Page 38 of The Fake
“We were going to watch an episode ofNew Girl. You wanna stay?”
I glance at our half-finished marketing plan, and she follows my gaze. “I’ll finish it later.”
I know this concession is for her roommates—putting off homework so she can do what they want, and it pisses me off a little for her.
“I should go. I have some other things to do.” I nod to her laptop. “Email me what you have so far.”
“Oh, sure.” Her brows furrow in confusion. Probably because I haven’t questioned a thing she’s done on the project. I’ve let her take the lead and, to be honest, do most of the work. Aware that the roommates are watching now, I lean down and lift her chin so I can place a kiss on her lips. “Later.”
* * *
I’m buried in demographics and sales numbers for this stupid pen that I can’t imagine anyone wanting when my phone pings with a text notification. I rub at my eyes and close Joel’s laptop.
Chloe: You missed a great episode.
Fuck, I’ve been at it for two hours. Which means…
Me: Admit it, you watched more than one. Traitor.
Chloe: I didn’t exactly have control of the remote. They’re going to watch one more. Want me to wait and watch with you?
Me: Nah, go ahead.
Only a few minutes pass before she sends me another.
Chloe: What are you doing?
Me: Thinking about going to bed. Might go for a run first.
Chloe: A run before bed??
Me: Relaxes me, helps me fall asleep.
I leave out the fact it sometimes helpskeepme asleep all night.
Me: What do you do when you can’t fall asleep?
Chloe: The usual. Count sheep, read a book, watch porn, listen to music.
Me: Whoa, whoa, whoa. You watch porn to help you sleep?
Chloe: Just checking to see if you were paying attention.
Me: To you? Always.
Me: Now back to my question.
Chloe: Having a roommate makes watching porn a little awkward.
Me: Bummer, I hadn’t thought of that. I myself enjoyed some erotica earlier today.
I’m afraid I’ve overshared when she hasn’t responded two minutes later. I’m about to turn my phone on silent for the night when a text finally appears on screen.
Chloe: Let me guess, lesbian porn?
Me: Nope.
Chloe: Gang bang?
