Page 46 of Faking Ties

They both look shell-shocked by that.

“What?” I ask.

“He likes you,” Nina declares, as if she’s an expert on the subject.

“As a friend,” I say.

“I’m with her.” Aria points to Nina. “He definitely likes you.”

“It doesn’t matter,” I say. “It’s all fake anyway, and it has to remain that way. Not when I’m not,you know.”

“I still say you just enjoy it while it lasts,” Nina says. “You’re thinking too much for your own good.”

“Agreed,” Aria says, waving down the server. When they walk over, Aria asks, “Can we have three French Blondes?”

Once our server returns with our drinks, we all laugh and joke around for the rest of the game. Aria fits in with us like she’s always belonged, like a long-lost sister who we’ve just found. And when Hunter’s team wins? Aria teaches Nina some cheerleading moves and they chant and shake their ass around the room in celebration. I laugh at their antics, and with the help of the alcohol pumping through my blood, I’m not as hesitant to write Hunter this time.

Me: SLAY

Me: Congrats on the W.

Me: I’m so proud of you.

“Let’smove this party to somewhere more fun,” Aria says. “I know the perfect place.”

We all pile into the car and Aria gives Brian, my bodyguard, directions to the club she wants to go to. While we’re in the car, Hunter finally writes me back.

Jeggings: I’m going to print out your play-by-play and get it framed, especially the part where you think my ass looks hot.

Me: If you do that, I’ll even sign it for you. Are you celebrating tonight?

Jeggings: Not sure yet. What are you getting up to?

Me: Nina and Aria are here, so we’re going out.

Jeggings: Where?

I dropa pin of my location when we arrive. Aria pulls us through a small space that’s already packed with people. There are tables surrounding the perimeter of the club, but most people are standing and dancing. There’s a DJ on one end of the room and a bar on the other.

Brian and another bodyguard guide us up the stairs to a VIP area with leather couches and coffee tables. We’re the only ones up here, and a server comes over and takes our order for more French Blondes.

“I love this place,” Aria says. “The DJ slays all night long.”

Nina looks around in amazement. “Not going to lie, I could get used to this.”

Yeah, so could I. Getting dressed up, going out, andspending time with my friends. What more could a girl ask for?

“What were you smiling about when we arrived?” Aria asks.

“Oh, nothing. Hunter just texted me.”

“Admit it,” Nina says. “You like him.”

“No,” Aria says. “She more than likes him.”

“Admit it. Admit it,” they begin to chant and clap in unison.

“Okay, fine,” I hiss, drunk enough to say it aloud. “I like him.”

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