Page 150 of The Fake Out Flex

"Ugh. Now is not the time for facts. I was hoping that one date would get you guys to see what you could have."

"Really?" I say. "This whole thing, you set it all up?"

"Yes, really. Dude, you're the best guy I know. And I know that no matter what happens, you'll never treat Evie like…"

He stops, shaking his head, and I'm glad he does. If I never think of jerkface or any of the other idiots dumb enough to squander their shots with Evie ever again, it'll be too soon.

"You'll treat her well," he continues. "I know this because I know you. You're the most loyal and decent guy. Unless Dad has opened the door and is standing behind me."

I grin. "Coast is clear. No Dad."

"Okay, good." Levi turns to his sister. "And Evie, you're my favorite sister. Unless Harper and Laney are standing right behind me, in which case, you're in my top three favorite sisters."

Evie smiles. "No one is standing behind you."

"Great. So you're back to being my favorite." He takes us both in. "So why wouldn't I want the two people I love most in the world…unless Mom is behind me…to be together?"

"I'm gobsmacked," I say, as a wave of relief washes over me.

"Gobsmacked and dumbfounded," Evie concurs.

"Ooh, dumbfounded, that's a good one."

"Bamboozled is also a good word," she says.

"Highly underused, if you ask me."

"Should we try to bring it back? I think we could bring it back."

"You guys are…You know what? I don't think a word's been invented to describe what you guys are." Levi snickers. "I'd hoped you two would get your act together at Bryce's wedding, but I get it. It might've been too emotional an occasion. I was scheming up some other way to force the situation, but you beat me to it. Well, the media beat me to it, which for once, I'm grateful for the intrusion. But then I was getting concerned that your relationship wasn't progressing. I mean, how long was I expected to wait for you guys to make it real? Come on."

Evie and I look at each other. "Still gobsmacked?" I ask her.

She nods. "Yeah. And all the other words. You?"

"Yep. Same. Also, very grateful to still be alive."

Levi places one hand on my shoulder, one on Evie's, with the biggest, smuggest smile stretching his lips. "But when I saw you both tonight, I knew."

"Knew what?" I ask.

"That you'd finally gotten your act together and crossed the line to something real. You guys have this really cool energy. I can't describe it. But it's not something you can fake."

I glance over at Evie, take her hand in mine, and smile. "No. It isn't."

She returns my smile before turning her attention back to Levi. "Wait. Why were you spying on us? That's creepy."

"I needed a momentary reprieve. Mom's in a mood."

"I take back the creepy comment. It all makes sense now. Why is Mom in a mood?"

"We don't have five years to unpack that, Evie. But don't worry, she'll be fine once Fraser arrives. Fraser can do no wrong in her eyes."

Evie pokes her tongue out at me. "Told you you're a suck up."

"I am not. Also, just a quick reminder, we are all adults, and this conversation isn't very adult-like." I punctuate my statement by sticking my tongue out, and the three of us chuckle like the adults we are.

"Bottom line," Levi says, looking between us. "I honestly couldn't be happier for you. On one condition."

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