Page 48 of Shy Girls Can't Fake Date

Parker crooks an eyebrow. “I’m sorry, he never talks about you. Except for today when he ate your cookie dough cups. And then he kept asking me why I kept finding you in the hallway between classes.”

My heart swells. “He was talking about me?”

He nods. “This is why you need me.” He looks at Josie. “And this is why she has to go to Logan’s Point.”

Josie meets my gaze. “You know I support you in getting your dream guy. I just want you to be okay.”

“I’ll be okay,” I reply. “Being with Lewis will make everything okay.”

“Did I pass your test?” Parker asks Josie. “Am I good enough to be in fake a relationship with Kylie?”

“Well, you’re both clear on what you want.” Josie exhales slowly. “I’m just really worried about you both getting your hearts broken. Just because you hang out with Lewis and Yvette, doesn’t mean they’ll break up to be with you.”

“But it’s a shot,” I reply.

Josie nods. “It’s a shot.”

Parker gestures across the street. “I guess it’s bikini buying time.”

“Eww. Could you be more lewd?” Josie clicks her tongue. “Kylie doesn’t have to wear that to be seen.”

Parker folds his arms. “Umm, yes, she does.”

Josie narrow her stare. “Because why? You’d only date a girl who’d wear a bikini?”

“No, because any guy looks at a girl in a bikini. And we need Lewis to look at her.”

“Can you two stop talking like I’m not here,” I interrupt.

“Sorry,” Josie replies. “Parker, do you really think you can act like a convincing boyfriend?”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got this down.”

“Have you ever had a girlfriend?” she asks.

“No, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know how to treat a girl right.” He looks at me and smiles. “I’ll hold the door open, pay for our dates, and be polite to her parents.”

“Okay, that’s a good start,” Josie says, standing from her seat. “I want full updates on all these shenanigans.”

“Why don’t you just come with us?” I ask, following her to the door.

“Because between you pretending to date Parker and trying to catch Lewis’s eye, there’ll be no room for me,” Josie replies. “I’ll be left on my own.”

“Or hanging with Tyler,” Parker adds.

“Ugh.” Josie frowns. “Don’t go there again.”

We get onto the sidewalk and Josie gestures ahead at the number six bus pulling up. “Whoa. That's my line. I gotta go.”

“I can drive you home,” Parker offers.

Josie wraps me in a hug. “Don’t pick out anything too revealing.” She pulls out of the hug and points at Parker. “I’ve still got my eye on you.”

Parker gives her a salute. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Bye, Josie,” I wave as she rushes to catch her bus.

A chill runs down my spine as we cross the strip mall toward a store that sells everything beach aesthetic. It would be so much easier if I was making this purchase with Josie by my side.

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