The Fine Art of Pretending by Rachel Harris Read Free Book Online Page A

tilts, eyes crinkle, and the tiniest of dimples pops out in her right cheek. The pressure in my chest goes away.
    With the senior class tracking my every move, I get up and stride toward her. I pick her up in our usual hug and then, remembering the hungry eyes behind me, lower my head and give her a quick kiss.
    Aly’s mouth is soft and tastes like cherry. A strange urge to kiss her for real grips me, to part her lips and see if she tastes just as sweet inside.
    Whoa, where did that come from?
    I quickly lift my head and feel more than hear Aly’s giggle. “Thank you,” she whispers.
    Clearing my throat, I shut down the crazy thoughts. I watch Gabi, Kara, and Daniel stroll toward us, realizing that pretending is going to be more awkward than I’d thought. But when I whisper back, “No problem,” and see her smile again, I remember why I’m doing this. “You ready?”
    Aly nods, and I turn to bump fists with Daniel. “We got seats back here,” I tell them, reaching down for Aly’s hand. As I lead the group back to the table, the curious crowd silent and scrutinizing, I bend close to her ear. “You look really good.”
    I mean it, too. She’s wearing a short jean skirt and a dark green tank top that clings to her chest. Her heels show off the lean muscles of her calves, and with the ninja grip she has on my hand, she only stumbles once. Guys lining the aisle don’t even try to hide their roaming eyes. Yep, this pretending thing is gonna suck.
    When I return to the group, Carlos’s mouth is open. He quickly scoots over, freeing the chair beside mine, and seats himself next to Gabi. No surprise there.
    From across the table, Justin openly stares. “Hey, Aly.”
    Aly grins at the table and fidgets with her fingers in her lap. “Hi, Justin.”
    Principal Thompson steps onto the raised platform at the front of the room, calling for attention. I meet Justin’s eyes as I slide my arm around the back of Aly’s chair. His mouth quirks. I rest my hand on her bare shoulder, and after jumping at the initial contact, she scoots over and leans against my chest. Justin turns away, and I inhale her familiar sugar-cookie scent.
    During the never-ending list of rules, from the corner of my eye I see Drew scratch the side of his jaw repeatedly. I look over, and he widens his eyes, nodding toward Aly. He drops his gaze to her low-cut shirt and lifts his eyebrows, indicating the obvious makeover. I shrug.
    Guess I should have mentioned that .
    Finally, Thompson gives the green light for food. Our group hustles to the front of the buffet line, where platters of chicken wings, pasta, brisket, and sandwiches are set out. Knowing it’s from the Sassy Gourmet, I load my plate down with every intention of coming back for more. I make a stop at the dessert section, stuff another one of those delicious cookies in my mouth, and add several more to my plate. Aly grins happily. I know that smile.
    Reaching around her, I take the tray from her hands like the good fake hookup that I am. “I’ve got that.”
    She tucks her hand under my elbow and grins. “Why, thank you, baby .”
    Leaning close to her ear, I reply, “Anything for you, darling.”
    Aly laughs, and we turn to walk back to the table…just as Mrs. Reed exits the kitchen. She halts mid-step, head cocked to one side, and Aly falters in those damn shoes.
    Her mom soaks in our cuddled state and grins widely. Aly gives her a sheepish wave and tugs on my elbow. As we walk back to the table, I lean close to her ear. “How long until she’s on the phone with my mom, telling her about this?”
    Aly laughs, and her shoulders visibly lower. “Oh, I give it thirty seconds, tops.” When we sit down, the table is still empty, so I lean over and ask in a hushed voice, “How’s it going so far? What did you tell Gabi and Kara—fact or fiction?”
    Aly scrunches her nose. “The facts are way too embarrassing. I hate lying, but the truth is just so pathetic.” I open my mouth to say