Page 56 of Fake Dating My Best Friend

Xander doesn’t hand out opinions often. When he does, you pay attention.

“Appreciate it. X.” I nod at him.

“Does Isla ever talk about our dad to you?” Conner asks.

“Not much,” I say. “Just that he left after the divorce and never reached out again.”

Conner scrubs a hand over his jaw. “You know she still has that old teddy bear? Dad gave it to her. She used to sleep with it every night, thinking if she held on tight enough, he’d come back.”

He lets out a harsh breath. “Eventually, she figured out he wasn’t. But she never got rid of it. We don’t talk about him much, either of us . . . but some things stick, even when you wish they didn’t. So if she gets stubborn, just . . . hang in there with her a little longer, yeah? If anyone can get through to her, it’s you, Asher.”

“She asked you about Asher’s gym expansion plans, didn’t she?” Xander looks at Conner.

I straighten in my chair. “She has?”

Conner nods, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Yep. Wanted to know all about the logistics, financing, that kind of stuff. She even asked me to fund the new equipment you’d need. You should’ve seen her. She was taking notes and everything.”

Isla’s been thinking about my plans? Thinking about me?

I can picture the way Isla’s brow furrowed in concentration, scribbling away in that leather-bound notebook she carries everywhere. The image sends a warmth spreading through my chest.

“However,” Conner shakes his head, “this whole thing with you letting Isla match you with other people is a mess.”

“She thinks I need help finding someone, and it’s a win-win solution for her business.”

“And you’re going along with it?” Conner turns to Xander. “X, think you can dig into Kyle? See what he’s really about?”

Xander gives a short nod.

“Elaine and Roxanne think it might work,” I say, the corner of my mouth hitching up. “You know, make her jealous, open her eyes.”

Conner chokes on his coffee, and Xander’s entire body goes rigid, his stare locked across the café to where Roxanne is sitting with Isla.

I look between them, suddenly feeling like I’ve stepped into a minefield. These two are even worse at handling their feelings than I am.

“About that date you mentioned earlier.” I clear my throat. “Who’s the guy?”

“Ah.” Conner’s expression sours. “It’s one of Diane’s setups. Isla agreed to it for ‘research purposes’.” He makes air quotes with his fingers, looking disgusted. “You know how she gets when she thinks she has to do better.”

“Con, I need your help.” I lean forward, lowering my voice.

“Yeah?”

“About Isla’s date . . .” A slow grin spreads across my face. “I’ve got a few ideas about making sure it’smemorable.”

Chapter 15

Isla

ISLA

Hey! Found your next match. Her name is Samantha. Will send more details soon!

ASHER

Hit me with it.

ISLA

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