Page 8 of Fake Crown

“Does this mean we agree on something?” I cock my head.

“Basic human rights and integrity. I’d be very worried if we didn’t.”

My mind is ticking through the new pieces of information that have landed now that I realize who he is and why he’s going to the wedding. “If he’s one of your best friends from high school, you didn’t need a plus-one, did you?”

“Val and I have broken up before.” He clears his throat. “A few times, actually.”

This is news to me. All her posts are loved-up adoration for Brent, who wore the swimming world’s crown at the last Olympics. He’s on track to do it again in another two years.

“Is she coming to the wedding?” If so, I have walked into something hella awkward.

“Possibly?” He runs a finger down his frosted glass. “It would be like her to turn up. Other times when we’ve broken up, she’s been persistent, and I’ve been…”

“Indifferent?” The word rises to my tongue and shoots out of my mouth before my brain has a chance to catch up. While her socials are dedicated to him, he’s never posted about her. The realization hits me like a ton of bricks. I never noticed before, but it makes so much sense now.

He winces. “When you say it out loud it sounds—”

“Terrible?” I pick up my water. “A toast.”

His gaze narrows, but he raises his glass.

“To guys who lead with their dicks.” I take a big sip of my water and try not to sputter at the outrage on his face. “Oh, come on. If you’re not in love with her and you’ve got this massive break-up/make-up cycle going, the only thing working in your relationship is the sex. That’s it.”

A muscle in his jaw tightens, but he doesn’t contradict me.

“If she does show up, how do you want to play this? I’m assuming you went with a plus-one to act as a buffer between your dick and her vagina?”

He runs a hand down his face and groans. “Are you always this blunt?”

“Yes.” I smile. Not really, but his discomfort is amusing so I’m laying it on thicker than normal. Reading a room is my specialty. It’s how I collect friends. But it also means I’m capable of turning my skills in the opposite direction too. Annoy. Annoy. Annoy.

“Yeah,” he admits. “I need a buffer. Are you willing?”

Placing my body between his and his ex’s? It’s a hell yes. There’s just one thing that makes me a little reluctant. “Is she in love with you? It certainly seemed like it.”

“If she is, she’s never said it.” He shrugs.

I bite my lip. “If she turns up, and if I get the vibe she’s in love with you, I won’t be deliberately mean or cruel. That’s my line.”

“Fair enough.” He finishes the rest of his beer. “I just don’t want to be sucked back into Val’s orbit.”

I almost spit out my sip of water, and I sputter on a laugh. “I take it there’s been a lot of sucking in the past?”

“You went there.”

“Oh, I always go there.”

“You’re going to take some getting used to.” He gives me a wry smile.

“Good news, my newest buddy.” I grin. “You’ve got all weekend.”

Brent

We didn’t sit together on the plane, and by the time we’re waiting in line for a taxi at the airport, she’s exchanged numbers with the three people who sat near her. Friday night drinks at the Hamilton Princess is a must, apparently. Good thing that’s our hotel and today is Thursday. We’ve got all day tomorrow to spend in Bermuda, and I’m suddenly wondering why I thought this stranger date thing was a good idea. What am I going to do with her before the wedding on Saturday?

While I listen to her talk to her newest pals, I realize she hasn’t given me the version of herself she’s offering to other people. There’s nothing combative or blunt in her exchanges with them. She’s light and funny, and she practically glows under their adoring attention. For the first time since she turned up beside my table in the terminal, the complete Posey Jensen package is attractive. Highly attractive.

I must rub her in all the wrong ways.