Page 101 of The Guy Who Fake Dated Me

She’d meant well, and I’d never confronted her about it, but once in a while, it hurt when she only praised me for what I’d accomplished and never mentioned a new hairdo, outfit, or even that over the past few months I’d been seeing a trainer and had actually built some muscle.

Mom often said I was beautiful, but she always chased it with something akin to, “In your own way.”

Kyle rubbed my shoulders. “That bad, huh?”

“Not as bad as with Duncan.” I sighed. “But it’s not good.”

“Did you tell Logan?”

“No.”

“Are you going to?”

He’d want to help, and this was about me, not him. Besides, his list had specifically mentioned mental illness. When I saw him again, I needed to be able to say I was working on it. “Not right now.”

“You should.” Kyle held a hand between us. “But only if you’re comfortable with it, of course.”

I shrugged again.

“Can I call you?” Kyle asked.

“Don’t you have a honeymoon to go on?” I managed a smirk.

“Not right away. We’re in the city for a few weeks.” He made a face. “I’m going to be bored.”

“And you want me to entertain you?”

“I want to help you.” He smiled down at me. “You’re my favorite cousin and one of my best friends. You were there to cheer me on when I decided to get in shape. You never teased me even when I threw up after running, and you never judged me. You’ve always been there for me, and I want to be there for you. The last time this happened you didn’t tell me until after things had blown up. Let me help you.”

If we were keeping score, which we never had, he’d been my support far more than the other way around.

“What can I do for you?” he asked.

“Nothing.” I smiled. “I’m going to find a therapist and get this under control before I see Logan again.”

“It took a while last time,” he said.

“Because I didn’t understand what I was up against. Now I know what the problem is, and I’m prepared to hit it head on.” My own words gave me strength, and I felt my determination growing into actions.

Kyle studied me before pulling me into a hug again. “Okay, but if you need anything, please call me.”

I wouldn’t, but I nodded for him.

He stepped away from me and waggled a finger in my direction. “I want progress reports.”

“Yes, sir.” I gave him a mock salute, which drew a chuckle from him.

“Do you really have work to do?” he asked.

“I do.” I did. I needed to find someone who could help me through this.

Fast.

“Fine, then get going.” Kyle turned me around and shoved me forward.

The interaction left me feeling lighter, and until I got into the rideshare car, I didn’t fix, clean, or straighten anything I passed, including the little kid handprints on the glass of the revolving door.

However, it came back full force as I noticed smears on the car’s windows, crumbs in the seat, and a tear in the upholstery.

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