Page 26 of The Friend Situation

“Well, I hope that one ends with a happy ending,” I quip, unable to resist the temptation to tease.

Carlee snorts. “Now, that would be a dream come true.”

“A dream, huh?” I chuckle as Easton places everything on the counter.

I wish he weren’t zeroed in on me. My brother is piecing together bits of information he’s gathered from this conversation, and I try to ignore him.

“Oh, I have a date tomorrow as well,” Carlee says excitedly as we move to the bartop.

It’s so hard not to smile, but I can’t break character with Easton so close. I hate it when he does this to me, but I continue to be a chameleon.

The chandelier glitters above us, and the city lights glow warmly as we dig into our food. Carlee sits beside me, her knee brushing against mine. Our eyes meet, and I flash her a small smile as she picks up her burger. She blushes.

I glance at my brother, and he gives me a shit-eating grin. He knows we were together. It only took him twelve minutes.

I clear my throat. “Lex, did you tell Frankie this was a dinner date?” I take a bite of my cheeseburger.

“I don’t think the worddatecame out of my mouth. It could have though. Is that what this is?”

I turn to Carlee. “Speaking of dates, just to be clear, you’re going on another datetonight, right?”

“Yes,” Carlee confirms.

“And people thinkI’mthe serial dater,” I scoff.

“You are.” She snorts. “You go on several dates each week and have a secret girlfriend. I think that’s the very definition of being a serial dater, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Secret girlfriend?” Easton tilts his head, puzzled.

I haven’t had a chance to chat with him yet.

I clear my throat. “There’s a rumor circulating that I have a secret girlfriend, and the dates I’ve been going on are a cover-up to keep her hidden.”

“Is it true?” Easton questions.

“No,” I explain, “it’s not.”

His smile fades, replaced by a look of irritation. “Who would spread something like that?”

“A liar who needs to keep their fucking opinions to themselves. And if I ever find out who started this, I swear I will make their life a living hell.”

Lexi wears a concerned expression, but Carlee keeps the mood light.

“Just tell us who she is,” Carlee insists. “LadyLux would love to know.”

“There is no secret girlfriend. Unless you’re volunteering for the role,” I say.

Carlee’s breath hitches, but I catch it.

“Yes!” Lexi nods, wiping her mouth with a napkin. “That’s actually agreatidea. Play into the rumors.”

“Pfft. No thanks.” Carlee takes a bite of her burger, but I see the fire behind her eyes.

I enjoy the clever comebacks that roll off her tongue.

Lexi and Easton exchange glances as I reach over and dip a fry into Carlee’s ketchup.

“Pardon me, sir. You have your own. I don’t like sharing what’s mine.” She points toward the unopened packets.

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