Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
I join the back of the line with jelly legs, and I’m so in my own head that it takes me a bit to notice that Brandon is two customers in front of me, as if the gods are mocking me. It’s guys like him that made Austin want to do the fake dates in the first place. Though I’m not blaming Brandon himself—he seems unaware of his effect on my friend.
Now, I’m even more petrified about having an audience. I don’t generally mind that sort of thing, but Austin might. God, I’m an idiot. What if he’s mortified? And how about me when he turns me down?
If Austin notices I’m in line, let alone Brandon, he doesn’t show it. He’s too busy filling orders and calling out the names of customers waiting on the side. The blue-haired girl is running the cart with him today, but Austin seems to be doing most of the work.
This might end up being the exact wrong time. But the whole point of the grand gesture is to do it in public, just like in Austin’s romance books.
And hopefully, we’ll get that elusive happily ever after I never even knew I wanted as badly as Austin and my mom. Christ, what a turn of events.
I stew on that as the line keeps moving, but my thoughts are disrupted when I hear Brandon’s voice. “Hey, Austin.”
Austin is distracted, but at that, he looks up. “Oh, hey, Brandon.” Austin’s tone of voice is flat, and there’s no stutter. Does this mean he’s over his crush, or has his self-confidence taken hold?
Or maybe I’m wrong on both counts. Maybe Austin realizes he doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell with Brandon, and he’s come to accept it. Besides, just because you find someone attractive doesn’t mean they’re right for you.
Once Brandon gives his order, he steps aside to wait but then calls Austin’s name again. I clench my jaw, ready to defend Austin at all costs.
“Yeah?” Austin asks, and I can’t help leaning forward to hear better.
Brandon throws Austin a cocky grin. “I was thinking maybe you and I could get together sometime.”
Austin’s eyebrows rise to his hairline. “For what?”
His innocent response makes me want to laugh and cuddle him all at once.
Brandon quickly glances around and then leans closer. “You know…to get to know each other better?”
“Oh, I…you…uh…” Austin starts stuttering, and suddenly, I’m blinded by crushing jealousy. I don’t want to hear the rest of their conversation, so I step out of line and head over to the same bench Austin sits at before his shifts. I take some deep breaths and calm my racing heart. No way I want to listen to him stumbling through another date proposal.
I suppose I only have myself to blame. Austin is hot and sweet, and now that he’s more confident, he might attract even more prospects. Not that I think Brandon deserves someone like him. But I also don’t want to meddle in his dating life. I should be happy for him.
“Where are you going, Dex?” Austin calls to me. “Why’d you step out of line?”
“Uh, I…”
He lifts a finger. “Hold on.”
I watch as he says something to the blue-haired girl, then heads toward me.
“Here, I poured you an Americano.” He hands me the cup, seemingly oblivious to why I’m upset. “Can you believe Brandon asked me out?”
“I’m not surprised he finally came to his senses,” I say, taking a sip for my parched throat. “He sees what a hottie you are.”
“I don’t know about all that. Probably just hoping for a hookup.”
I clench my jaw. “Then the ball’s in your court.”
“Well, I turned him down.”
My heart vaults to my throat.
“Whoa, look at you!” I force a smile. “A heartbreaker, after all.”
“What? No, that’s not…” Austin frowns. “I turned him down because of our dates.”
“Because of our… Huh?”
He squats in front of me. “Once upon a time, you said we should be honest with each other when we want the dates to stop.”
Jesus, I did say that, didn’t I? And it obviously helped keep our friendship intact.
“Stop our dates?” I squeak out, and he nods.
Was this some sort of chivalrous act? Is Austin saying he can’t accept another offer if he’s still practicing with me? We’ve never said we were exclusive, but God, I love him for being such a good person.
“It’s okay, I get it. Thanks for thinking of me.”
He blinks. “Get what?”
I stare at my shoes. “That you’re a good communicator and think you need to end the practice stuff with me before you accept a date with Brandon.”
“No, dumbass, that’s not the reason.” His laugh is humorless. “But I’m glad you think my intentions are good.”
“So you’re saying you want to end our fake dates outright?”
“Uh-huh.”
I try to control the emotion in my voice. “Okay, fine.”