Page 89 of The Fake Script

“It’s not a big deal,” Mari says, shrugging. “We’ve known each other since middle school, and we’ve been roommates lots of times before. He’s my best friend.”

When she walks to the backroom, I beckon Beth to lean against the counter.

“What is that all about? There’s no way they’re just friends, right?”

She nods. “They are, actually.”

“Heck no.” I snort out an incredulous chuckle. “I see the way they look at each other. That can’t be just friendship.”

She lifts one shoulder. “That’s what I thought too, but I’ve known them both since college, and Marissa has always sworn that’s all it is.”

“Huh. Well,Icould have sworn I sensed a vibe. Must be all this Valentine’s Day spirit getting to my head,” I joke. “Thanks for the cupcake!”

With coffee and cupcake in hand, I walk back across the street and slip into the bookstore.

“What’s up?” Hayley asks from behind the counter.

Alice turns around, spotting my coffee shop haul. “Is that a cupcake?”

“Oh, yeah. Beth made some. Hey, have you ever noticed how Aaron and Marissa are close?” I ask, unable to let this go.

“Yes,” they both say, nodding furiously.

I heave a sigh. “Thank you! I knew it wasn’t all in my head. Beth says there’s nothing going on.”

Alice shakes her head. “Beth doesn’t read. She doesn’t have that sixth sense like we do.”

“Yup,” Hayley says with perfect nonchalance. “I’ve been following that friends-to-lovers romance for a while now. It’s a thing, I’m sure of it. And I should know—it’s my favorite trope.”

When I step into Auston’s apartment, I immediately feel at ease. It’s warm, cozy, and has a comforting smell that I can only describe as Auston.

“Hey, beautiful,” he says, giving me a peck on the lips. “I missed you.”

He’s been cast in a play, and his schedule is crazier than ever. But we still manage to meet up a few times a week. Looks like he made the right decision refusing that role in Brazil, because he found this one just weeks later. The story follows a young teacher who takes a teaching position in a dangerous neighborhood. It’s a project he ended up loving even more.

“I missed you too,” I say, wrapping my arms around his neck. Just like that, I’m back in my love bubble. Yes, I have a love bubble now. It’s called Auston Buckley’s arms.

“I hope you’re hungry. I made dinner.”

I smile. “You did?”

“Absolutely. It is Valentine’s Day, after all. Homemade cannelloni, and for dessert, a KitKat cake.”

“Ohh! Can we just skip to dessert?” I plead.

With a deep chuckle, he kisses me on the forehead. “Sit down. I’ll get everything.”

We enjoy the meal together, and every bite is delicious. I love that, despite his insane schedule, he took the time to make this night special.

I breathe a sigh. “I can’t believe this is only our first Valentine’s Day together. Feels like forever.”

He nods, taking my hand. “I guess that’s because in a way, we always were together?” I squeeze his hand.

“I wanted to wait until after dessert to give you this,” he says. “But I can’t hold on any longer. Plus, I’d hate to be upstaged by the cake.”

“What is it?” I ask, laughing.

He jogs to his room and comes back with a wrapped package that looks suspiciously like a book. “Oh, I’m excited,” I say, clasping my hands.

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