Page 84 of Faking Ties

“Yeah, I am.” I shrug, not at all mad about it.

Jake gives me a long look. “She’s good for you.”

“She is. You know, I heard both Nina and Aria are single.”

“Don’t you dare try to match me up with someone just because you’re now in a relationship. That’s against bro code.”

“Since when?” I ask.

“Since now.”

I laugh. “Aww, are you scared of Nina?”

“Definitely,” he says without hesitation. “And you should be, too.”

“What about Aria?”

“What about her?” he parrots.

I give him a long look. “Nothing to say?”

“Nope.” He doesn’t look at me, and instead stares straight ahead.

Interesting.

With drinks and donuts in hand, we join them. Aria is in a neon green pair of sunglasses, Nina in an oversized brown pair, and Elodie in heart-shaped ones. They all dramatically roll their eyes after taking the first sip of their coffees.

“Heard you need help organizing a get-together tonight,” Aria says.

“I do,” I say. “I’m not sure what to do or serve.”

“Easy, use that money of yours and cater the thing.”

“Isn’t it a bit fancy to get it catered?” Jake asks.

Nina glares at him, and he swallows hard.What the hell happened last night?Aria covers her laugh with a cough.

“Aww, Jakey, don’t be scared of Nina,” Aria coos. “She won’t hurt you.”

“Yes, she will,” Jake says, backing up a step and coming to my side. “See what I mean? We’re not a match.” He glances at Nina quickly. “No offense.”

“None taken.” Nina laughs and pats him on the shoulder. “You’re not my typeat all. You’re like a Ken, but not in a douchey way. You’re far too pretty and wholesome for my tastes.”

“Thanks?” Jake says.

“Don’t be sad.” Aria cackles. “Nina would chew you up and spit you out faster than you can sayfuck my life.”

“Uh-huh,” Jake says. “And what would you do to me?”

“Oh easy.” Aria tosses her hair over her shoulder in the best hair flip I’ve ever seen. “I’d ruin you.”

Jake gives Aria a heated look, as if he doesn’t mind being ruined by her at all. She ignores him and says, “Hunter, call some catering companies and see if you can find someone last minute. Nina and Ella, you’re on dog-accessory and dog-food duty.”

“What about me?” Jake asks. “What’s my job?”

“To stand there and look pretty,” Aria deadpans.

Nina and Elodie laugh as Jake sputters. I clap him on the shoulder and say, “Don’t worry, that’s the epitome of a Ken.”

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