Page 63 of Fauxmance

I choked on nothing.

"It linked to some article about a woman named Constance. I guess she's like a weddingicon?Anyway, your sister's made the front page, just becauseMrs.Davenport went, and there was some speculation about you and her grandson. He's like super eligible, and it's the first time he's been seen with a date in forever."

"Unreal," I breathed.

"It's no wonder Sean's jealous."

After a moment, Ruby cleared her throat.

"Sooo?" she said.

I looked up and took in their expectant expressions.

"We just…went to the wedding together," I said.

Amanda nodded. "People are saying he's your boyfriend."

"They are?"

"Hmm," Ruby said. "Is it true?"

Okay, this was awkward. These were my friends. Ruby had asked me a direct question, and it didn't feel right to lie. Technically, I reasoned, Hayden was my boyfriend. Pretend, yeah. But my boyfriend, nonetheless. If he were here, I knew he'd approve of me saying that. Still…

Amanda pointed at me. "Oh my gosh. I can tell by the look on your face. He is, isn't he?"

A blush rode high on my cheeks, and I forced myself to answer. "Our relationship is a little unconventional," I said. "But yes. Hayden is kind of my boyfriend."

The two squealed in delight.

"Guys, we're just having fun," I added. "It's not that serious."

Ruby sniffed. "The photos tell a different story."

We started walking to the parking lot. It was the end of the school day—finally—and I couldn't wait to get out of there.

"Anyway," Amanda said, "at least now you know why Sean's being so petty."

"I still don't see why," I said. "He broke up with me."

The memory still hit me with a bout of sadness, but I shook it off, hoping my friends wouldn't notice.

"Yeah, but it has to eat at him that you found someone so quickly," Ruby said. "And that he's gorgeous."

"I bet he's a sweetheart, too." Amanda sighed. "I've tried like a hundred times to get Marquis into a tux. He always refuses, doesn't matter the occasion."

"Ooh, if we're still friends, can I please be the MOH at your wedding?"

With an eye roll, I faced them, stopping at the edge of the parking lot. There was a large crowd barring the way to my car, and this was important. I had to make it clear to them.

"Seriously, Ruby, it's not like that." I said.

"But—"

"I don't see the thing between Hayden and me being long-term."

"Ah, Magnolia," Ruby said. "Can't you just let us imagine you and the hot guy living happily-ever-after?"

"Or at least happy-for-now?" Amanda said.

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