Page 40 of Faking Forever 1
It was probably a combination of both, mashed into one big, irredeemably annoying woman.
My dad wanted to play the good guy role, and I wasn’t going to convince him to try any other tactic. While I stand side by side with him, I don’t hold all of the knowledge that he does, and I don’t want to make an ass of myself. So every time he suggests we do something, as long as it isn’t too absurd, I try to go along with the punches. Like right now, he insisted that we meet with Mr. Evans and introduce ourselves. I’m never in favor of torture, but surely my father is.
We all stood by a snack table while our parents had a 93
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government-related conversation. By the sound of it, her dad was mostly trying to convincemydad why he wasn’t fit. So far, his argument was that we’re poor. Which was a reoccurring comment we had been learning to ignore. I was doing a pretty fine job at it, aside from Darcy burning a hole through me with her eyes the entire time.
“Hey, boating boy. Tell me. Are you and Blondiereallya thing now? How real is it? CauseIthought she left for that weird French school.” she asks, but more like she is demanding an answer.
“It’s a culinary school.” I look at her, already annoyed, “I thought you’d know that, considering you’re supposed to be somewhat of a chef yourself.” I scoff.
“Why do you think your dad asked me to cook for his events?” she rolls her eyes, examining her nails. “She better be ready to learn some real skills. Rachel Ray has personally taught me.” She smiles proudly.
Would it be wrong if I just mushed her face right now?
“Do you ever get tired of hearing yourself? Like even a little bit?” I furrow my brows, giving her a severe expression.
“Actually, no.” she giggles, touching my chest, boldly as if she were forcing herself on me.
Gritting my teeth, I slowly back away.
“Look, Josh, I know I’m with Nick, and you might be with Paisley, but I think you’re honestly one of the sweetest guys in Jersey. I’d love for us to hang out, soon. Alone.”
Her hand now slithers to my forearm, rubbing it until her fingers reach my hand. I don’t know what’s more out of pocket—the random interest in me, or the fact that she’s cheating on Nick again, but this time with me. Nervously, I laugh, pulling my arm to my side.
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“Whatever. I know she probably has a stick so far up her ass that you can’t even get a good time out of her. Unlike her, you could have me any way you want.” she bites her lip, innocently looking up at me.
Clearing my throat, I speak, “Thanks, but uh, no thanks.
Are you like a serial cheater or something?”
“I can have whatever I want when I want. It’s called money and being pretty. Just like my dad. Handsome and rich. It’swhyyour dad is about to lose.” she spits.
“You’re clinically insane.” I shake my head, inhaling.
“Not insane. Truthful.” she puffs up her chest, giving me one last look before turning away.
Her attitude had changed with the drop of a dime. She was almost mad at me now. Not sure how it escalated, but I knew she couldn’t be ice for more than a minute. It would be too good to be true. I never knew her to be a nice, well-behaved girl. From the rumors that had gone around in the past, she was easy and didn’t care much about how available she made herself to people. Sure I maybe wanted to bone at one point or another, but my respect for her is probably next to the bottom of the food chain compared to any other girl I know.
My dad simmers down, gabbing with hers, and taps me on the shoulder.
“Why don’t we go back to our tent, buddy? Might still have time to grab something to eat?” he suggests, sounding just as tense as I.
I nod, looking back at Darcy for a moment before following him outside to the warm evening air.
He pats my back, beginning a soft chuckle. The one I hate.
It’s usually followed by him asking me a favor that I really 95
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don’t want to commit to.
