'm sorry baby. I won't miss your call next time, that's a promise" I pleaded, and of course I could already picture her rolling her eyes on the other end.

"Fine. I’ll only accept your apology if you agree to do what I’m about to say..."

"Wait, you want me to bribe you or what!" I snapped, and her loud grin came up, I mean so loud that I had to take my phone away from my ears.

"Not really... I just need your help honey. So badly I mean." Her soft voice echoed in the phone, and bet me when I say that once Kate uses this voice on you, it's over for you.

Because either she's about to ask something weird, or she's about to ask something you could never imagine in your life. And in whatever way, I'm not really ready for this girl's weirdness.

Stepping into my room, I dropped my bag and slumped onto the bed, feeling its softness against my skin. Kate coughed over the phone, clearly trying to get my attention from the silence I gave her.

"What is it Kate? I already told you I had a stressful...."

"Cover me up on a date Jewel... Save me from losing thirty thousand dollars please.." she dropped and immediately, my legs found their way off the bed. My hand also tightened harder on the phone in surprise.

"What! Date...?"

"Oh yeah I recently joined a dating app to distract myself from the last heartbreak, and lucky enough I was able to tag along with someone. The vibes were there, the connection was real but now, he wants us to meet"

"Oh wow that's so nice so why..."

"I can't go Jewel. I traveled out of the city, and the rules of the app is that if you fail to show up on any fixed date, you will pay a ransom of thirty thousand dollars." She trailed off over the phone, causing a bigger headache.

I have always known Kate as a weird one, but this wasn't what I was expecting and if I say I'm not drowning in this whole sort of twist, I'm definitely a big liar.

Calming some of my nerves, I took a seat and rested my back "you traveled Kate, to where exactly?"

"To Dan's place and..."

"Your Ex? Shit Kate you're full of wonders. After what that fool did to you?" I shouted, already exhausted from the discussion.

Kate can be a hard lover. A very caring hard lover, and Rash is wickedly taking advantage of it. Maybe you don’t understand—let me give you a quick picture of what really happened.

Rash was Kate’s 8-year boyfriend who wasted no time in beating her, publicly shamed her on social media and even froze her bank accounts more than once.

I remembered when we were in high school, Rash would make sure to put her in a hot seat for a whole week and humiliate her mercilessly once a guy looked at her.

I mean, wasn't even because Kate was flirting with another boy.

Sometimes Rash would secretly take photos of her naked body in the bathroom... store the nude pictures and threaten to release them if she ever went against his will.

All of this kept happening until I helped her muster the courage to break up with him two months ago.

"I'm sorry Jewel. You know how much I love him. I tried, but I couldn't get over him to be frank" she sniffed over the phone and a part of me melted instantly.

All the anger I had in my heart vanished and sincerely, hurting Kate was the least thing I wanted. Taking a long breath, I slid my hand across my face.

"What then do you want me to do?" I muttered and heard her giggle from her own end. With a brightened breath, she cleared her throat before speaking.

"Just go on this date for me, please. I might even pay you..."

"It's not about the money, Kate. I have a boyfriend — a sweet soul I cherish so much, and you that," I snapped, trying to stop her from persuading further But her constant plea left me no choice than to start considering.

"No one would let him know. Just help me out Jewel at least for the money involved please" she begged, making it even harder to refuse.

Kate had been my childhood friend for years and if this was all it took to see her smile again, I didn’t mind taking the risk.

I sank deeper into the chair and rolled my eyes.

"Well.... I will do it" I blurted out and she screamed happily over the phone. "But I’m warning you. don’t ever involve me in something like this again," I said firmly.

"Don't worry, all you have to do is to sit, listen to him, and play along. Since we've never seen each other, it won’t be that difficult," she said and I nodded, like she was right here, staring at me.

I placed my phone on the table, pulled off my clothes, and couldn’t wait to get under the shower. "Uhm… before you hang up, when exactly is the date? I mean, I need to know how to prepare…"

"Today. Today, Jewel. And I think you’re already running late." she rushed.