Page 234 of Shy Girls Can't Fake Date

In my bedroom, I flop onto the bed and reef the covers over me.

Beep, beep.

I fumble inside my pocket and pull out my phone.

I frown at a text from Parker.“So, everyone really bought that we broke up.”

No kidding. You yelled, ‘We’re through,’ so everyone would crowd around us.

But I can’t type the reply. I just don’t want to talk to him right now.

I lower my phone but another text comes through.

“I know this fake break up is awkward, but you should’ve stayed and talked to Lewis. I would’ve given you space on the drive home.”

Ugh. He’s so worried about me missing a chance with Lewis so he has a clear path to Yvette.

I lock the screen but another text comes through.

“Can you just reply so I know you’re okay?”

I drop the phone on my nightstand. I’m not okay, so that’s my permission not to reply.

There’s a knock at my door. “Kikki?” Tessa’s voice breaks through. “Can I come in?”

I squeeze the pillow over my head and grunt an answer.

There's a click as the door knob turns.

I grunt again, keeping my face planted against the mattress.

“Kikki,” Tessa says, creeping toward the bed. “Please talk to me.”

“You don’t want to hear it,” I sob into the sheets.

“Yes, I do.” She sits beside me. “I’m so sorry I haven’t been supportive about you wanting a boyfriend. I’ve never wanted you to get hurt.”

“You’re just here to call me an idiot,” I whine. “That I should’ve listened to you and then my heart never would’ve been broken.”

Tess gently rubs my back. “You’re not an idiot. You’re fierce and passionate. You’ll pick yourself up like I never could.”

I lift my head and turn toward her. My sister’s kind smile helps my tears dry up.

She leans forward. “Oh, sis, can I give you a hug?”

I nod and collapse against her, letting her arms wrap me up.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispers. “Mom and Dad told me how great Parker has been. He’s nothing like Nightmare Hugh. Do you want to talk about what happened?”

“No, I’m too tired.”

“I really wish I hadn’t come down on you so harshly.”

A silent giggle shakes me against her. “Isn’t that what big sisters are for?”

“So, you’re not mad at me?”

I pull out of the hug and pat my eyes dry. “No. I kept Parker a secret from you. I get why you felt cheated.”

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