Zoey Is Too Drunk for This Dystopia (Zoey Ashe #3)

by Jason Pargin

“If only we could transplant into you even half of the irrational confidence of your prankster friend.” “Oh, god. Don’t get me started on Aviv, I swear, I can’t tell if he’s charming or just really tall.” “Does it matter?” asked Budd in an odd tone. “I say, in our world, only one thing counts in romantic relationships, and that’s trust. So do you trust him?” “Not at all.” Budd gave her a curious grin. “You sure? It seems like you treat him like someone you trust.” “I hope not. Will said the most effective con is when you let the mark think they’re in on it. For all I know, that’s all Aviv is doing with me. ‘I trick everybody else, but I’m letting you in on the game.’ Hell, you tell me if I should trust him. You’re the one who can read everybody.” He shrugged. “I think it’s easy to assume males are all sly schemers, when most of us are clumsy oafs, falling on our rears and then tryin’ to play it off like we did it on purpose. I think the most common mistake we make in dealing with people is in assuming that while our own feelings are a mess of contradictions, everybody else is operating with a clear agenda and any inconsistencies must be due to some kind of ruse.” “Wait, are you encouraging me to start a serious relationship with this daredevil-slash-prankster? I’d almost suspect you’re saying this to me as a prank on Will.” “I’m, ah, not so sure that Will wouldn’t tell you the same thing. I mean, he wouldn’t tell you, I’m saying if you could pry open his skull and see his ...