Page 3 of Fauxmance

It was too much. The words, the wink, the smug sound of his voice like he knew he was my only option and that I didn't have anyone else. My temper got the better of me. And I let the lie fly unchecked from my lips.

"Oh, it's fine," I said. "I already have another guy lined up anyway."

Sean's brow furrowed. "You do? Who is it?"

I gave a shrug. "You don't know him. It's this older guy I met over the summer while I was volunteering. He's lovely, and he has such a kind heart."

Unlike you, you insensitive jerk.

"Define older," he said.

"He's in college."

"And you met him at the soup kitchen? That's weird."

I smiled as if reliving a fond memory. "Not really. He was a volunteer like me. We served the homeless together, and he kept trying his best to sweep me off my feet. I knew he could do it, too. His body was so strong and fit. It was clear he played a sport, football, basketball, soccer, something. I forgot to ask."

My now ex-boyfriend's eyes flared at that. I knew he despised jocks. He'd always said team contact sports were for dumb guys who liked bashing heads. But I'd always loved going to games. I liked it much more than I liked watching golf tournaments—which I'd done to support Sean several times. They were boring as heck, but I'd gone and stood there for hours, not wanting to hurt his feelings. Ugh.

"Well, that's good," Sean muttered. "I was worried you wouldn't be able to get someone."

"Oh no, he's been begging to take me," I lied.

"Really?"

"Yeah. He said it'd be an honor to have me on his arm." I shrugged, forcing myself to remain cool and collected. "I guess you're not the only one with prospects."

Sean stared at me. "Guess not. Mags…you don't have to lie, you know."

"What makes you think I'm lying?" I asked.

"I've just never heard you mention any guys," he said.

My gaze narrowed. "Well, this is the first I'm hearing about your new girlfriend, but I haveno doubt that she's real."

Sean smiled again. "If you say he's real, then I believe you. I wishyou guys the best."

How very generous of him.

"I should get going," he said, pushing away from the locker he'd been leaning against. "Have to meet my dad at the country club later. He's going to wine and dine this rich old lady and get her to donate a boatload of money to his campaign. It's been fun, Mags."

I nodded, wanting nothing more than for him to go so I could drop this façade. We'd been together longer than a lot of married couples. We'd been friends even longer than that—or at least I'd thought we were—and this was all he had to say? It's been fun?

Gah, I didn't know whether to flip him off or cry.

Maybe sob uncontrollably while flipping him off.

That might work.

"I'll see you around," he said.

And then he was walking away, striding down the hall as if nothing had happened, leaving me in the dust.

"Yeah, I hope not," I said under my breath.

Sean could keep his new girl. After that conversation and how utterly careless he'd been with my feelings, I never wanted to see him again. The jerk could rot for all I cared. I couldn't believe I had wasted so much time on him.

My eyes started to fill, and a few tears escaped. I quickly wiped them away, checking to make sure no one had witnessed my moment of weakness. Luckily, the halls of Honeycomb High were deserted. The final bell rang several minutes ago, and everyone had somewhere to be after school.

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