Page 21 of Fauxmance

"You really do have a good memory," I muttered then shook myself. I was surprised he'd retained that piece of info. It was one of the many secrets I'd told him. But there was a good reason behind this one. "Yes, now and then, I have to watch a movie that everyone loves and that I find depressing. That's nothing. I'd do a lot more, sacrifice whatever it takes, to see my mom smile."

Hayden shook his head. "But don't you think she'd do the same for you?"

That took me aback.

"Be honest, Magnolia. Would she want you doing something that makes you unhappy just to please her?" he said. "I don't think so."

I was moving even slower now as his words filtered through my brain.

"But…we watch it together," I said. "Titanicis kind of our thing."

He shot me a look. "I'm sure that's not your only thing."

I shook my head. "It's not. But whatever. Mom loves it, and that's enough for me."

"You said it makes you wake up crying the nights that you watch."

Waaay too good of a memory, I thought.

Again, I couldn't argue because what he'd said was true. Should I tell Mom that I didn't like the movie? That despite Rose and Jack's epic love story I couldn't get past the heartbreak? Would that ruin it for her? I wasn't willing to take the chance, but I would think over what Hayden had said. His words rang true—even if I wasn't ready to follow through on his suggestion.

The song switched, and Hayden threw me a surprised look.

"Didn't think you'd be into rap," he said.

"Why? I like all kinds of music," I said.

"Me, too. I just thought rap would be out of your comfort zone. Too raw for someone so prim and proper."

"There's a lot you don't know about me," I replied.

"Really? Like what?"

I shrugged in answer, and okay yes, maybe I was being coy. Maybe I wanted him to think I had hidden depths. It was clear Hayden did. He was mysterious without even trying. The whole arrogant-bad-boy-musician-who-owns-a-handkerchief-and-talks-about-his-grandma thing really worked for him.

I didn't want him thinking of me as the crazy-wedding-obsessed-girl-with-no-filter-who-carries-snacks-in-her-bag-and-is-weird-about-eating-without-a-napkin.

"Alright, fine," he said. "Don't tell me."

"I won't. You already know too much as it is," I said.

"And whose fault is that?"

"Mine. But you could even the score by telling me a few things about yourself."

He shook his head. "Nah, I like to keep you guessing."

I huffed, but that just made him chuckle.

The movement made light catch on the studs in his ears. They were small, silver, and he had a bar in the center of one ear. Did that hurt? I wondered. And why was it so hard to look away? When he caught me staring, Hayden lifted abrow.I quickly averted my gaze.

Hayden and I were opposites in a lot of ways. There was no denying it, and I knew that under other circumstances we may have never connected. But fate brought us together. I couldn't imagine being cooped up in this tiny elevator with anyone else. And despite everything…I was having a semi-decent time. The realization was a surprise.

"You know," he said, "I think I like careful dancing."

"Same here," I said.

And that made it official.

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