“Yep.” She looks around the place like she’s missed it.

I didn’t ask Chloe what she told Camila about me or our weird situation, but when she leads us to the guest room, or Chloe’s old room, and disappears to give us a chance to settle in, I finally question my role for the weekend.

“Does Camila know we’re not really together?”

She shakes her head. “I told her we’re dating, but that it was new. I thought it would be easier until I could explain in person.”

I mull that over. Is it easier or is she just really going the extra mile to sell this to everyone in her life?

“If you want me to tell her now, say the word. If anyone would understand, it’s Cam. She’s always had my back. She’s one of the few friends who didn’t magically disappear when things went down.”

“Up to you, princess. I’m glad you have her though. Friends like that are hard to come by.”

“Speaking of friends, I was thinking maybe we should tell yours, too. At least Gabby and Joel.”

“Definitely not Joel, he’s got a big ass mouth.”

She laughs. “Okay, but Gabby. I felt really awful lying to her. I can tell how much she cares about you.”

“Yeah.” The reasons I haven’t told Gabby have more to do with me than Chloe. I guess I’m still hoping this thing will turn into something real before our fake relationship is over. I can’t shake her. Even distancing myself and loads of porn hasn’t helped. “I’ll think on it.”

We hang out at Camila’s place for the evening, and she invites over a hand full of people—most of which know Chloe. I stand by her side and am introduced as the boyfriend. Not a bad gig, really, and it feels awesome to be out of Valley. I rarely get to leave with the team schedule and the expense of flying.

“I’m gonna grab another drink,” I say when I notice her cup is empty. “Want something?”

“Thank you.” I know she means for more than the drink.

Wandering inside, I fill our cups and linger a moment before heading back to the deck where everyone is hanging out. I think I expected it to be lavish and over the top, but it looks like any other college apartment—mismatched furniture, minimal wall hangings, and more plastic cups than dishes. The location is pretty sick, though—only a mile or so from the beach.

Camila enters and slaps her empty cup on the counter, grabs the rum and Diet Coke, and fills it up. “It’s good to see Chloe so happy. I’ve been worried about her.”