Page 111 of Meet Fake

“Good idea.” I nod, walking in that direction.

“Tristan is an easy-going guy, so he’ll love anything you get him. Maybe something that’s meaningful or something for Spread Joy?” She looks over at me.

“Yeah. I mean, we haven’t been dating long enough to make this a super deep gift. Maybe next year.” I smile, hoping it makes my comment seem understandable instead of rude.

“You want something special without overdoing it,” Lex says.

“Exactly.” I lift my hands. “You get it.”

“I do,” she laughs. “When Hudson and I got back together, it was around Christmas time. I wanted to give him something meaningful, but we were also starting fresh.”

“What’d you get him?” I ask with curiosity.

“A candle with the scent of my perfume. Well, not my actual perfume, but using the aromas in my perfume. I also had a t-shirt made just like his football jersey in high school.”

“That’s so sweet,” I say.

“Yeah, he loved it.” A slight blush covers her cheeks. “We have history, but I wanted something that didn’t necessarily focus on the past. Anyway, I’m getting off-topic. You and Tristan met at the coffee shop. Maybe something related to coffee?”

“I hope I see something, and it’s like a lightbulb turning on.”

“I’m sure it’ll happen. Let’s see what All You Need has.”

I don’t waste time and start going down aisle by aisle. Stores like this demand my attention. Not just a glance but two or three, always finding something I missed the first time around.

“Oh, my goodness, this is amazing,” Lex laughs as she walks toward me, holding a mug.

“Let me see,” I reach for it and read what it says.

“Uh, no.” I shake my head.

The white mug reads: My girlfriend is hotter than coffee.

“It’s perfect!” Her eyes round. “You met at a coffee shop. You’re a barista. You’re hot.” She flicks each item off on her finger.

“I can’t.” My face is on fire like someone is putting a torch to my cheeks.

It feels so presumptuous of me. I don’t even think I’m hot. I’m pretty, cute maybe, but not hot.

“I’m going to hold it while you look around.”

I roll my eyes but let her have her way. I glance over at the mug as I scour other shelves, but nothing calls to me.

“Let me see.” I hold my hand out.

It’s not enough of a gift, but it could go along with something else. I can’t believe I’m even considering this.

“Hope would force you to buy it,” Lex laughs.

I look at the black block and script font combination, smiling. It’s something Tristan would enjoy. He’ll laugh as soon as he sees it.

“You’re gonna get it, aren’t you? I see the wheels turning.” She points at me with a triumphant smile.

“Ugh,” I toss my head back.

“Yes!” She dances around excitedly.

My eyes widen as I look behind her and find Mrs. Remington standing at the end of the aisle with narrowed eyes.

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