Page 41 of Play Fake
“And you,” Ben looks at me. “Need to do the same thing.”
“Oh, I know the girl wants me. She made that very clear. But I just… She’s got me fucking turned over.”
“Maybe she’s waiting for the two for one deal with old Benny Boy here. Offer that yet?” Liam tries to provoke me again.
Ben shoots him a withering glare, and he throws his hands up defensively.
“I’m fucking kidding!” Liam grumps.
“She sees you as a joke because that’s all you’ve ever been around her—joking, taunting. You want something else, be something else,” Ben says it so matter-of-factly, I feel stupid for not having thought of it that simply before.
“What if that’s all she wants?”
“You won’t know if you don’t try. But if it is, then it’s your decision. Get what you can or move on.”
“Stop making sense Benny boy.” I wave my fork at him before taking another bite of my salad.
* * *
By the timeI get back to my room, I’d formulated the perfect fucking plan, and it was going to solve another problem I had on my plate.
Me:Been thinking… you probably owe me a favor.
I send off the text to her, and then wait what feels like an eternity for her response.
Mac Truck:Owe you?
Me:Yup.
Mac Truck:For what?
Me:Being your fake boyfriend. Rescuing you from that ill-advised hook up with Liam.
Mac Truck:Sigh.
Me:And I think I want to call in a favor in return.
Mac Truck:Fine. Lay it on me.
Me:Two favors for two favors?
Mac Truck:Depends on the ask.
Me:I need help finding a birthday present for my mom.
Mac Truck:You want my help finding a present for your mom?
Me:Yep. You are my fake girlfriend after all. That’s one of your duties, right? Helping with present selection for family members? My second practice in the afternoon is canceled. Was thinking we could go then.
Mac Truck:I have class till 2:30.
Me:Cool. We can meet in the quad and go from there?
Mac Truck:Okay. What’s the second favor?
Me:One thing at a time Mac.
Mac Truck:Comforting. See you then.
