Page 25 of The Purest Fake

“Good,” I say, feeling oddly pleased about having future plans with her, even if they’re part of our arrangement. “So tell me more about growing up in Rhode Island. What did you do for fun?”

She leans back in her seat, looking thoughtful. “Well, being so close to the ocean, I spent a lot of time at the beach. Myfriends and I would have bonfires, go surfing... oh, and I was really into watching professional wrestling.”

“I should’ve guessed the last part,” I say. “So you and Autumn grew up together, right?”

“She moved to my town for freshman year of high school, and we’ve been inseparable ever since.” I hear the smile in her tone.

“I think it’s awesome you’re so close. I don’t know many people who have friendships like yours.”

“We clicked from day one, and I’m not sure why but it just worked.”

“Hey, when something’s right, you don’t question it.”

We fall into a comfortable silence as I navigate the roads back toward her home. The street lights flicker past, casting a soft glow inside my car. I can’t help but steal glances at her when I think she’s not looking.

All too soon, I’m pulling into her driveway. I shut off the engine and then dart around the front of the car to open her door.

“Thank you.”

We walk along the walkway side by side, then climb the stairs together.

“You know,” she says suddenly, “I had a really good time tonight.”

I smile, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Not bad for my first official date, even if it wasn’t for real. “Me too. You made it easy.”

She turns to face me, her eyes sparkling in the dim light. “We make a pretty good team, don’t we?”

I nod, suddenly aware of how close we’re standing. “We do. I’m glad you came with me.”

“I am too,” she says softly.

There’s a charged moment where neither of us moves. I find myself drawn to her lips, wondering what it would be like to kiss her for real this time and not just for show.

I clear my throat. “So, I’ll let you know about any upcoming events. And don’t forget to send me the details for your cousin’s wedding.”

“Right,” she says, fumbling in her purse for her keys. “I’ll do that.”

As she unlocks her door, I stuff my hands in my pockets, suddenly unsure of how to say goodbye. A handshake seems too formal, a hug too intimate.

Scarlett solves the dilemma for me by leaning in and pressing a quick kiss to my cheek. “Goodnight, Cooper.”

“Goodnight, Scarlett.” I wait until she’s safely inside before heading back to my car.

Coach blows his whistle,ending the play. “Rogan, get rid of the ball faster, unless you like being sacked.”

I jog over to the sidelines, my cleats digging into the turf as I slow down. Coach motions for me to join the huddle with the rest of the offense.

“All right, let’s run it again,” Coach barks. “This time, Cooper, I want you to cut inside on your route instead of breaking to the outside. See if we can create some separation from the linebacker.”

I nod, wiping sweat from my brow. “Got it, Coach.”

As we break the huddle and head back to the line of scrimmage, Rogan gives me a quick fist bump. “Let’s make it happen this time, rookie.”

The defense sets up across from us. I get into my stance, muscles coiled and ready to explode into action.

“Hut! Hut!” Rogan barks out the cadence, and the ball is snapped.

At Rogan’s signal, I burst off the line, driving hard for five yards before cutting sharply to the inside. The linebacker tries to stay with me, but I’ve got a step on him. I look back over my shoulder just as Rogan launches the ball. It spirals perfectly toward me. I stretch out my arms, feeling the satisfying thud as the pigskin hits my hands. I secure it against my body as I turn upfield, sprinting for the end zone.

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