Page 162 of Tell No Lies

He seemed to think he was winning whatever argument was happening within his own head. “And you have?”

“Yeah, actually.”

I shot back. “What?”

“You told me about your first competition a while ago. I remembered, but I didn’t know if you did, so I came and watched you and left early. Way too much estrogen for me.”

“You came?”

“Don’t look at me like that. I’m not your Prince Charming. My friend invited me to something that’s important to her, so I went. It’s not a big deal.”

“It is to me.”

He ran his hands through his hair in exasperation. “Don’t make this into something, Aubrey.”

“You’re so cocky. I’m just really … honored that you came. That means a lot to me.”

He rolled his eyes, but I continued.

“Mike made a huge deal about him showing up and how great he was for coming to this one thing and supporting me. You did it without the notoriety. That’s pretty great.”

“Whatever.”

I pushed my shoulder into his. “It is. You’ve been a really great friend to me, Gage. I’m sorry I haven’t been one to you.”

He looked confused. “You’ve been the best friend I’ve had since middle school. We have fun together, but we don’t need to be together all the time. Contrary to what I let you believe, I’m a loner by choice.”

“Yeah, right,” I teased him, but he shrugged me off.

“I do actually have other friends. They just aren’t on your radar. My friends aren’t on the varsity teams and going on weekend cruises.”

I rolled my eyes dramatically at his exaggeration. “Maybe I should have been spending more time with those friends.”

“No, you were where you belong, and you’ll get over it. I’m honored I got this reaction from them, but I know they care about you more than to drop you over one stupid picture.”

“Two.”

“Whatever. They’re just trying to teach you a lesson or something, but they’ll get over it.” He put his arm around my shoulders, letting it rest casually.

“I hope so. I don’t really miss Mike, which is a huge sign, but I miss the girls.”

“It will work out, trust me.”

“I do.” I sighed and leaned into him.

“But seriously, I do enjoy my alone time … so if you could make up with them sooner than later, that’d be appreciated.”

I elbowed him in his ribs, making him jump. “Anything for you, my secret lover.”

He groaned. “Don’t go there. I have no idea how they believed that.”

I turned to him. “What? You don’t think we’re a believable couple?”

“No, you deserve so much more than me.”

“Don’t say that!” I wanted to push him away and squeeze him close at the same time.

“I’m not being insecure. I’m just being honest. You deserve much better than Mike too. You deserve to be loved and cherished for who you are, not the trophy girlfriend you were.”