Page 65 of The Love Trick

“Ah, that explains it,” she mutters, picking up her own glass and taking a sip. “Would you like some Tylenol? I have some in my purse.”

“No, that’s okay,” I say, my eyes drifting to the window. I take in the street just on the other side, busy with people laughing and talking.

Ireallyneed to talk to Blaze.

But I haven’t gotten up the nerve to tell him how I feel—and that I need some space to get over what happened…

“So, how’s Blaze?” Mom goes right in for the kill.

“Great,” I say.

“Why didn’t you bring him along?”

“He’s got practice,” I lie. “He would’ve loved to have been here, I’m sure.” I pick up the menu, getting lost in the words that all seem to blend together. This is the worst heartbreak I’ve ever gone through, and now, I wish I’d never asked Blaze to be my fake boyfriend. We could’ve kept our friendship going like always instead of being like this.

“Have you seen Aurora’s pictures with Robert on their honeymoon?” Mom pulls out her phone and slides it across the table.

I set the menu down with a huff and flip through their lovey-dovey stupid pictures. I barely take them in, though I do visibly cringe at the photo of them lip-locked. “Wow, looks like they’re having a great time.” My voice is flat, and I immediately go back to the menu. I know I’m not being pleasant.

And I have no reason for it. BecauseI’mthe one who caused this to happen between Blaze and me. It’s on me. I know that, but for some reason, it doesn’t change the fact thathebroke the rules first.

He did.

Not me.

I mean, yeah, I dared him to kiss me the next day. But I didn’t think he actuallywould. Well, I didn’t think he would and then totally freak out.

I shake my head to myself, sick of replaying it all over and over again. It’s all I’ve been able to do since it happened, and I’m so tired of the rut I’m stuck in.

We order our brunch. I opt for the French toast, just so I can eat my feelings fully.

“So, have you made any progress on hiring contractors for your dog-walking business?” Mom asks.

“Not yet,” I answer. “I don’t really want to think about that right now. I have enough on my plate.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I know it’s a mistake.

“Like what?” she inquires. “Your headache?”

“What?” I shoot back at her. “What does my headache have to do with this?”

But before she can answer, our food is served. Mom falls into silence and begins to eat. I force myself to do the same, trying to ignore the way she eyes me every so often. I focus on my plate, and by the time I’m done, Mom is already paying the bill.

“Let’s go for a walk,” she says, pushing back from the table. “It’ll help us digest all these crazy carbs.”

Uh oh.

A sinking feeling hits my gut as I stand up to follow her. I know her too well—she’s on to me. I brush my hair out of my face and follow her out of the small café.

She links her arm in mine. “So, what happened when you and Blaze got back?”

But before I can answer, I catch sight of the oneperson Idon’twant to see.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I mumble under my breath just as Blaze hops out of his Jeep. I should’ve known that he’d be going to the gym—which just so happens to be right next to the breakfast café.

“Blaze!” Mom calls out brightly.

He whips his head around and smiles so gorgeously. “Hey.” He jogs up to us, looking me over from head to toe. “Are you sick?”

“Addy said you were at practice?” Mom interjects before I can say anything about the fake headache I’m sporting.

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