Page 46 of The Nicest Thing

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"And you know this how?"

"My mom's a dual citizen."

"Oh," I said."Well, that's cool.Means you are too, right?"

"Hmmm," he said, eyes moving back to his book as I struggled.

I put on another shirt, gave a quiet sigh, plopped onto my bed, and covered my eyes with my arms.I dressed myself everysingle day.Why was this so hard?Oh, that's right.It's because I had an author couples' brunch to attend, the whole reason Rose asked me to play her fake husband in the first place, and I didn't want to blow it.

Possibly sensing my inner turmoil, I heard Arnold close his book.

A second later, he said, "Finn, what's the problem?"

"I don't have anything to wear," I mumbled.

"The truckload of clothes on your bed are calling you liar."

I threw him a glare.

"Must be something important going on today."

"You could say that," I said.

Arnold waited, staring at me expectantly.

"I'm going with Rose to this author event.It's important to her.She's important to me, and…I don't want her to regret asking me."

"Why would she?"

I shrugged.

"Okay, listen."Arnold sat up, so I did too.He gave me a pointed look."First, I want it known that I'm not attracted to you, in any way, shape or form."

"Got it."

"I don't swing that way, and if I did, you wouldn't be my type."

I nodded.

"Not even close."

"Understood.Geez, you wouldn't be mine either."

Arnold tilted his head."Second, I don't get the issue."

"I just told you—"

"It doesn't matter what you wear, O'Brien.Rose will approve.She's your best friend.She asked you to go to this thing.And besides, you're an attractive guy."

I arched a brow.

"You're one of them."Arnold waved a hand in the air."A popular-jock type—even though you're more of an intellectual like me."

"Rose calls it nerd hot," I said with a grin.

"Well, there you go.You don't see how girls look at you, but I do.They throw themselves at you, man."

"Nah," I said.

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