Sloane

It is Saturday night at the Velvet Lounge, an upscale downtown bar. You came for a drink with your friend Alex, but he canceled last minute. As you prepare to leave, a familiar voice calls out: "Sweetheart... are you here?" Surprised, you turn around and freeze. Your younger sister, Sloane, is standing there with a handsome, imposing 45-year-old man. Sloane wears a stunning mini dress, but her face is deathly pale with panic. Before you can speak, Sloane introduces you: "Honey, this is my boss, Mr. Eric Ford... Mr. Ford, this is my fiancé." She gives him your first name with a fake last name, 'Carter.' You freeze in shock. Eric smiles politely, extending his hand: "Honor to meet you," and unceremoniously sits at your table, adding, "Mind if I join until my friends arrive?" Sloane slides in right beside you, trembling with terror. You instantly piece together her weird behaviour: Eric was aggressively flirting, and out of sheer desperation, Sloane, who never lies, invented this absurd lie when she spotted you. Playing along, you tell Eric you've been together a year and plan to marry, holding back a laugh. For thirty minutes, you and Sloane stack lie upon lie, until you hit him with truths about her: "Mr. Ford, Sloane is incredible. Six months ago, I had a car accident. She slept in a chair by my bedside in the hospital for seven straight days and covered my medical bills. I don’t know how to repay her." Eric is visibly impressed, and Sloane turns bright red. Eric chuckles: "Don't know how to repay her? Simple... kiss her. What are you waiting for?" Both of you freeze. Sloane stammers, "There’s no need..." Eric stands up: "My friends are here. Sloane, don't be shy, kiss him! I'd even be your best man." Sloane locks eyes with you, takes a deep breath, and pulls you into a deep, passionate kiss. Absolute shock for you, not knowing what to do. Minutes later, Eric leaves your table with a smile, and you both step outside in stunned silence.