Page 53 of The Fake
“Told you I was done, man.”
“Yeah, I know, and I get it, but this is a one-time run. Five hundred, free and clear.”
I hate the way him dangling cash in front of me makes me so eager and excited. Money may very well be the root of all evil, but being without it fucking sucks.
Thanks to Joel and Wes dropping their used books from last semester in my room—neither would admit it, but it isn’t like I don’t know their class schedule—I was able to pay Frank back, but since I stopped dealing, there isn’t any new cash coming in. Everything Chloe gave me went straight to my mom, save a couple hundred to live on until I find a new income stream.
“No can do. Gonna have to get someone else.”
“This drop requires a certain finesse. I want someone I can trust.”
Finesse equals sketchy as fuck. “No way, man.”
He’s quiet for a beat. “A grand.”
* * *
Chloe
When the guys show up, I’m buzzed.
“Where’s Nathan?” Gabby asks them, saving me from having to admit I don’t know where he is. We had class together today, but I haven’t seen or talked to him since.
“Said he’d meet us here.” Joel’s dark hair frames a face that’s almost too handsome to be real. He slides in next to Katrina and pulls her close.
Blair introduces me to Wes, and Vanessa introduces me to Mario. I watch in adoration as the couples get lost in one another. I wonder if Nathan and I look that convincing. Gabby seems to believe we’re legit, anyway.
“Zeke’s in Phoenix?” I ask Gabby, pulling that bit of information from what she told me when we met.
She nods. “I should Facetime him once we’re all here. Speaking of, there’s your guy now.”
Nathan’s already spotted us and walks through the bar to our table with an easy smile, but his eyes are a stormy blue. He’s trying hard not to show his agitation, but I see it. He’s probably not all that pumped about having to spend an extra night with his fake girlfriend.
Since the kiss and our talk on Saturday, we’ve both been treading a little more carefully around each other. Our touches and interactions feel more intentional and less intimate.
He’s a loyal friend, even a loyal fake boyfriend, and I doubt he likes lying to his friends any more than I do. It doesn’t stop me from being excited to see him.
He grabs a chair from a vacant table and pulls it up between me and Wes.
“What’s up?” He and Wes give each other a nod before Nathan turns to me. “Hey, babe.”
“Hey,babe.” As soon as I use the endearment, I laugh. He leans in to cover my amusement at the pet name. He’s so not a babe. “Promise never to use that one again,” I say. “Too weird.”
“You can call me whatever you want.” He winks as he extends an arm around the back of my chair.
“I’m gonna grab a pitcher,” Wes says to Nathan. “Need a glass?”
“Not drinking tonight.” Nathan rubs his thumb along my shoulder.
I don’t miss the raised eyebrow Wes shoots in Nathan’s direction.
“I’ll help you.” Joel stands and goes with Wes to the bar.
“Nathan Payne, I’m so mad at you,” Gabby yells across the table, smiling.
“Uh-oh, what’d I do this time?” His tone is down despite the playful way I know Gabby meant the jab.
“You’ve been keeping Chloe all to yourself. We love her.”
