Page 38 of Faking With You

Eliza

I am, although I’m not sure it’s much better.

What are you guys doing up? It’s like 1 am.

Hannah

The guys played tonight and Grayson can’t sleep right after a game.

I shake my head, knowing exactly what she’s implying.

Hannah

What are you and Mac doing today?

I let out a breath as I lean back in my chair. I knew this question would be coming, it’s only logical, but I also don’t want to tell her,oh, my boyfriend ditched me in his apartment because his father called and he went running. I know that he’s not my boyfriend and therefore owes me nothing, but she doesn’t know that.

Eliza

Just going to hit the store for some food, I think. He’s with his dad right now.

Hannah

You didn’t go with him?

Eliza

He left before I was out of bed.

It’s not entirely a lie. I was awake when he left, but I was still curled up in bed. I can feel Hannah’s curious eyes staring at her phone even halfway across the world.

Eliza

Food just got here. I’ll update you guys later. Get some sleep.

I lock my phone and put it face down on the table, guilt eating at me. I want to be able to tell my friends about all of this. I know the fact that Mac left me this morning has a negative image starting to form in at least Hannah’s head about him, and I don’t want that. I know what I signed on for when I agreed to all of this. I’m under no disillusion about what’s happening. I just wish she could see that too.

I read as I eat, enjoying every bite of my breakfast. When I finish, I leave some cash on the table with the bill and gather my stuff. I take my time wandering the streets, popping into little stores and browsing. I buy a little gift for Hannah and pop it into my purse before continuing my walk. I’m looking at a summer dress when my phone rings and I see Mac’s name.

“Hello.”

“Hey. Where are you?”

I look around for some sort of sign and don’t see one. “I’m not exactly sure. I’ve been popping into store while walking.”

“Share your location with me, and I’ll come find you.”

I pull my phone away from my face and send him my current location.

“I’m ten minutes away,” he says.

“Okay, I’ll see you soon.”

I hang up the phone and take the dress along with a couple more items I found and head for a dressing room. I’m trying on the last item when Mac texts me.

Mac

I’m outside.