I turned again to face him. "Actually, I’mnotcomplaining. I’m just saying, I’m confused, that's all."
"About what?"
Where to begin?"Well, for starters, I don't even know what to call you." I paused. "I mean, your name used to be John."
"Yeah. And it still is."
"So you didn't legally change it?"
"I didn't need to," he said.
Now, I was even more curious. "What do you mean?"
"My name," he said. "It's Flynn Jonathon Archer, always has been."
"But you went by John."
"Not anymore," he said. "And you're avoiding the issue."
He was right. I was.After all, we'd wandered awfully far from his original statement. But fine, if he wanted to go there, I was ready.
It was time to point out the obvious. "You don't need a girlfriend."
"You're right."
"See?"
"Not for real," he clarified, "which is why I’m hiringyoufor the job."
I forced a laugh. "You think so, huh?"
"Iknowso."
"Well, someone's sure of himself."
"You're right. I am."
"Okay, I'll play along," I said. "Why would you need a pretend girlfriend?" I gave a snort of derision. "What, are you hoping to make Felicity jealous?"
He frowned. "Don't need much help forthat."
No doubt, this was true. A guy like Flynn? He was ogled wherever he went. If Felicity were the jealous type, she'd have plenty of reasons already.
I said, "So this isn't about Felicity?"
"No. But if it makes her give it up, all the better."
It?Meaning their relationship? It sure sounded that way.
"Why?" I asked. "I thought you two were practically engaged."
"Then you thought wrong," he said. "And I'm not paying you to ask questions."
I lifted my chin. "Technically, you haven't paid me at all. But it doesn't matter. I'm not interested."
"Cut the crap," he said. "You're plenty interested, and you know it."
"I am not," I said. "I'm just curious, which isn't the same thing. Like, why would you askmeof all people?"
