Page 26 of Fake Dating My Best Friend

Elaine leans in, eyes gleaming. “Alright. Since you’re finally catching up—we’ve been trying to get you and Isla together.”

“You’ve what?”

“We’re just done watching you two pretend to be just friends like it’s some kind of lifelong commitment. It’s exhausting.”

“Um . . . thanks?” I say, scratching the back of my neck. “But she just asked me to become her matchmaking client. That’s her plan to save the business.”

Elaine freezes. Then she drops her forehead to the table with a quiet thunk.

“The first thing is . . .” I adjust my grip on the mug. “How are you even sure she feels the same way?”

“Have you seen the way that girl looks at you?” Elaine says.

“She looks at me like I’m her best friend. At least, that’s what she keeps emphasizing. Nothing more.”

“Yeah, if best friends undress each other with their eyes,” Roxanne says.

“Roxy!” Elaine wags a finger at her, then turns back to me. “She can’t even look you in the eye when you’re at the gym. Ever notice she’s never taken one of your training sessions? I bet she thinks she can’t handle how hot you are.”

Hope that’s true.

It might explain why she keeps dodging every free session I offer. And according to how she almost burned a hole in my abs with how long she stared at them yesterday, it might be true.

If she’s into it, I could totally make bare-chested my default look around her. I might start accidentally forgetting shirts altogether.

Though there’s another reason I want her to train with me.

“You need a game plan.” Elaine springs to her feet. “And we will help you, lover boy.”

“A game plan?”

“You could agree to Isla’s matchmaking idea.” A mischievous grin spread across Elaine’s face.

I nearly choke on my coffee. “What? How would that help?”

“Think about it. Seeing you with other women might just be the kick in the pants Isla needs. Nothing like a little jealousy to make someone realize what they’re missing.”

“I don’t know. That feels manipulative. And what about the women Isla would set me up with? It’s not fair to them.”

“Sometimes you’ve got to shake things up.” Roxanne’s eyes narrow like she’s solving a puzzle. “We all know how stubborn Isla can be. She blames herself for every breakup, clings to the just friends thing like it’s gospel, and she still won’t admit how she felt that day you half-rejected her. She’s not going to say a word unless something pushes her.”

“That’s all based onifshe actually has feelings beyond friendship for me. What if she doesn’t? What if you’re just imagining things, and she only sees me as her friend?”

“Then you’ll find out by then,” Roxanne says, her voice matter-of-fact. “Without putting the entire friendship on the line.”

“Can’t believe you’re siding with Elaine. Aren’t you supposed to be the logical one?”

“Well, logically speaking,” Elaine jumps in, “maybe this matchmaking will help you find someone who unexpectedly fits you! In case you and Isla really aren’t meant to be together. And if it feels uncomfortable, just be honest. Tell the person you’re matched with upfront about your situation.”

I shake my head. The idea of pretending to pursue other women sits wrong in my gut. But maybe Elaine’s right. If I’m upfront about it, at least I’m not leading anyone on.

And it might be the only way to find out how Isla really feels and show her where I stand without wrecking twenty years of friendship. Besides, I can still secretly work my way through her Love Bucket List.

It’s the safest move I’ve got. The responsible one.

Think things through. Stay grounded. Take the kind of risk that pushes things forward without setting fire to everything behind you.

Dad’s voice echoes in my head, the way it always does when I’m standing at the edge of something big.

---