Page 34 of The Fake Script
Madison swallows hard. “Well, that’s great. Um, I see Jay over there. I’d better go say hi.”
As soon as she's out of earshot, Auston bursts into a chuckle. “Wow, you're amazing at this.”
“Thanks. And that’s why I don’t go out much.”
“If you ask me, you should comeout every night.” He winks, watching me with an indecipherable look. And for a second, I think I wouldn’t mind that. I’d always enjoyed spending time with Auston in high school, and now is no different.
Feeling a tinge of red coloring my cheeks, I shake my head and take another sip of my mocktail. Whose genius idea was it to throw a tropical party? This beachy atmosphere is not helping.
“Shall we dance?” he asks, glancing at me, then at the dance floor, which is getting quite crowded.
I clear my throat. “Sure.” At this point, why not? How can he have any more effect on me than he already does?
I don’t know the song, but it sounds like a Latin American tune. Everyone is moving so expertly, I suddenly regret saying yes. I’m a bookworm. I don’t do dancing.
Auston, on the other hand, seems to glide over the music, like he’s following a perfectly rehearsed choreography that only he knows. He takes my hand and makes me spin, then draws me closer, laughing at my poor technique. I know I said I couldn’t be any more affected by him, but boy, was I wrong.
If he keeps moving like this, I’ll have a hard time keeping him in the fake zone. Who knew I was into guys with perfect footwork?
Hold on. What am I thinking? It’s just the heat getting to my head, that’s all. It has to be.
Auston
I need a break, or I’m going to lose it. Having Emma in my arms, swaying to the music. I’ve been dreaming about this since I was sixteen and hoping to take her to prom. It’s all too much, and I’m beginning to think this whole fake dating thing wasn’t such a brilliant idea after all. Sure, I get to spend time with Emma. But with every smile, every look, I fall more deeply in love with her, while she doesn’t seem to care at all.
“Um, I need a restroom break,” I say, guiding her off the dance floor. “Could you wait for me here?”
“Sure.”
I feel guilty leaving her alone, but I’m two steps away from kissing her. What choice do I have? I need out of the danger zone, ASAP.
As I’m stepping out of the restrooms, a voice makes me jump. “Are you okay, lad?” Cillian asks, emerging from out of nowhere.
“You scared me,” I say, throwing a hand on my chest.
“Sorry.” He grimaces. “Sawyou zoom to the restrooms. Thought I’d follow.”
I straighten my tux. “I’m fine.”
He places a hand on my shoulder to hold me in place. “You don’t look fine.”
“Well, I am.”
He narrows his gray eyes. “It’s Emma, isn’t it? Haven’t been yourself since you started this fake dating thing. Especially tonight.”
I want to retort, but I stay silent. Cillian has always been observant. I guess it’s an important quality in his line of work.
I sigh. The truth is, I really need my friend right now. Cillian might work for me, but he’s been my best friend for years. “She’s the girl I told you about.”
He frowns, then his eyes widen. “You mean the girl you never forgot?”
I nod.
He slaps my back. “Lad, that’s great. She’s here now. You can make this happen.”
“Except she’s not interested. Have you forgotten we’re only faking it?” I say, dropping my voice to a whisper. “I shouldn’t have agreed to this. It’s torture.”
He smirks. “Come on. You’re Auston Buckley. Everyone is interested.”