Faking with Benefits

by Lily Gold

“You’re pretty cute.” My heart glows in my chest. I kick his ankle under the sheets. “I’m not cute. I’m terrifying.”

Are you grieving, Layla? LAYLA: Only the loss of my dwindling reputation. It drops with every innuendo you make.

A warm arm wraps around my waist, and a soft beard tickles my cheek. “You’re so scary,” Zack says into my ear. “Where’s the bathroom? I need to jump out the window to get away from you.” “Most of my dates feel a similar urge. Breathe deep, it’ll pass.” “You did amazing,” Josh agrees, coming up to my other side and taking my hand. I look up at him and smile, leaning back against Zack’s chest. “Thanks. Can we go get some real food now? Revenge is exhausting.”

We break apart to see Zack enthusiastically jogging across the dance-floor, dragging a bemused-looking Luke by the wrist. Josh sighs slightly. “I can’t believe I just signed myself up to a lifetime of him, too.” “We’re a package deal, I’m afraid.” I pat his chest. “It’ll be okay.”

I shrug. “I guess we do my thirties.” I glance up at Luke through my lashes. “And your, like, sixties, honey.”

“I’m not that old,” he protests. “What’s on the ten-year-plan, sweetheart?”