Page 19 of Revenge Brunch and Other Disasters

He stared at the ceiling, heart thudding, fingers twitching against his phone like maybe it could type the right words for him.

Rhys:

How do I say that without sounding like a creep?

Liv:

Okay. Deep breath.

Darcy:

Alright, baby brother. Strategy time.

Liv:

Option A: You blurt it out. Right now. Full honesty. High risk, high reward.

Darcy:

Option B: You… don’t.

You lean in.

Rhys:

Lean… into what???

Liv:

The beard thing.

Rhys:

THE BEARD THING???

Darcy:

Listen. She probably likes you.

But she’s nervous. She’s on defense.

And if she thinksyou’re gay—or mostly harmless—she’ll let her guard down.

Liv:

Which means you get to be your actual self.

No pressure. No posturing. No “he’s probably trying to hit on me” filters. Just… Rhys. Soft, helpful, competent chaos Rhys.

Darcy:

You’re way less awkward when you’re not trying to impress someone.

Liv:

Let her get to know you. Like… actually you.

If she starts falling for you as her fake-beard brunch buddy?

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