She had an awful relationship with her mom. I thought back to the things she talked about when we were together with the group. “I’ll be right back.” Claire’s words echoed through my mind. I needed to tell them the truth.Ī couple of minutes later I saw Jules emerge from the coffee shop up the street holding a cup. I’d been keeping a secret from them and that’s not what friends did. I’d been trying to pretend like I didn’t need to tell them at all. I need to tell my other friends first.” I’d been trying to deny that fact. “I know, but I think you should tell your other friends first.” It’s fine.” I stirred my spoon around my empty ice cream cup again then bit my lip. He stared down the street, where she was no longer visible. “Only so she can use it against me in the future.” “Does she remember everything you ever say?”

He sat back down, picked up his script, and folded it in half. I didn’t want to just be part of a role he played anymore. I would’ve hung on to it for as long as he’d let me but his eyes were gleaming in that way they did after he had put on an exceptionally good show. Hayden stood there next to my chair, my hand still clutched in his, staring after her. Well, anyway, I’m picking up some things for my mom. “That just seems like something you would mention. “You wear glasses,” she said to him, almost like she was compiling a list. “How fun.” She adjusted her purse strap on her shoulder. “Whose script? I thought Gia said you take business classes.” Jules zeroed in on the script sitting on the table. I shot him a look but didn’t take my hand back. He even reached down and took my hand in his, regardless of the fact that I’d just told Jules we weren’t dating. “She’s a natural beauty.” Hayden had transitioned into his Bradley role well. “Did you just come from the gym? You’re looking very. We’re just talking.” Was she trying to get me in trouble with “Bradley” by telling him I was dating someone else? “No, I’m not dating that other guy,” I said quickly, worried Hayden would think I was telling people we were dating.

Gia was just telling us about this other guy she was dating.”

“I didn’t realize you two were back together.

things.” She looked between the two of us. You probably don’t remember because you were busy with. I wanted to laugh but I managed to keep it in. It wasn’t apparent from the look of innocence on his face, though. I cringed, took a deep breath, then said, “N-” I closed my eyes for a beat then turned around to see Jules. Just as I was about to laugh, I heard a voice from behind me that stopped me cold. If I say yes, you’ll think I’m nothing special.” “How am I supposed to answer that? If I say no, I sound conceited.

The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West