Page 99 of Play Fake

“You’re a sick man.”

Wren’s staring at Easton like he’s quite possibly the most disgusting guy she’s ever encountered.

“Wren, I promise. I didn’t touch her. And I realize taking her out was stupid now. Epically stupid, but at the time I thought I was helping Mac.”

Wren’s eyes return to me, softening as she looks me over.

“I believe you. You’ve had a thing for her for a while, huh?”

I suddenly feel sheepish.

“I could just tell by the way you looked at her, and when you started coming to our movie nights. It was weird enough Liam was showing up, not that we all couldn’t guess.”

“I hope those two are going to figure things out and stop making the rest of us live their nightmare with them.”

“We can hope.”

“But yes, you’re right. I’ve had a thing for her for a while. But she hated my guts, and…”

“You’re like a badly behaving dog who thinks any attention is good attention?”

“I don’t think we need to put it like that.”

Wren smiles and then glances up at the TV.

“Oh, hell yes!” she screams and does a little jump as one team kicks a goal on the TV.

Easton’s neck cranes back to her. “You a fan?”

“Obviously.”

“High five!” He holds up his hand and she reluctantly gives his palm a slap, still eyeing him like he’s poisonous.

She wipes the counter a few times and then looks back up at me. She crosses her arms over her chest and narrows her eyes.

“Do you love her?”

“Yes.” I say without hesitation.

“Then what do you need?” She smiles at me.

And I start breaking my win-Mac-back plan down for her.

THIRTY-ONE

Mackenzie

I’m sittingon a couch in the Language Studies building, trying to study for the Lit test I have tomorrow when I hear a voice calling my name. I look up to see Lauren hustling toward me. She’s smiling and juggling a coffee in one hand and bagel in the other.

I nod my head to acknowledge her, but she still keeps coming toward me, and I start to tense at what she could possibly want from me. We don’t share classes or friends. Just one particular 6’5 lineman who I would like to never see again.

“Hey! I’ve been hoping I’d run into you on campus. Is there anyone sitting here? Do you mind?” She points to the open spot next to me on the couch.

“Sure,” I give her a tight little smile and grab my bag, tossing it on the ground next to me and giving her more space. My heart picks up a beat because I can only imagine where this is headed.

“Thanks! I am so hungry and gotta have my caffeine, but then I saw you and I was like, oh, this is my chance!”

“What’s up?” I ask, trying to hide my impatience.