Page 42 of Faking Forever 1
“Thanks for the food. I should find Darcy,” he says, looking at both of us but lingering on Paisley as if he had one last thing to say.
I couldn’t tell if it was his way of getting her sympathy—
with the old puppy-dog eyes. I kiss the temple of Paisley’s forehead, holding a firmer grasp on her waist.
“Have a nice night, Nick,” I say, hoping to send him away.
And that I did.
Paisley’s mom comes behind us, carrying an empty pot, “You two look like a couple, you know?” she laughs, collecting 98
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things.
We both let go of each other, spinning around to face her.
“Paisley, you know, you’re the only kid who wants to actuallyhelptheir parents. Go have fun. Please? Don’t make me beg you,” her mom warns her.
“Iamhaving fun,” Paisley says in a sad voice.
“Look,” her mother points at me. Now that Josh is here, maybe you two can go ride some rides or something. That’s always fun, right?” She smiles at me before taking her bucket of dishes and walking away.
Paisley watches her and then looks at me, linking our arms together. The white of her dress was gorgeous against her skin. I could still see a little pink at the ends of her hair from the party. I’m glad she finally accepted it cause I thought it looked good on her. It forced her to try something new since she refused to cut her hair. She smiles brightly, laying her head on my shoulder.
“Superstar.” she gushes.
“Doll-face,” I remark, closing my hands into fists inside my pockets.
My palms were dripping in sweat.
“I’m glad you came when you did. Nick was starting to do a number on my brain,” she says, letting go of me enough to look up at me.
“He bugs me. Everything about him. He’s not even ashamed of himself.” I shake my head.
“Yeah. I think now he knows he lost something great.” she shrugs.
“Seeing another guy on you made him realize that, though.
He was too dense to realize it on his own.” I say.
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“Healwayswas worried about you. His worst nightmare is you, I think.” she smiles, poking my stomach.
I chuckle, holding a hand to my mouth as I cover my reddened cheeks.
“By the way, I think your dad has a great campaign.” she steps closer to me, “and I think you’re an amazing wingman for him. I hope you know that I ever doubted you.”
She gives me an endearing expression, licking her baby-pink lips.
“Maybe I thought this whole mayor thing was dumb initially, but that was before I had a different outlook on it. I like standing up for something good.” I nod, hooked on her lips still.
“I’m proud of you.” she softens her voice.
That hits me in the gut. Now I want to kiss her for real.
