Page 66 of Bumping into You

We need to talk.

Gwen

Everything ok?

Holly

Yes, but Margot and I are heading to your room shortly.

Gwen

Ok, I’m just finishing a run, give me a few to get back.

After changing my clothes, I answer the knock at my door. Like promised, Margot and Holly are waiting for me.

“Walk with us,” says Holly. I exit my room, and Margot links her arms with mine. “So, spill the beans, Gwen,” she says. “What’s happening with you and Niall?”

“What are you talking about?” I say.

“Don’t play coy,” Holly says. “We know something is going on.”

“Okay, okay,” I say, “but it’s really nothing. We’re just having fun and enjoying the cruise.” I’m trying to come off as nonchalant as I can manage because, after Niall’s confession last night, it might be a lot more than a little fun.

“Well,” says Margot, “you seem to definitely be enjoying the cruise more than I am.”

“Hey,” says Holly in mock outrage, “we’ve been having a lot of fun.”

“I know,” agrees Margot. “Just notthatkind of fun.”

“Margot does have a point,” Holly says conspiratorially. “It does look like you’re having a bit more ‘fun’ than what was outlined in the wedding activities, G.”

I only shrug.

“Don’t make me bring it out,” says Holly.

“Bring what out?” I ask.

Margot pulls a folded piece of paper out of her pocket.

My stomach drops through my body, through the floors beneath me, through the hull of the cruise ship, then deep intothe ocean below.

“Where did you get that?” I ask, reaching for the paper, but Holly pulls her hand back. Opening it up, she confirms what I’d dreaded most.

“Rule one,” she reads, “Our friends can’t know we’re fake dating.”

I try grabbing for the paper again, but Holly is too quick.

“Rule two,” she continues, “Go on dates, just the two of us, as a fake couple.”

This time I snag the paper with the tips of my fingers, but Margot comes to Holly’s rescue and easily steals it back from me.

“Rule three,” reads Margot, “and my personal favorite, when fake dating, PDA is acceptable, but kissing is only allowed if necessary.”

“Alright, alright, alright,” I say in defeat. I shush them both and glance back behind us in the hallway. I’d be mortified if one of the guys overheard this conversation.

“So,” says Holly, “Margot and I have both looked over this list and have been waiting for you to tell us about it.”

“Well, about the pretend dating,” says Margot.

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