Page 136 of Fauxmance

Santino took a deep breath and then continued.

"Okay, so it's like this," he said. "Hayden is the baby of the band. He's like a little brother that we all want to protect. And I don't know what went down between you two, but me and the guys could tell Hayden's been happier since he met you."

"Santino, I—"

"He loves you, Magnolia. Even if he can't admit it, I know it, the guys know it, and you should know it, too. I just don't want to see my friend lose out on love because he's dragging his feet."

My mind refused to believe his words. Santino was a good friend, but this wasn't Haydenspeaking. I couldn't allow myself to forget that.

"You should come to our gig Friday," Santino said. "It's a big deal. There's some record exec driving down to watch us. It's what we've been working toward, Hayden most of all."

Something occurred to me then, and I narrowed my gaze. "Has it affected his playing?"

"No, like I said, he's fine when we're in practice. It's just the other hours of the day…"

Even though we'd ended things, I was so proud and excited for Hayden.

"Well, that's awesome," I said. "I know you guys will knock their socks off."

"The goal is to knock all of their clothes off, but we can start with the socks." Santino threw me a wink. "So, will you be there? It would make Hayden's day."

I felt my chest deflate. "Honestly, I wish I could, but…I don't think it's a good idea. I'm sorry, Santino. I love Hayden, and I miss him so much. But I think you're wrong about him feeling the same."

He opened his mouth, but I shook my head.

"Just…tell him good luck for me," I said. "Okay?"

"Okay, M," he said. "I will. You take care."

"You, too."

When I lay in bed that night, I couldn't stop thinking, my mind running in circles, refusing to let me sleep. Hayden and his band had a gig on Friday, one that might change his life. I knew I wouldn't go. I didn't want to risk throwing him off, and we were moving in different directions. I'd be graduating soon. He'd move on and forget about me. HERS would make it big in the music industry. And I would buy every song, supporting the guy who I'd had to walk away from because he didn't love me back. If that wasn't a sad song waiting to happen I didn't know what was.

Too bad it was also my life.

CHAPTER 25

"Have you heard from him?" Mom asked gently.

"Nope," I said from beneath the mound of covers.

"Do you want to talk some more?"

"I think I told you everything, Mom. He doesn't love me."

My voice caught on a hiccup.

"There's really nothing more to say."

"Oh sweetheart," she said and pulled me, covers and all, into a hug. "If that's true, Hayden's an idiot. I can't believe he asked you to fake anything in the first place. Maybe he doesn't deserve you."

I'd tried telling myself that. But for some reason, it just wouldn't stick.

It had been six days with no word from Hayden.

At first, I'd held out hope that he would change his mind, come after me and profess his undying love. When it didn't happen, I'd sunken deeper into myself and my feelings. Luckily, Mom took pity on me and let me stay home that Friday.

Tomorrow, I'd been supposed to go to Delany Davenport's wedding with Hayden.

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