Page 68 of Fake Dating Adrian Hunter
Once we’re out of the bungalow, Darius and I head to his new accommodation. His bungalow is small and not anywhere near as fancy as all the other ones I’ve been in, but it’s still beautiful.
“Now are you going to fill me in on what you’re up to?” I ask, following him into the bedroom.
Darius stretches out on his bed. “We’re waiting.”
“For what?”
“You heard Phoebe. Your family is expecting you. She said she’ll tell them where you are. Adrian will come looking for you when you don’t show up for the board game.”
“I’m still not following.”
He grins. “You’ll understand soon enough.”
ChapterTwenty-Two
Five missed calls and three texts from Adrian later.
“Can I call him back already?” I ask, sitting beside Darius on his bed.
“No.” Darius takes my phone away from me. “Phoebe told him you’re with me. Make him sweat. He’ll hate the thought of us together. I can guarantee that any moment now he’ll come knocking on my door. We need to commence part two of the plan.”
“Which is?”
“I’m taking a shower.”
“Right. Because that makes so much sense.”
“Trust me.” He heads to the bathroom.
As soon as I’m alone, a knock rattles the front door. I jolt upright on the bed, freezing with panic.
The knocking continues, followed by a male voice. “Darius, it’s Zac.”
I let out a sigh of relief and pull Zac inside with me. He looks terrible. “How did things go with Penny?”
Zac sinks into the couch and covers his face with a pillow, speaking in muffled tones. “I searched everywhere and couldn’t find her. Where’s Darius?”
I sit on the couch with him. “In the shower.”
“Why aren’t you with Adrian?”
“As it turns out, Darius is even more invested in this jealousy thing than I am. He has this plan. I don’t fully understand it. Adrian is meant to come find me here.”
Zac lowers the pillow from his face. “NowI’mjealous. Your life is so… fun.”
“I’m actually kind of stressed.”
“You’restressed? Try being me.”
“Sorry.” I take Zac’s hand in mine, attempting to be comforting. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but I care about you, and I hate seeing you so miserable all the time. You’re such a good guy and deserve so much more than what Penny gives you. Please, help me understand why you’re fighting so hard for her when she doesn’t show you the slightest bit of respect.”
Zac rubs the heels of his palms into his forehead. “I’ve been with Penny since high school. She’s my closest friend and has seen me through all my ups and downs. I love her. And… she does respect me.”
“You’re in love with the memory of what you two used to share. Penny is not that person anymore.”
“I made a commitment to her when I saidI do, and I don’t back out of things just because times are tough. I need to find her and tell her how much I love her.”
My lips press together with concern. I pull Zac into my arms and hug him tight. I wish Adrian would be as open about his feelings as Zac is. In high school, Adrian’s way of handling his dislike for me was to distance himself with no explanation. Even the last time we saw each other after graduation, right before our seven years of no contact, he couldn’t be honest with me.
