Page 128 of Faking Forever 1
I thought I would get home in time for dinner, but I only found that my parents weren’t home yet. It’s not like I would’veeaten since my anxiety has ruined any potential appetite, but to be around family would be refreshing. I had forgotten how comforting they were, even amidst our dysfunctionality. The house was dark and quiet until I had to pass Tate’s room, which was open, finding him with music playing on his stereo.
We make eye contact briefly before I walk to my room and shut the door behind me.
I kick my sandals off and walk to my dresser, searching for fresh pajamas to change into after I take a piping hot shower and mentally recap Beau’s outburst and Josh’s rude awakening surprise. It’s burning in my brain that he’s thought about any of her body arts similarly to how he thinks of mine.
She wouldn’t appreciate any part of him the way I do. The real him would make her go running. The cigarette smoking, fish hurdling, loud mouth that has no table manners. I only pray he hasn’t been trading all his old qualities in to become a tight ass like her.
A tapping on the door ensues, cracking it open.
“Oh, uh—sorry,” Tate says from behind it, backing away.
“No, come in. It’s okay,” I respond, setting a few clothing items on my bed.
He walks in with his arms behind his back, looking around shyly.
“Everything okay?” I rest my hands on my hip bones.
He looks at his sneakers, and after thinking he never would, he looks at me.
“I’m making food and wanted to know if you wanted some.
309
FAKING FOREVER
It’s okay if not. I didn’t wanna leave you out since Mom and Dad aren’t home,” he says, shaking his hair out of his eyes.
“Thank you, seriously, but I’m not hungry tonight, Tate.” I curl my lips into a quick frown.
I didn’t want him to think I was pushing him away more. I could use his company more than he knows. As long as we can do anything distracting—that does not involve stomaching a meal right now. I tilt my head to touch my shoulder, looking at his slouchy, awkward stance. He had a thought, but wasn’t saying what it was.
“Is that all? I don’t feel like that’s all you wanted.” I half smile.
He takes a deep breath and looks at me while I pat the space next to me. Thinking it over, he sits down.
“Paisley…do you like me?” he asks, moving right to the point.
“Tate, what is that supposed to mean?” I let out a nervous laugh, drowning out my confusion.
“Okay, um, do youhateme?” he asks, keeping the same serious tone.
Was I that bitchy? I must be the worst older sister for him to ask me this. I was mad at him for telling my dad all that dumb stuff about us kissing, but I had gotten over it a while ago. This was not my expectation from any of that.
“Tate,” I sigh, “I don’thateyou. I wouldn’t,ever. I know I don’t say it, but I love you. We both should say it more.” I nod.
“I never saw you so upset with me. We hardly talked all summer. I only told him that stuff out of spite. After hanging out withJosh so much when you were gone, it stopped when you came back. I lost the both of you to each other,” he says, 310
PEACE TREATY
looking at my pink, fuzzy rug on the floor.
“Josh loves you, too, you know. He’s gonna need a little extra support before he leaves. You, too. Senior year and all.”
I nudge his shoulder.
“I know. I love you, too. It’s getting too quiet and boring without you around. I can’t believe you’re going to London—
like the actual place.” He looks at me.
