Page 58 of The Perfect Love

Nope, I can’t stop laughing.

Me: This is why they make wireless headphones. But at least it was a good scene?

Book Boyfriend: I’m glad you can laugh at my pain.

Me: You don’t strike me as someone who embarrasses easily. Or gives a fuck what people who don’t know you think.

Book Boyfriend: I love that you’ve already got me figured out. Lunch today? I’m free at noon.

Me: Sounds good. Are we continuing our quest to see which dining hall is best?

Book Boyfriend: Obviously. I’ll meet you after your 11 to 12 class.

Me: Already learning my schedule?

Book Boyfriend: Is it cool or not cool to say yes?

Me: I don’t know if it’s cool, but it’s kind of adorable.

Book Boyfriend: Might be destroying my reputation, but okay. I’ll see you later.

Me: Later.

Robbie clears his throat and stares at me from across the table.

“Anyone ever tell you it’s rude to be on your phone when you’re at the table eating breakfast with someone?”

“Says the guy who has had me run interference to kick your hookups out of here or made me endure breakfast with them. If having my nose in my phone is the worst thing I’ve done, I’m doing better than you.”

He grimaces. “It sounds worse when you say it like that.”

“Like what? Like how you let them think I’m your girlfriend so they’ll leave without question? That’s not justworse, it’s gross.”

He flips me off. “See if I cook you breakfast ever again.”

I give him my sweetest smile. “But I’m your favorite niece.”

I get his signature eye roll at that. “Thorn in my side is more like it. I assume you were talking to the boyfriend.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” I say quickly. Because we haven’t had that talk yet, and I’m still easing into this.

“Mhm.”

“Robbie.”

“I’m just saying, if you text nonstop like a couple and spend time together like a couple… you might just be a couple.”

“Rude.”

“Delusional,” he sings.

“And on that note, I should get to class.” I push out of my chair and take my plate to the sink.

“Or to your boyfriend.”

I shove his shoulder as I walk past. “You’re the worst. Why’d I move here again?”

He puts his hands under his chin like he’s an angel. “Because your life would be boring without me.”

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