Fake It 'Til You Break It(47)

“Whose mission, because there’s two of us, remember?”

My shoulders fall instantly.

Well shit.

“I didn’t even—”

“Think past your boy? Yeah, I know.” He steps back, his eyes flicking over my form with a void expression. “See you in class, D.”

He leaves me standing there, but not before Miranda steps in to watch him angrily walk away.

Awesome.

She waits for an explanation, but I offer nothing more than a flat smile and walk out.

I’m officially an asshole.

I never should have entertained Alex like I did without having spoken to Nico first. This pretend relationship was a mutual agreement. It wasn’t fair for me to act how I did.

If I knew what he was after, I could work that angle more, turn it on when it needs to be, stay low key when it’s pointless and others aren’t around. I could play a better part all around.

I’m mopey all day, and it doesn’t help I’m constantly asked about Nico and me, more so than I’ve been all week now that he’s actually here.

I disappoint each person, giving a smile or laugh because I don’t really know what to say.

It was one thing at the beach where it was more or less all the same people we hang with every weekend or at lunch sometimes, but here on campus where there’re hundreds more, it’s sort of intimidating.

Nico has always been the guy people stare at when he enters a room, but he’s also pretty standoffish. He doesn’t make a scene or show off, doesn’t like or need to be heard. You really only catch him interacting when it’s his core group of friends or teammates.

I mean, when he’s on the field, you’d think he was constantly being showy, but it’s simply him giving nothing but his best. It’s a raw, natural talent he possesses, and it shows.

Other than that, he sits back and relaxes, and yet, people still gravitate toward him as if he’s the life of the party.

He’s definitely capable of being the life of the party after dark if the rumors from the girls here are true.

“Demi Davenport.”

I’m pulled from my thoughts by a familiar voice.

I lift my eyes, meeting Josie’s in the bathroom mirror.

Great.

“Hey, Josie.” I turn off the water, moving for a paper towel before facing her.

“You have fun over the weekend?” she asks as she steps up to the sink I vacated.

And here we go.

“I did. You?”

“Bunches.”

Right.

I’m not doing this.

I toss my garbage in the bin and turn to leave when she speaks again.

“I care about Nico.”

Slowly, I look over my shoulder, spotting the sincerity in her eyes. It’s the only reason I don’t walk out.

“You guys were together a long time.” I nod. “I’m sure he cares about you, too.”

She scoffs a dejected laugh, and I swear sadness clouds her expression. “You’d be wrong,” she says, pausing as her gaze scours over me before lifting to mine. “He’s brave. I never thought I’d see the day, you two together.”

“Well you have, so get over it.” I push on the door, but she halts me once again.

“You need to be careful with him.”

That irritates me and I turn around fully. “And you need to mind your own business.”

“Like I said,” she snaps. “I care about him, so I’m standing here telling you to be careful with him. He has issues, Demi.”

“He’s my boyfriend to worry about, Josie, not yours.”

“Just watch yourself with him.”

“Not that he would, but I’d never allow anyone to walk all over me. I’m not some na?ve little girl.”

She nods, one side of her mouth lifting as she throws her paper towel away without looking, stepping in front of me in the same move. “Funny, you automatically assumed I was talking about him hurting you.” Her tone is terse and as bitter as I’d expect from an ex of his, but it’s the concern laced through her gaze that confuses me. “Maybe you are as na?ve as you’re pretending not to be. Have a shitty day, Davenport.”

She pushes out the door, leaving me to trail after her.

Trent and Krista are in the hall as we exit, and Josie flips them off as she passes while I take a deep breath and stop beside them.

“What was that about?” Krista asks. “Did she hit you up about Nico in there?”

I look to Trent. “Why’d they break up?”

His eyes widen, and he hastily shakes his head. “No fucking way.”

“You obviously know, just tell me.”

“You’re his girl, right?” His tone is laced with something I can’t quite put my finger on. “Ask him.”

“Come on, babe,” Krista whines, gripping his arm. “Please.”

“Nope.” He pulls free, kisses her quickly then starts down the hall. “Meet you after math.”

Krista and I fall in line together, walking to our next class. “Are you gonna ask Nic?”

“I think so.” Maybe.

I sort of have to. He and I need to sit down and talk this out, get on the same playing field or we’ll screw it up and people will question us.