Page 96 of Fauxmance

"And I'm glad. I missed you."

My heart stuttered at that, but I told it to remain calm. This is all part of the act.

Still, I meant it when I said, "I missed you, too."

A loud crash brought my eyes back to the groomsmen.

"I didn't realize this was a Greek wedding," I said.

"It's not," Hayden grinned. "Marco just screamed 'Hulk smash' and started breaking things."

A cry dragged my eyes back to the dance floor, and I watched as Annabelle and several other guests tried to help both of the twins off the floor. They must've fallen and not been able to get up. The thought was so hilarious I had to fight back a laugh.

"You know," Hayden said, taking in the scene around us, "I think I may be starting to like weddings."

CHAPTER 18

Going back to school on Monday felt like stepping out of a dream.

Unfortunately, reality had altered, and it wasn't so sweet.

"You're on the internet again," Ruby said as we were eating lunch.

"For what?" I asked.

"Another wedding. This time for someone named Phillipa."

Amanda smiled. "PhillipaDavenport. That's why it's big news."

"Yeah, yeah, lifestyles of the rich and richer," Ruby said.

"Wow, Maggie, what a dress. Your mom do that?"

I nodded. My apple was forgotten as I pulled out my own phone. They were right, of course. It was another link leading to an article for an online wedding group. But someone had posted yet again to the school website.

"Who keeps posting these things?" I said. "Don't they have anything better to do."

"I don't know," Ruby said. "I'm living vicariously through you, too."

"Same," Amanda said.

"Hayden's gorgeous and apparently very popular. Can we share him, please?"

"Hey!" I laughed.

Ruby sniffed. "Well fine, if you're going to be like that."

"I have a boyfriend," Amanda said as I shook my head. "I just want your clothes."

"I'll let you into my closet any time," I said, "though you're definitely a few sizes smaller than me. And as for Hayden"—I sighed—"I'd love to keep him, but that might be wishful thinking."

Ruby scoffed. "Come on, Magnolia. I was kidding. It says here he's single as a pringle. He has to be serious about you if he's taking you to all these weddings."

"I guess," I said.

They had no idea we were faking, so of course, they'd think that.

"Ooh, and look," Amanda said, "there's a comment section. They all love your dress, and Hayden's getting a lot of love, too, and…oh."

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