Page 61 of Fake Game

I feel like a rusted robot as my head slowly twists to look in the direction of the voice.

“I thought that was you.”

“An yi.”

My auntie An lays a hand on my shoulder, curiosity glinting through her eyes as she takes in the scene before her. My mother’s older sister is a jealous woman and the worst gossip you’ll ever meet.

“Did I hear this is your girlfriend?”

Ice washes over my entire body.

“Yes, I am.” Deer places a hand on my knee.

“No, she’s not.” I try to shake her off.

The entire nail salon goes quiet.

“Babe,” Deer playfully whines, her brows furrowed in a tease.

Her smile wavers when she looks me directly in my eyes. I’m not sure what she sees written there, but it’s enough to bring a spark of concern to her baby blues. Her eyes dart between me and my aunt a few times as her smile slowly deflates. Deer removes her hand from my knee and spins back, returning her attention to Amy.

It just makes everything look more weird, which Auntie An quickly picks up on.

“I was wondering why none of your dates had been successful when your mother totes what a catch you are,” she crows. “Who’d have guessed you had a little girlfriend you were keeping secret?”

“She’s not—”

“Actually, that would add up with all your other secrets and lies.”

My jaw clenches, grinding from side to side.

I am so sick of everyone blaming me.

And I am really sick of everyone trying to control my story.

This is why I kept everything hidden for years so I didn’t have to deal with their judgement. They all seem so set on analyzing every detail of my life, making sure that it is up to par with what fits their expectations. They’re so afraid I’m going to tip the boat over, and maybe I will.

“I’m not surprised you kept quiet about this.” She leans forward, whispering behind her hand. “She’s a little much, no? What will yourpo posay if she sees someone like her?”

Deer’s body tenses almost imperceptibly, and it feels like the temperature in the room cools by ten degrees. But without missing a beat, Deer flicks her head back around with a perfectly crafted smile, her new glittery nails glinting from the overhead lights as she clasps her hands together on her bobbing knee.

“It’s not what you think.” Her voice doesn’t waver. “I was just joking around. We’re not—”

“We’re not official yet.” I reach over and cover Deer’s hands with my own, her leg immediately ceasing its bouncing. “I was waiting to tell everyone.”

I can see Deer swivel her head out of my periphery, but I keep my gaze glued to my auntie’s, never letting it waver.

“Really?” Her eyes flick up and down as they catalog every inch of Deer’s body.

“Really, Auntie.” I give Deer’s hand a small, reassuring squeeze. “This is my girlfriend.”

FIFTEEN

DEER

“This is my girlfriend.”

Jackson squeezes my hand, and I let his strong grip bolster me.

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