The Deal

Chapter Five - The Dinner

Today was Saturday; the first day of pretending to be Jay's girlfriend. I woke up in Mari's room, to the sound of my phone buzzing on the nightstand. I reached over and retrieved it.

Jay Sullivan: Morning, Polkadots. Be here at 5:30, and wear that blue flower dress that my mom likes you in.

I typed back.

Elena Payton: Got it. And stop calling me Polkadots!!

I chuckled to myself, then checked if Jonas had said anything. Nothing. I let out a breath of disappointment and glanced over at Mari. Her dark wavy hair swept over her shoulders as she slept peacefully. I carefully exited the room without waking her up, and headed back to my bedroom to get dressed. I threw on a navy blue wrap midi dress with dusty pink floral patterns. I secured my hair in a messy bun, threw on some light makeup and slipped into my white flats.

After breakfast, I sat on my bed, reading a book, until Mari knocked at my door.

"Elena, can you paint my nails for me?" She asked, as she held up a shimmery blue polish.

"You know how to do your own nails." I addressed with a grin.

"I know, but they're always prettier when you do them."

"Fine, but you're doing mine after." I advised, as she happily handed me the nail polish.

For a while, Mari and I painted our nails, watched television and chatted. I even taught her how to put on mascara – not that she'd ever wear it any time soon. After all, she was only ten years old. I let out a happy sigh. I've missed this. I've missed her.

I liked the familiarity and nostalgia of my sister's presence. I've been spending so much time with Jay and Brendon, or Kiara, a girl I met at camp last summer. Though, it didn't occur to me how distant Mari and I have gotten. Every Saturday, we would always spend the day with each other; whether if it was going out for ice cream, or staying at home watching movies. Unfortunately, that all changed when I became busy with school, friends, and.. Jonas. But Mari was just as important to me.

I added it to the summer bucket list; spend more time with Mari.

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It was about 5:20 when I began making my way over to Jay's house. When I reached his doorstep, I took a deep breath before ringing the doorbell. It shouldn't be that difficult to be a fake girlfriend, right? I hoped so. I broke out of my thoughts as Jay answered the door.

"Hey, come in." He said, and I obeyed.

"Thanks." I replied as I stepped inside.

"My parents are going to come down any minute, just stick to the plan." Jay explained. I nodded with a sense of hesitation. "Yeah, okay."

"Relax, Payton. It's going to be fine," he assured. "Thank you for doing this." Before I could respond, Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan approached us.

"Elena?" Mrs. Sullivan greeted me, with a surprised look.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan." I said.

"Oh, stop! It's been years, I told you to call me Marissa." Mrs. Sullivan waved a hand in the air.

"And Joel." Mr. Sullivan chimed in.