The Bookworm's Guide to Faking (The Bookworm's Guide #2) - Emma Hart Page 0,53
dangerous one. Didn’t you know that?”
“Pretty sure that’s on one of those little motivational poster things your sister bought for our new house. I think it’s going over our bed.” He frowned. “What has my life become?”
It was my turn to laugh.
“Anyway, what’s going on with Seb?”
“What’s going on with Seb?” I repeated. “Nothing.”
“I was in the café today and rumor has it, you’re dating.”
I pursed my lips and shook my head. “Nope. Not dating.”
“For real.” He paused. “How is it even remotely possible that two sisters both ended up in fake relationships?”
“I did not agree to this,” I argued. “I was forced into it. I do not give consent!”
“Pretty sure I said something like that.” He turned into the parking lot of Bronco’s and pulled into an empty space, then looked at me. “Then I actually married her.”
“What are you saying?” I hurried out of the truck after him. “I hope you’re not saying what I think you’re saying!”
He held up his hands with a laugh. “I’m not saying anything.”
“Oh, you are!” I stopped to glare at him, then stalked into the bar through the door he’d opened. “And I don’t like it!”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He rested his hands on my shoulders and steered me through the busy bar to where everyone was sitting around a huge circle table.
We no longer fit in a booth when we were all together.
I slipped into the nearest empty seat that was between Seb and Tori, and Kai pulled Ivy up.
“We’ve got a date,” he explained with a grin, sweeping her away before anyone could say anything.
Tori turned to me. “That was you, wasn’t it?”
I reached over for the white wine that was placed in front of me and merely smiled.
“Okay, are we all here? Can I talk about my problems now the sensible one has shown up?” Saylor demanded, holding her hands out. She was in the center of the table and looked around at all of us.
“Nobody cares about your problems,” Tori said. “Unless you’re dating a guy in a relationship again, because that was fun.”
“You’re a bitch,” Saylor said without batting an eyelid.
“Thank you, I know.”
Kinsley’s brother, Colton, looked between them. “Why am I here?”
“You had nothing better to do tonight,” Josh reminded him. “And if I’m here, you’re here.”
“You’re here because Holley doesn’t want to talk about Sebastian, so by inviting you all, she gets out of it,” Tori said, lifting her cocktail glass to her lips. “Tell me I’m wrong.”
Everyone looked at me, including Seb, who had his eyebrow cocked and his lips curled on one side.
“She’s not wrong,” I said with a shrug. “Although I am now starting to think I’ve seen a little too much of him today.”
Everyone laughed.
Except Saylor.
“Great, nice, now my problems, please?”
“What’s wrong?” Kinsley asked, always the peacemaker. “It must be bad if you waited for Holley to show up.”
“It is. It’s awful. Really, really awful.”
And people said I was dramatic.
We all waited, and when Saylor didn’t say anything, we stared at her.
“Well?” Colton asked. “Care to elaborate?”
Saylor shot him a dark look. “Fine. I can’t afford my apartment anymore.”
None of us said a word.
“Hello? Anyone? Does nobody understand how that is the end of the world?”
“She for real?” Tori asked, looking at me.
“Why are you looking at me? I have no idea,” I replied. “Why do you need a roommate?” I asked Saylor.
“My landlord is putting my rent up by two hundred dollars. It’s extortion, and I won’t pay it.” She downed the last of her wine and put the glass down.
Josh frowned. “So why don’t you just move?”
“Joshua, if I can’t afford an extra two hundred dollars a month in rent, do you think I have the money to move?” She raised her eyebrows then turned to me. “This is why I waited for you. You’re the smart one. What do I do?”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN – HOLLEY
rule sixteen: honesty is overrated. sometimes.
“Umm.” I paused and licked my lips. “Get a roommate.”
She leaned back in the chair and looked at me like I’d just told her she had to behead a kitten. “A roommate? Are you kidding me?”
Seb fought a laugh as he finally joined the conversation. “Why is that so terrible? It’ll actually cut your rent.”
“I don’t want anyone living in my space,” Saylor said slowly. “Is that not obvious from my reaction?”
“Well, then you’ll have to move,” I said brightly.
“I think there’s a place down the road from me up for rent,” Kinsley said, chewing on