Page 39 of The Fake Out Flex

"Like me in the second half of last season?" Fraser says, injecting some humor into his voice.

"That's not funny. Also, leave the critiques of your game to the experts."

"And by experts you mean…"

"Me."

"Thought so."

I manage a smile, and he grins right back at me.

"I'm sorry for dragging you here and forcing you to sit through the tediously long ceremony. If it's any consolation, the fish was really chewy."

"I'll be able to sleep soundly tonight knowing that." He drags his chair closer to me, cups my hands in his, and says, "What do you say we get outta here?"

"You want to go home?"

"Who said anything about going home?"

"Where do you want to go, then?"

There's a mischievous glint in his eye. "Do you trust me?"

"Absolutely not."

"I'm taking that as a yes. Come on. Let's say goodbye to everyone and do something fun. You deserve that."

"Uh. Okay. I guess."

I mean…why not? I don't want this day to be a complete bummer. I owe it to Fraser to do something enjoyable.

As I shift to get my purse, I spot Bryce standing by himself at the bar. "Can I meet you out front?"

Fraser follows my gaze. His jaw clenches. "Want me to go with you?"

"No. It's fine. I just need a few minutes."

"Okay. I'll be outside."

Fraser stands, glares in Bryce's direction, then leaves the table.

I quickly check my makeup, then make my way over to Bryce and accidentally-on-purpose bump into him. "Hey. How dry was that chicken? Am I right? You'd think they would've forked out a bit more for proper catering—Oh, it's you. Sorry, Bryce."

"Evie." Bryce turns, then looks around. "Where's your bodyguard?"

"Restocking his weaponry."

"That guy has been giving me evil looks all day."

"No, he hasn't. That's just his face. Some people have a lazy eye. He has a mean eye."

"As I experienced so many times during our relationship, I have absolutely no idea if you're being serious or not."

Yeah. We weren't exactly compatible in the banter department.

Or the flower department.

Or, as it turns out, in the what we want to do with our lives department, either. I've heard that Bryce and Mercedes will be relocating to New York. So much for wanting to settle down and live a small-town life.

---