Page 12 of Play Fake

He’s right about that and it hurts to acknowledge.

“You better tread carefully there. She’s a good girl.” Ben eyes me warily.

“Says the guy who toys with her all the fuckin’ time.” Liam angles a brow at him.

“I’m just nice to her. What’s wrong with that?”

“You give her hope, and it ruins the chances for the rest of us. That’s what’s wrong with that.” I grump at Ben.

“She’s too smart for our bullshit. She knows we can’t give her what she wants.”

“Speak for yourself.”

“Besides, hasn’t she been with that guy in the band forever?” Ben gives me a look that says I’m an asshole for thinking I can meddle intrue love.

“Yeah, and she’s off fucking limits, bro. She’s Liv’s best friend. I don’t need the drama.” Liam adds helpfully.

“Damn, okay!” I hold my hands up in the air. “I’m just fuckin’ saying I enjoyed the view.”

“Yeah, well next time, shut your fucking eyes and stick around to help clean the place up.”

“Okay, dad. Will do.” I give him a mock salute and head for the showers.

FIVE

Mackenzie

Oliviaand I leave our last class of the day and start making our way out of the building. The autumn sun is still warm on my face when we hit the quad, and the smell of fall leaves and the end of classes for the day makes me smile.

“We’ve gotta go meet Liam at the gym. I promised him a ride home. His SUV is in the shop.,” Olivia nods in the opposite direction of the parking lot. We carpool on days we have classes together because it seems silly for both of us to drive to campus.

“Okay,” I nod and follow her lead.

“I’m so freaking hungry, though, and I’ve only got TV dinners in the freezer. Would you wanna stop and get dinner somewhere?”

“That sounds amazing. I don’t have many options at home either.”

“Perfect. We could go to the diner over on Evans?”

“Works for me.”

As we get closer to the gym, I see Liam sitting outside talking to some guys from the team, including my least favorite player. I’ve managed to not have to see him since the incident, and I was hoping I’d be able to buy a bit more time before I did. I guess now is as good a time as any. Here’s hoping he can refrain from making jokes about it in front of everyone.

“Hey boys,” Olivia greets the group of them, and they all give her a little wave.

“Liv, I need your help with picking out a restaurant to take my girl for our anniversary,” Foster calls out to her.

“Text me. I can give you some ideas I know she’d love.”

“Thanks mom!” He smiles at her, and she grins back at him.

“All right. Imma head out!” JB and some of the other guys head off with them, finishing up their conversation until it’s just Liam, Olivia, Waylon, and me standing on the steps.

“You ready to go? We’re gonna hit the diner on Evans if you want to come?” Olivia asks Liam.

“Fuck yes. I’m starving.”

“All right. Let’s get going then, before the traffic gets shitty.”