Page 187 of Shy Girls Can't Fake Date

I watch his expression, unable to read it, and ask, “So, did you end up hanging out with Yvie today?”

Parker’s eyes widen. “Oh, I never replied to your text. Sorry, Mom was driving me nuts and I got distracted. But yes, we hung out for about an hour.”

I tap my fingers against a game machine and let my gaze wander along the adjacent machines to seem casual. “So, what happened?”

“She wanted to know if I suspect something is happening between you and Lewis.”

An uncontrollable laugh tumbles out of me. I hold onto the arcade machine for support as I reply, “Are you serious?”

He nods. “She can’t get it out of her head. She’s obsessed with the fact you two live next door to each other,” Parker explains. “Her exact words were, ‘How could they help it from happening?’”

“Umm, maybe from me never telling Lewis how I feel, and Lewis being oblivious to my existence.”

“I think, because she and Lewis are continually having this same argument, she’s started panicking and thinking up scenarios between you and him.”

“Is this part of your theory that Yvette is just a poor insecure girl?”

“Don’t make fun. Everyone has issues.”

I frown. “You’re right. I never would’ve guessed anything was messing with you.”

“At least seeing Yvie was a bright spot in my fiasco of a day.”

I fake a smile, nodding along.

He tucks a piece of hair behind my ear and lets his hand rest on my shoulder. “But it doesn’t compare to having you by my side.”

My chin drops. “What?”

“I can’t imagine anyone else finding out about that stuff with my family. I feel so lucky to have you as a friend.”

Feeling an imminent blush happening, I cough and cover with, “So, did you and Yvie discuss anything else?”

“I pushed for her to go on the camping trip.”

“Did she say she was going?”

“She was still cagey. I hinted at helping her mend her friendship with Tabitha, and it seemed to make her happier.”

I push off the arcade machine and move past the race car simulators. “I’m glad.”

“You know, I’ll still help you with Lewis too.”

“I know,” I reply. “But right now, I’m not really thinking about him. That was huge back at your house. All I care about is making sure you have a good time to make up for it.”

“Sounds great,” Parker says, slinging an arm around me. “No more talk about Yvie and Lewis.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean you couldn’t talk about her. If it makes you happy, talk about her all you want.”

“Why would I talk about her when I’m out with you?”

“Uhhh...Uhhh...” I want to say, because you’re in love with her. Because I’m nothing compared to her. But the way he stares into my eyes with those delicate smile lines crinkling in his expression, I can’t get out the words circulating through my mind.

Parker gestures ahead to a game called Pop-A-Shot. “How’s your basketball skills?”

“If you mean as a spectator, they are on point.”

Parker laughs. “Okay, you can play cheerleader this time around.”

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