Page 70 of Faking Forever 1
“Uh, Si, I think we’restaringat the problem…” Beau says, slightly hanging his head to the left as if he were trying to whisper to Sierra.
“Okay, chill. Both of you.” I say, cutting that conversation short before we can even go there.
Of course,we’rethe problem. That’s the entire point. Beau has no idea, and he probably hasn’t even realized yet. Sierra—
well, she isn’t as dense as him. We did precisely what Pea wanted and made Nick jealous. Then, miraculously, I took a detour and drove down a road that’s normally less traveled for 162
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me and found myself seriously falling for her. Re-falling. All of these feelings are familiar. I hate Nicholas, but he can see it too.Everyonecan see that except for the person that I really want to see. That’s why I’m sitting here in the first place.
“Guys, how about we meet you back down there when we’re done, mkay?” Paisley looks at them, waiting for them to understand.
“Yeah, for sure. Beau?” Sierra looks at him.
They each slowly turn around on their account, hesitant to leave us but doing so. Paisley exhaled a breath that sounded like she’d been holding it in for dear life. Grabbing another water bottle, she cracks it open and pours it on the towel, pinching asmall section to use to clean my nostrils. The water stung me in seconds.
“My face feels like it’s vibrating.” I groan.
“Well, considering what just happened? That sounds about right.” a fluttery giggle escapes her pink, plump lips.
Did I mention how obsessed I am with her smile? It’s addictive.
“What would I do without you? Taking care of me all the time.”
I couldn’t help but reach for her waist, squeezing at it and playing with the ends of her hair as I looked up at her, still standing a few inches above my head.
“Youcouldfind another blonde, short girl to cater to your every move?” her teeth appear as she’s amused with her little joke.
“Trust me, there isn’t anotheryouanywhere in this universe.
I couldn’t replace you even if I tried.” I bring my voice down, licking my lips.
For a second, her eyes meet mine but slip away immediately.
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“Josh.”
“What’s up, baby?”
She pulls a piece of her hair behind each of her ears, staring down at the bloody towel on my lap between us.
“I’m sorry I blew up on you at the fair. I was a total bitch to you—”
“I deserved it.”
I see her eyes make a quick glance, but they are glassy.
Lifting her inner elbow, she drags it along her face, wiping her eyes.
“I never wanna be the reason you cry…”
My throat starts to feel clogged.
“I’m just mad at myself. And I hate that life doesn’t commit to pinky promises the same way humans do.” her words tumble out all mashed together before she takes a deep breath.
