I consider arguing that Alex wouldn’t tell anyone besides them, but I don’t. Because I know the truth—she’d see right through me. She’d tell me this is a bad idea. And maybe she’d be right.
So, I drop it.
“I should probably know more about you,” I say, stealing a piece of his muffin. “You know, if we’re going to convince your family we’re dating.”
“And muffin theft is your research method?” But he pushes the plate closer to me. He hasn’t even had a bite anyway.
“Just practicing girlfriend privileges. Besides, you have unfair access into me. I’m sure Troy’s told you some embarrassing childhood stories.”
He thinks for a moment before something wicked flashes in his eyes. “Actually, he did show me one particularly interesting photo.”
“Oh no.”
“Oh yes.”
“Please not the?—”
“You, age fifteen, at his football game.” His lips curve into that infuriating smirk. “I think you had on fairy wings and a lot of glitter.”
I groan, sliding down in my chair. “I was protesting traditional cheerleader uniforms! It was a feminist statement!”
“With pixie dust?”
“The glitter was symbolic.”
“Of what, exactly?”
“Breaking free from societal expectations?” I try. “Shattering the patriarchy?”
“With a craft explosion?”
“I don’t know. To be honest I probably just wanted some attention and thought it looked cute. But it worked, didn’t it? They changed the uniform policy.”
“Because you traumatized the masses with aggressive whimsy?”
“Hey!” I flick a muffin crumb at him. “My whimsy is very strategic, thank you very much.”
“Whatever you say, Tinkerbell.”
“Don’t you dare.”
His grin widens. “What’s wrong, Tink?”
“I will literally dump this tea on you. And it’s still hot.”
“Careful.” He leans forward, voice dropping. “That’s not very fairy-like behavior.”
“Maybe I’m more of a dark fairy.” I match his posture, tilting my head. “You know, the kind that causes trouble.”
“I’m starting to figure that out.” His eyes drop to my lips for just a second before snapping back up. “The wings did suit you though.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” The way he says it makes my cheeks heat. “All that sparkle. Veryyou.”
With a roll of my eyes, I lean forward, “So, tell me about this family thing. What’s my role as the perfect girlfriend who’s definitely ruining all their marriage plans?”
“Just... be yourself.” He takes a sip of coffee. “But maybe don’t tell any stories about your cousin’smushroom adventures. Gran is more progressive but everyone else is a bit stiff.”
