Page 96 of Play Fake

“She’s my sister’s best friend. She’s in a grad program here.”

“Oh, shit.”

“Yeah. We used to all hang out and run around the neighborhood together as kids. And then she grew up.”

“I bet she did, in all the right places, I’m guessing.”

“Hey, fuck off, man. Be respectful.”

“Yeah right. I bet teenage Ben was respecting her all the time. With his hand and a tissue box.”

“Fuck off.”

“All right. All right.” I can’t help but laugh at the idea of Ben not scoring with a chick. “So why not just reintroduce yourself now? Now you’re grown and have half the women on campus fighting over you.”

“I ran into her last spring. In the hallway. I was watching her, and she dropped something so—“

“Watching her, eh? Did you run into her by accident or?”

“I might have looked up where her office was when my sister mentioned she was here.”

“Uh huh. Did you bring tissues?”

“Again, fuck off.”

“Continue with your story.” I urge him on.

The server’s returned with our coffee, and I just wish it would cool faster, happy for any caffeine I can get into my system.

“She dropped something, and I went and picked it up for her. Gave it to her and gave her my best smile. I didn’t say anything. I expected her to recognize me. Like grown up and all that, but still… I waited for her to say something. But she didn’t. She just kind of looked me over, found me wanting, tersely thanked me for my help and then took off down the hall with one of her coworkers.”

“Ouch.”

“Yep.”

“She why you only fuck blondes?”

“What?” He looks like he’s been called out.

“Mac’s thing for you.” I pause because even saying her name hurts. “I told her once not to take it personal because you only fucked blondes. Not judging you. Since Mac’s done with me, I’m sure I’ll want a pretend session with some green-eyed auburn-haired chick when I can rally.”

“You need to keep your dick in your pants if you want her to not be done with you.”

“Trust me, everything’s dead in the water, anyway. Despite Holly’s efforts last night.”

“Mac really cares about you.”

“Yeah, how do you know? Did she start hitting on you less?”

“She said as much.”

“What did she say?” I straighten up abruptly.

“Not in the exact words, but on your birthday when I talked to her. She just wants you to be happy.”

I slump back down in my seat.

“That was before she found out about Amber.”