Chapter 10

Standing on my tiptoes, I reach up but he holds the jacket above his head, keeping it out of my reach.

"Stop it Seb. You're wasting my time. It's almost time to go. Give me the jacket!" I say in frustration, jumping up and down. Damn his long arms. I am too short compared to him.

"Not until you promise to babysit George with me later. You know how bad I am at handling babies." Seb says.

Sam and Rose are going out shopping later before they return home and they've asked Seb to look after George.

"They didn't ask me, only you. I don't see why I have to help." I shrug and jump onto the sofa.

"Because you're my best friend. Please help me Eva. Please? Please? I'll do anything." He pleads.

I grin and wrap my arm around his neck from behind whilst standing on the sofa and stretch my other arm, finally managing to snatch the jacket from him.

"Anything?" I ask, raising my eyebrows.

"Yes. Please help babysit?"

"Fine. I guess I'll help." I smirk and get down from the sofa. What fun things should I get him to do?

"Are you going now?" Seb asks.

I nod, "Bye. See you later."

***

"Thank you Eva. Honestly, you didn't need to return it though." Jason says.

I glance at him in awe, "This expensive designer jacket and you're saying you didn't need it back?!" I narrow my eyes as he sips his coffee, "Tell me, are you some rich heir?"

"You just found out?" He asks with a grin.

My eyes widen, "For real?!"

Jason suddenly bursts out laughing, his blue eyes sparking in amusement. "I can't believe you fell for it. I just worked hard and got myself the jacket."

I still have my doubts as I watch him, "How do you know Seb?"

"Since college. He was my senior in the boxing club."

We went to the same college? I must have missed him since I joined the Film club instead. Seb mentioned he was a year below us.

"It's a small world." I laugh. "Anyway, that guy tattled to his mother about me."

"Who?" Jason asks curiously.

"That Tony I was on the blind date with at that restaurant where we met. Can you believe my mother wanted me to marry him? Thankfully, now that I told her what he did, she is furious." I explain.

"You're pretty good at settling things." He grins. "So you're being sent on blind dates?"

"She won't give up. Next week, I will have another date." I say in resignation, sipping my orange juice.

"What kind of man are you looking for?" Jason asks.

I raise my eyebrows, "You're interested?"

He runs his hand down the back of his nape, "Of course. Maybe I can help find you someone."

I lean forward on the table, "Let's see. He has to be a good person, have a sense of humour and be able to handle me. Don't get me wrong, I just want someone to show to my mother so she stops arranging dates with random people." At this age, I'm not fussy about looks but if I find a handsome man, it would be an added bonus.

To be honest, Jason is a suitable candidate. I really wouldn't mind him suggesting himself.

"So you just want someone to stop your mother sending you on blind dates?"

I nod, "Exactly."

A smile breaks on Jason's handsome face and my heart beats faster. Is this the moment he says it?

"You–"

"I'll do it."

Both Jason and I turn around at the familiar voice and gape. When did he come here? Why is he here?!

"I'm handsome, I'm funny and overall, your mother loves me."

I hurriedly shake my head, "N-no. Definitely not you. Why are you here anyway? Did you follow me?!"

"Why not? I'm the most suitable person for it. As for your question, I passed by and stopped to grab a drink."

Standing up, I grit my teeth. "Let's talk somewhere else."

I see Jason stand up too from the corner of my eyes, "I'll come with you."

I don't mind him tagging along. "Sure."

Something flashes in Seb's light brown eyes before he takes hold of my arm and pulls me out of the cafe. "Tell me why I can't do it? I promised I would do anything for you since you agreed to help babysit George."

I sigh, "If I am honest, I would rather have Jason play the role instead of you. You don't even think of me as a woman to start with so how can you even pretend to be in love with me?"

Seb's eyes flit to Jason who is standing beside him. Jason smiles softly at me, "I'll gladly help you Eva."

"Thank–" I am interrupted by Seb's angry voice.

"No way! I will do it. I know Eva better so I can make sure we don't slip up."

"Why are you being stubborn?" I ask curiously. Why is he so angry?

"Eva is right. I think I would be better since her mother will probably believe that we are actually dating instead of doubt you two. You only see her as a friend anyway Seb." Jason says reasonably.

Seb glares at us. Why is he acting like a sulky child? I grin and drape an arm around his shoulder, "Come on Seb. You know how my mum is. She will definitely find it suspicious of I say we're dating."

"It makes more sense for you to date someone you've known for longer rather than a complete stranger." Seb retorts.

I glance at Jason who is watching us closely, "Jason isn't a stranger." I mutter. But Seb is speaking some sense. My mother would definitely interrogate even the finest details. If Jason accidentally slips up, we won't be able to fool her. From the years spent with Seb, I can tell what he is usually thinking and he knows me like the back of his hand too.

"To be honest, Seb is right." Jason says seriously. "I've never met your mother so I might not be able to please her. There shouldn't be any issue with Seb pretending to be your boyfriend anyway since you two know each other so well."

I nod, "I think Seb is speaking some sense for the first time."

"Hey! I'm always speaking sense." He protests and I lift my hand and pinch his cheek, making him yell in pain.

"But, how will you become my boyfriend?" I say, staring at him in confusion.

Jason grins, "Leave the planning to me."

"You?! You're still getting yourself involved?" Seb asks in surprise.

"Of course." Jason smiles, "Who else will plan the strategy of convincing everyone about your relationship?"