Page 21 of From Fake Dates to Forever Goals

“That’s beside the point. You saved my project, and I’m grateful.” Ava smiles sweetly.

“In exchange for being my fake girlfriend.” My cockiness resurfaces.

“It’s not so bad once you get the hang of it.” I feel that Ava isn’t as uncomfortable as she was in the beginning.

“Well, I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” I laugh.

I actually can’t wait to have her show up at my next game. I know having her there will inspire me to bring back the spirit of my game.

“I’ll be sure to be the loudest at your next game.” Ava looks up at the sky and doesn’t see the smile that creeps up on my face.

“You don’t need to do anything except show up.” I fight the urge to reach out, pulling my hands to myself.

I can’t help but feel the magnetic pull between us.

“I’ll be there.”

Ava and I gaze at the stars, grazing on the remains of our food.

I’m surprised at how close I feel to Ava at this moment, but I am enjoying every minute of it.

seven

Ava

My phone buzzes. It’s a message notification from Annie. She’s sent me a picture of herself wearing a diamond ring.

I call her immediately.

She’s crying—tears of joy, I presume.

“He finally proposed,” Annie weeps.

I couldn’t be happier for her. Annie hasn’t had the best luck when it comes to dating or relationships. After breaking up with her college sweetheart, Brian, it took her a long time to reenter the dating world.

She’s been dating Stewart for two years, impatiently waiting for him to pop the question. Hearing how happy she is, I’m relieved he finally did.

“So, when’s the wedding?” I joke, not expecting an actual date to have been set so quickly.

“This Friday,”Annie says.

My heart skips a beat.

“I beg your pardon?”

“We’re getting married this Friday,” Annie says excitedly.

“Is there something you’re not telling me, Annie?” I half expect her to say she’s pregnant.

“No,” she laughs. “Stewart’s family is flying in from the U.K. tomorrow, and they’re leaving on Sunday. So, we figured, why not take advantage of everyone being here?” Annie explains. “Plus, you do know you’re the maid of honor, right?”

I pretend to be surprised, though of course, I’d already assumed.

“You know what that means, don’t you?” Annie cries out.

I have no idea what she’s talking about.

“We have to go shopping!” Annie shouts.

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