Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating(33)

“I ate before coming here,” her mousy voice declares.

“Well, I can find something gluten free for you anyway. I can ask Dee. I don’t mind; she won’t either.” Hani gives them a smile and says, “I’ll be back,” before taking my hand and leading me away from them.

“That was pretty skillful,” I whisper to her as we weave past more people. “But you know, you don’t—”

I cut myself off when I suddenly find myself blasted with the cool outside air. It’s almost summer but the weather obviously hasn’t picked up on that, because it’s still cold enough for you to need a coat. I don’t have one, but Hani doesn’t care as she marches us both into the dark back garden, toward a bench pushed against the fence.

She takes a seat, and I sit down beside her. The only thing illuminating this place is a sliver of light pouring in from the kitchen.

Hani lets out a deep sigh, and I know immediately that this night hasn’t been easy for her. Maybe it’s been even more difficult for her than it has been for me.

“I’m sorry,” she says. “This isn’t working.”

“Are you breaking up with me?” I joke. But Hani turns to give me a look that suggests that maybe she is breaking up with me.

“You wanted me to pretend to date you because it would get everybody to like you, but … I obviously can’t do it. Aisling doesn’t like you and she’s made sure everybody knows.”

“So that’s why everybody is acting the way they are? Because of me?” I don’t know why I didn’t think of this before. This party is the way it is because I’m here. If I wasn’t, Hani would probably be out there laughing with her friends. Dancing with her friends. Eating with her friends. Having the time of her life. Because of me, she’s sitting here looking miserable.

“Because of Aisling. I don’t think this is going to work,” Hani says. “I’m sorry I couldn’t help you.”

“You can,” I say. “I mean … more people already know who I am because of you. I’m sure some of them will vote for me.”

Hani turns to me with a small smile. I feel a flutter in my chest at the sight of it. After looking so sad the whole night, it’s nice to see her smile again. I’d almost forgotten how her smile illuminates her whole face.

“I never took you for an optimist,” she says.

“I’m definitely not an optimist,” I scoff. “I’m … an opportunist. And without you, I’m definitely not going to be Head Girl. With you, I at least have a chance. Plus, don’t you need me too? Or are you going to start holding auditions for a fake girlfriend that your friends don’t hate?”

Hani shakes her head again and for a moment I’m afraid she really is going to call the whole thing off. Then she says, “Yeah. Maybe … maybe this still has a shot. I don’t know.”

It’s not exactly a vote of confidence, but I guess it’s the best I can hope for during this disastrous party.





chapter nineteen


hani


WE DON’T LAST AT THE PARTY FOR A PARTICULARLY long time. Trying to ignore everyone’s snide remarks and side eye is pretty difficult when it’s all you’re dealing with. And Dee and Aisling don’t even acknowledge me the rest of the night—like I haven’t been their best friend for years.

The cake hasn’t even been brought out by the time Ishu and I take our leave, quietly sidling out of the front door, leaving the loud thumping of the music behind us.

Nobody seems to notice us leaving. Nobody seems to care.

Least of all Aisling and Dee.

“I should call Amma.” I slip the phone out of my pocket. Before I can give my thumb print Ishu places her hand on mine, closing it over the phone.

“It’s a nice night, you know,” she says. “Maybe we can walk … my house isn’t too far from here.”

“But—”

“You can stay over, if you want.” Ishu shrugs, like she doesn’t care either way—which is not exactly the best way to be invited to spend the night at someone’s. Still … I can tell Ishu really does want me to stay over from the way she slumps her shoulders and looks away, like she doesn’t want to look too eager about it.

“Sure,” I say. “That would be okay, I guess.” It’s nice to actually be invited somewhere after tonight’s disaster.

Ishu smiles, and my breath hitches at the sight of it. She smiles so rarely that each one—the genuine ones that light up her entire being—feels like a gift. Like something private she has only reserved for me.

“Come on then, follow me.” She turns and begins to lead the way. We’re both in heels, wearing flimsy dresses. Even though the night is surprisingly nice now—clear and cool—we’re not exactly dressed for a walk.

When we’re far enough away that we can’t hear the party anymore, and instead we’re surrounded by the sounds of the nighttime—silence broken by the soft whooshing of the wind and the sound of leaves rustling—Ishu finally speaks.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“I … guess.” I’m a little afraid to hear her question, especially since she’s looking ahead instead of meeting my gaze.