Page 32 of The Purest Fake

She grins. “Uh huh. You know, for not being in an actual relationship, you two seem to text a lot.”

She’s exaggerating.

“We’re friends,” I defend. “And we need to keep up appearances.”

“Right,” she says, drawing out the word. “Well, don’t let me interrupt your ‘appearance keeping.’”

“You’re ridiculous.” Scooping a generous portion of spaghetti onto my plate, I add a handful of meatballs on top along with two slices of garlic bread and a scoop of spinach. Grabbing a fork, I take a seat on a stool at the island. “Thank you for this. I didn’tknow what I was gonna have for dinner. You’re a lifesaver.” I take the first bite and hum. “So good.”

She scoffs. “You act like I don’t feed you all the time.”

“I know you do, but I try not to presume you will. You’re not my private chef.”

“I’m not?” she asks, laughing.

I smile. “Not officially at least. But if you need the label, it’s yours.” I fork another bite into my mouth.

She taps her fingertip against her lips. “Would this title come with a salary?”

“Yeah, free rent and utilities.”

She nods. “Fair enough.”

“Aren’t you gonna have some dinner?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “Maybe later. I’m not hungry right now.”

“Are you coming to the game tomorrow?”

“Yep. Don’t forget to give me a ticket.”

“You can sit with Scarlett and Autumn in the family members’ section.”

“I might have to leave early since I’m working after the game.”

“That’s not a problem. I’m just glad you’ll be there for most of it.”

“I wouldn’t miss watching you play for anything besides work. I may not love my job but I like having money in my bank account.”

“Do you dislike it that much?”

“Not really. It’s not the job that bothers me. It’s my boss. She’s a witch.”

“Kill her with kindness,” I suggest.

“If she doesn’t change her behavior, I’m gonna kill her with something.”

I laugh. Cassie wouldn’t hurt a fly, and she certainly won’t make waves. She’s a people pleaser and doesn’t have a rebellious gene in her body. Even if her boss makes her miserable, she’ll bite her tongue and do her job to the best of her ability.

“You think it’s funny, but it’s not. She tries my patience more than anyone ever has. The other day it was all I could do to keep myself from giving my notice.”

“If it’s that bad, why don’t you?”

“Because I need the money.”

“You know I’ll take care of you for as long as you need.”

“I know you will, but I don’t want you to have to. Living here for free is enough.”

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