Page 22 of Bad Crush
“It really is,” someone says.
I search the crowd to find the source. The tone of this new person says she doesn’t believe me. When I find my hater, I suck in a breath. “Janine? What are you doing here?”
She smiles and looks like she might want to step forward and hug me, but she doesn’t, thank goodness. I might be holding Adam up. He’s stunned silent beside me.
Janine’s boyfriend, Sean, waves. “Long time no see, Reagan.”
“You three know each other?” Adam asks, finally finding his voice. His gaze darts between us.
I’m thrown, grappling for my next line. Maybe I should tug my ear.
“We all went to high school together,” Janine says.
I think Adam curses under his breath, but it’s so quiet I can’t make out the words. Probably,fuck my life, why did I bring this crazy person as my date?
“I’ll leave you all to catch up,” Dr. Salco says. “Nice to meet you, Reagan. Sean, glad to see you again. Adam, Janine, enjoy tonight and make sure you do the rounds to meet everyone. They’re all very eager to get to know the both of you.”
It’s just the four of us, and those nerves from earlier are back. Fuck, did I just screw this up for Adam?
“You’re his competition?” I ask Janine. “I should have known.” She always said she was going to be a doctor. No, not just a doctor—the best there was in whatever field she decided on. The last I knew, she was leaning toward pediatrics, but that was years ago. Another lifetime, it feels like.
“Well, you would have if you’d kept in touch over the years.”
Ouch. But also, truth.
“So, you two are together now?” Janine points a finger between me and Adam.
I let him take this one. I have no idea whether or not to keep selling it or back off.
“Uhh, yup.” He stares at his feet.
“We’re engaged,” I say when it’s clear Adam’s not going to offer more.
“Engaged?” Her brows raise. “Only you could go from single to engaged in a week.”
“Not exactly a week. Reagan and I have known each other for years. The relationship moved quickly, yes, but we’ve always had an…” He clears his throat again, and his voice gets higher. “Attraction.”
He wipes his forehead. Is he sweating? Oh my god. My face heats with embarrassment for him. He’s so out of his comfort zone and I did this to him. Also, he’s a terrible actor. I guess he does have a flaw.
“Well, congrats. I’m happy for you two.” She takes a step away and then turns back. “Does Lori know?”
“Who knows what Lori knows.” I look away from her scrutinizing gaze.
“You should reach out. She’s doing better.” She takes Sean’s hand. “Come on. I need to make the rounds. Bye, Reagan.”
Adam rakes a hand through his hair and lets out a long breath that puffs out his cheeks.
“I’m so sorry. I got a little into the part.” I wilt beside him and hang my head in shame. What an abysmal performance.
He chuckles, but the sound is too tight and brittle. He’s trying to be a good sport but seriously freaking out. “Don’t be. I never should have put you in this situation. This is my fault.” He stands a little taller and takes another deep breath. His free hand finds mine and holds it loosely. “Well, we’re committed now.”
“I’m so sorry,” I say again.
“At least we’re in it together, I guess. Ready to get this over with?” He drops my hand but then places his arm around my back. I’m sure he’s just trying to keep up with my wild story and doesn’t really want to be holding me so intimately, but I lean into him, soaking up his touch.
“Ready.”
He’s definitely never asking me out on a real date after this shit show, might as well enjoy it while it lasts.
