Page 57 of Fake Dating Adrian Hunter
“How would I know where they’re going?”
“Because you’re Darius and your superpower is to know all the answers to my problems.”
“That’s true. You’re a mess without me.”
“Was there a kiss?” I ask, dreading the answer.
“No kiss. Damn, you’ve got it bad.”
“Don’t say that. I can’t be in love with Adrian.”
Darius pulls back from me, quirking an eyebrow. “Hey, I didn’t say anything about love.”
My skin prickles with heat. “Neither did I. I was only saying what you were implying.”
“Right.”
“Shut up.”
He studies my face, myfrowningface, then takes me by the shoulders and guides me back inside the bungalow.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
“Where’s the bathroom?”
“Through there.” I point to the bedroom and adjoining bathroom. He sits me on the bed and locks us inside the room. “It’s Robe Time.”
Say no more, I understand.Robe Timeis an official phrase that can be cited in theVerena and Darius Dictionary (Second Edition).What started out as a rabid fan creating a website dedicated to the wacky list of terms coined by me and Darius actually got published into our very own dictionary that can be purchased in stores.
Robe Time:A procedure that takes place in bath robes every time your best friend (or lover, as fans like to believe of Verena and Darius) needs an intervention. Robe Time activities can involve pampering sessions, binge eating, or watchingTitanicand debating whether Jack could have fit on that floating door. In extreme cases where the activities are effective and both parties have forgotten the original crisis, Robe Time is relocated to the pool where theTitanicdoor theory is tested in person.
That is the official definition of Robe Time. I’m not even kidding. I initiated Robe Time a few years back when Darius was considering bleaching his hair after a breakup. The most recent time was when I found out about the cheating scandal and Darius had to talk me out of being “that crazy bitch” and keying Jake’s Ferrari.
Darius disappears into the bathroom, reemerging in a bathrobe and throws a second one at me. I strip down to my underwear and throw on the robe.
“What color?” He holds up two bottles of nail polish. One black, the other red.
I love how Darius can make me laugh during such a dire time. “You’regoing to paint my nails?”
“I didn’t say I was going to be any good at it. In case you haven’t noticed, we don’t have access to watchingTitanicor testing the door theory, and there’s no food to binge. So, I’m attempting to pamper you.”
A smile peeks through my terrible mood. “You’re amazing. Let’s go for black—the color of my heart.”
“I like sexy red better.”
We both take a seat on the ground, resting against the foot of the bed.
“Okay, here’s your plan,” Darius says, focusing hard to be neat while painting my first nail. “Adrian is using you to pull the jealousy card on Isabelle. Let’s shove it right back in his face. Usemeto makehimjealous. I already made it seem like there’s something romantic between us when I arrived. If he’s ever listened to celebrity gossip, I’m sure he’s heard about the Darena rumors. If this jealousy plan works, you’ll know he has feelings for you. If not, you’ll know it’s Isabelle he’s after.”
“Darius, you’re either a genius or an idiot.”
“I’ll take the first option.”
“Let me get this straight. I’m double crossing my fake boyfriend to have another fake relationship with you?”
“Exactly.”
I switch hands for Darius to paint the other one. “I’ll think about it.”
