Page 13 of The Fake Out Flex

I realize Levi's just messing around and doesn't mean anything by what he's saying, but I don't like the way he's making it sound like I'm doing him a favor. Like it's a chore. Or something I'm doing out of obligation.

It's not any of those things.

There's nothing I want more than to spend time with Evie.

Despite the danger.

I've deliberately avoided spending time with her alone all these years. Don't I deserve just one day with her? A few measly hours when I can let my imagination run wild, and who knows? Maybe I'll be able to shake her out of my system.

Yeah, you keep telling yourself that, buddy.

"You don't owe me anything," I clarify to him, then turn to look directly at Evie. "It's an honor to escort you. Even if I am a little surprised you actually want to go in the first place."

Evie forces a smile. "I wouldn't say I want to go, but it's the right thing to do. Half of Comfort Bay is going to be there, and if I don't show up, everyone will whisper in hushed tones about poor Breakup Sneeze Girl who got dumped on live TV and was so traumatized by it, she went into hiding, spiraled, and by the time she hit thirty, lived with at least that many cats named after members of eighties punk bands."

Levi chuckles, but I simply stare at Evie.

She's trying to be brave about this, but I know it's taken a toll on her. Levi told me she didn't leave her apartment for a whole month after the story broke.

As someone who already has a very low opinion of the media, they managed to sink even lower in my estimation. Why is someone's pain considered newsworthy? I'll never understand that. Just like I don't get why Evie's segments aren't more popular. They're the best part of the show. What is wrong with people?

"No one's going to think any less of you if you decide not to go," I say.

"But I need to go," she says, determination rising in her voice. "I don't want to be Victim Evie anymore. I want to be Revenge Evie, who shows up at the wedding with a guy who's ten times hotter than Bryce."

I can't help but grin. "Ten times hotter, eh?"

"At least." Evie grins back. "Right, Levi?"

Levi gives me a once-over, then shrugs. "If you're into wildly successful athletes with huge trust funds who've got that whole mysterious, broody vibe going on, then sure. I guess."

"Remind me again why we're best friends?"

"Because I'm one of the very few people who can put up with you." Levi stands. "Seconds, anyone?"

"Not for me. I think I've reached my heat limit."

"Sure," Evie says. She hands him her plate, then smiles teasingly at me. "Because I'm not a baby."

Levi leaves, and then it's just the two of us.

Alone.

Evie's smile fades.

She leans in and lowers her voice. "Listen, thank you. For taking me. I really appreciate it. And sorry for Levi springing this on you. If it's any consolation, he sprung it on me, too. On the upside, I'm no longer walking around with a stick in my hair."

"Excuse me?"

"Never mind." She blows out a heavy breath. "This whole situation is such a mess. I feel so stupid about it."

"You have nothing to feel stupid about."

I reach across the table and take her hand in mine. Her skin is so soft. I brush my thumb slowly, steadily, trying not to show any outward signs that indicate my heart is clanging wildly against my ribcage at this unexpectedly intimate moment.

Keep a lid on it, Rademacher.

"The only dumb person is jerkface for letting you go. What he did to you was cruel, Evie, and I am more than happy to do whatever you need me to do to get back at him."

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