Page 28 of Faking It (and falling in love)

“Any time,” said Alex. “I’ll show you the studio in my house next time you’re over.”

“Now that’s a euphemism I haven’t heard before,” said Clodagh with a chuckle.

Philippa smiled at the gentle teasing from Alex’s friends. She enjoyed being seen as part of a couple. As part ofthiscouple.

“Alex!” came a high-pitched squeal from two tables away. Footsteps followed, heralding the appearance of a younger woman with purple hair and multiple piercings. “Oh my God, where have you been? You never called!”

Alex looked startled. Her friends looked at her expectantly. “Oh, hi, er…” she trailed off.

“Olivia, you remember me,” said the woman, who looked like she’d had a few drinks too many. “We hooked up after that drag show here a couple of months back.”

Philippa followed the conversation between the two like a tennis match, unsure of what to do or say. Was this one of the broken hearts? She wasn’t sure Olivia looked particularly broken hearted. That jealousy was back. Alongside something else she couldn’t quite place. Something that sat uncomfortably in the pit of her stomach.

“Of course. Hi, Olivia. How are you?” said Alex, standing to leave the table. She walked away with Olivia, her hand on the other woman’s back. She was saying something to the younger woman and pointing back at the table.

Olivia nodded and said something, then put her arms around Alex’s neck. “Our girl’s always been popular,” whispered Clodagh, who had moved over to sit by Philippa. “But I get the sense you’re different.”

Philippa turned to say something, but before she could speak, Alex was back. “So sorry,” said Alex. “Right, my round.” There were shouts of dismay from the group. “No, be quiet, I know it’s my birthday, but I like to pay my way.” She stood and reached out a hand to touch Philippa’s shoulder. “Help me carry the drinks?”

Philippa followed Alex to the bar, not sure what to ask her, or whether she even should. Alex wasn’t actually her girlfriend, after all. But she remembered what Clodagh had said, that she was different. Was that true? Or was it just that she was fake, and something about that made the relationship seem different to the ones Alex’s friends had seen her in before?

“Sorry,” said Alex, “Olivia was someone from a little while ago.”

“Don’t worry,” said Philippa instinctively. “I’m not actually your girlfriend, so we’re all good.” Her stomach was in turmoil. Somehow, she felt as though she was lying, although of course she wasn’t.

Alex looked at Philippa for a few seconds before speaking. “Of course,” she said, finally. “But still.”

“Your friends seem really nice,” said Philippa. “I can see they care about you.” Alex smiled and nodded. “And I meant what I said before, I’d love to see your paintings.”

“Really?” said Alex, looking thrilled. “I’d like that.”

“Good,” said Philippa, “we’ll do that.” She smiled back at Alex, lost for a moment in her perfect skin and shining eyes.

“What can I get you?” came a bored-sounding voice from the bar.

“Er sorry,” said Alex, and delivered the long drinks order for herself, Philippa and her friends.

“And we’ll have a tray, please,” said Philippa, observing that they didn’t have enough hands between them.

“You’re so good at this stuff,” said Alex, while their drinks were being prepared.

“What stuff?”

“Adulting,” said Alex, smiling with one side of her mouth.

Philippa laughed. “What is it you’re doing, then?”

“I’m not sure. I think perhaps just making it up as I go along,” said Alex.

“And you think I’m not?” Philippa leaned one arm on the bar. “You look like you have adulting pretty sorted.”

“I’m not convinced,” said Alex.

“I am,” Philippa told her. “You seem to have it all worked out. You’re so creative and funny and popular. You’ve got a successful business, and you always manage to look effortlessly cool. I know I’m just a bit sensible and square and boring.”

Alex frowned. “You’re not.”

“I am, I…” Philippa began, but before she could say any more, Alex’s finger was on her lips.

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