Page 32 of Fake Dating My Best Friend

ELAINE

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

ROXANNE

That’s the biggest lie you’ve told since you said Kyle’s man-bun was distinguished.

ISLA

I’m hanging up this text.

ELAINE

That’s not how texting works.

ISLA

GOODBYE.

UNKNOWN

Sorry. Just making sure. Is this still Isla’s number?

Chapter 9

Asher

Itwaspartofthe plan.

Not exactly my proudest move.

I drum my fingers against the worn wooden table at The Old Mill, rolling my shoulders to shake off the tension clinging to them like a too-tight hoodie. Just a simple date. No pressure. Be respectful. Follow Isla’s matchmaking plan. And, yeah, maybe, hope it stirs something in her.

A twinge of guilt creeps in as I check my watch. This isn’t exactly my finest hour. Dad would probably give me that quiet sigh he used when I tried to microwave a protein shake in middle school.

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

The dinner crowd buzzes around me, but I’m pretty sure half of them are more interested in who I’m waiting for than their own meals.

Fred and Connie aren’t even trying to be subtle. Fred keeps making exaggerated binoculars with his hands, and Connie’s jabbing him in the ribs, fully committed to whatever spy fantasy they’ve cooked up. Betty’s practically fused to the front window like a gossip-sensing barnacle. By tomorrow, the entire town will have a full play-by-play with dramatic reenactments.

“Third time I’ve refilled your water,” Maeve announces, appearing at my side with a dish towel slung over one shoulder. “Which is impressive, considering I don’t even wait tables.”

“I’m just staying hydrated. You spying on me, Maeve?”

“Please. I’ve been spying on you since you were in diapers. You always did get shifty when you were hiding something.” She tops off my glass with a smug little flourish. “So. You on a date?”

“Thanks. Just meeting someone.”

Her eyes narrow, instantly alert. “So it is a date.”

I don’t confirm or deny.

Mistake.

Her whole face lights up. “Ooooh. Who is she? Are you and Isla finally going on a date? Is this the moment you two finally pull your heads out of your—”

The bell chimes, and we both turn toward the door.

---