Page 75 of A Little Crush
With a laugh, I unlock my phone so I can respond.
“Who is it?” my mom asks.
“It’s Dodger.”
“Aww, how is he?”
“Good.” Giving her the side-eye, I add, “We broke up.”
“That was quick,” she muses, but I don’t miss the cocky lilt in her voice. It’s the same one she uses when talking about Santa and the Tooth Fairy with all the grandbabies.
Twisting toward her, I say, “You knew, didn’t you?”
“I’m your mother. Of course I knew.” She lifts her chin toward my phone. “You gonna answer him?”
Oh. Right.
“Yup.” I reread the message, then type my response.
Me
Seems word travels fast.
Dodger
Apparently. How are you doing?
Me
Good. Watching a show with my mom. Why do you ask?
Dodger
Just checking in. Wanted to make sure you’re okay.
Me
How very sweet of you.
Dodger
I’m an excellent fake boyfriend.
I grin even wider.
“What did he say?” my mom prods.
“That he’s an excellent fake boyfriend.”
“Exfake boyfriend, right?” she counters.
Good point.
I type exactly that and hit send.
Me
Ex fake boyfriend.
