Page 47 of Say Yes to the Hot Mess

“It’s okay. I’m used to it. I mean, I do miss my dad,” I admit, “but I barely remember my mom, and until my dad got sick he was always great at making sure I never felt like I was missing out. He learned how to do hair, made sure I had pads and tampons when I got my period, talked to me about all that stuff.”

“He sounds like a great father.”

“He was,” I say quietly. Then, wanting to move on before I start crying, I say, “So there I was, pregnant, not a ton of support, and I knew absolutely nothing about babies. I was terrified, and my ex was something I could hold on to.” I shrug, hoping it looks casual. The vulnerability of my words is causing my cheeks to heat, and I keep my gaze trained firmly on the car in front of us. I don’t want to know what Dex’s reaction is.

But his next words surprise me. “That makes sense,” he says after a few seconds.

I turn to look at him, my eyebrows rising. “It does?” I say.

He shrugs. “Sure. I mean, it’s not the best move, but it makes sense that you would cling to what you know rather than taking a risk on what you don’t. And you got out eventually, right?”

“Yeah,” I say. “But I was stubborn about it.”

A hint of a smile pulls at his lips as he says, “I’m sure you were.”

“Hey,” I say, shooting him a mock glare. “Be nice. I’m your fake girlfriend now.”

Dex laughs. “I’m nice, I’m nice,” he says quickly when I glare at him more intently. “I will be nothing but kind and gentlemanly from here on out. Scout’s honor.”

I try to hide my smile, but I’m not sure I’m successful. “Good,” I say.

He glances over at me then, and I swear his eyes are sparkling behind his glasses. “And?” he prompts. “Is there anything you’d like to promise?”

I sigh dramatically. “I suppose I can promise to be on my best behavior,” I say.

He smirks. “Excellent. Thank you.”

And even though I roll my eyes, deep down inside something like relief and giddiness are swirling around.

“So your ex,” Dex says, and though it’s a jarring change of subject, I’m glad for it. I don’t really want to focus on why calling a truce with Dex fills me with so much relief. “Is he involved with Archer at all?”

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “Not at all. He pays child support, and I sent him some pictures when Archer was first born, but that’s it. And it’s better that way, truly.”

“That’s good, then.”

“Yeah,” I say. “It’s what’s best for everybody. I don’t want any more ties to Chet than I need.”

Dexter gives a little snort. “Chet? That’s his name?”

I roll my eyes, holding back a smile. “Look who’s talking,Dexter.”

“Did he wear a flat-billed hat?”

I throw my hands up, exasperated. “Yes, okay? He wore a flat-billed hat. He looked exactly like you’d expect someone named ‘Chet’ to look. In fact, my cousin’s girlfriend called him ‘Chad.’”

Dexter laughs at this, another one of his deep, full laughs that sends an odd giddiness through me. “That’s amazing,” he says. “I love it.”

“So glad you’re amused,” I say. “Let’s move on, shall we?”

“Sorry, sorry,” he says, still laughing. “Okay, yes. Let’s move on. Rules for the fake dating?”

“Yes. Good. Rules. For one, I’m not sleeping with you,” I say immediately.

Dex’s laugh cuts off suddenly with some sort of strangled sound in the back of his throat, and he swears. “I didn’t—I wasn’t—good grief,” he says, looking over at me, suddenly serious. “Of course we’re not sleeping together. I never expected that, and I would never ask it.” He pauses. Then, sounding strange, he says, “Did you really think I would try something?”

It’s hurt, I realize; that look in his eyes is hurt. It bothers him that I might think of him that way. “No,” I admit, and it’s the truth. I don’t know Dex terribly well, but Scarlett vouched for him. Plus nothing about him says he’s the kind of person who would take advantage like that. “I don’t think you’re the kind of man to expect that. But it felt prudent to cover my bases anyway.”

He gives a slow nod. “Probably smart,” he says grudgingly. Then he adds, “You know we will have to pretend a little, though, right? Hold hands, hug, arm around your shoulder? That kind of thing?”

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