Page 75 of Olivia's Only Pretending
Because as daunting as creating a new class around romance novels felt, here I was sitting in the middle of a campus romance book club. I even had students showing up at my office hours to discuss things I was desperate to bring into the classroom.
And as terrifying as it was to admit everything I felt for Victor, I was still drawn to him. Never terrified enough to run away.
The two of us were unable to resist the pull of the current—the pull to each other.
Even in the midst of my hesitation and doubts, what was meant for me kept rolling in like a wave to my feet, until I was brave enough to reach for what I really wanted.
Could I ever muster up the courage?
“Guys, what would you think if some of these books weren’t only book club picks anymore? What if they became assigned reading?” I asked, watching them perk up. “Would that take the fun out of it? What would you think?”
“Are you kidding?” Tamara said, eyes wide. “That’s the dream!”
Ileft book club on a bravery high. I felt like I’d finally dipped my toes into the salty, foamy sea and realized it feltgood.I plopped down in my office chair and gave it a spin. My phone buzzed, and my mind thought,Victor.
It wasn’t him.
So, I clicked over to our text thread and typed up a message.
Me
you know, there are some great benefits to being your pretend gf
Victor
go on
Me
for starters, being Watson’s dog mom
and care packages when I’m cramping
you’re a top-notch dinner date
but, really…it’s how you push me in the right direction. The right direction for me. you encouraged me to remember WHY I’m doing this job—and it really inspired me today.
so, thank you to the best pretend bf ever
Victor
if you think being my pretend gf is good, imagine being my real gf
My face felt hot. I pulled on my cardigan to let in some cool air while I waited for his reply, watching as three dots pulsed in our thread.
My phone buzzed. Victor’s name lit up the screen—an incoming call, not a text message.
I stared at it like it might combust.
After a moment, I picked up the phone with sweaty hands. “Hey?” I said, out of breath as I sprinted to my office door to slam it shut to Sonny’s prying eyes.
“I want to ask you something, and I thought it deserved a phone call, not just a text.”
“Okay,” I said, trying to sound calm, even as my heart thudded in my chest.
“You just sent me all those messages about how much you like being my fake girlfriend, right?”
“Right?”
