Page 92 of The Great Dating Fake Off
“And while I can’t solve her relationship woes—because she won’t talk to me and has been picking up twelve-hour shifts at the theme park to avoid any opportunity where we might talk—I do know this family stuff is out of hand. You lied to her. Lying to your mom? Sure, I get that. But why not tell Rosalina the truth? It’s like one day you woke up and forgot who she is to you. Maybe you’re busy, or you just don’t care anymore—”
“I care,” Benji says, hurt creeping into his tone. “And I get that you’re going to defend her, but you don’t understand. She tries to set me up. Constantly. Almost as much as my mother. I couldn’t take it anymore.”
“It’s my fault,” I say. “I offered to be his date, I encouraged him to keep it a secret, and I’m the one who messed it all up.”
Gia eyes me. “I appreciate that. You were being a good friend.” She turns her critical gaze back to Benji. “Yes, Rosalina is intense when it comes to the people she loves. This isn’t news. And it can be too much at times. But I still think you owe her an apology.”
Benji takes his phone out of his pocket, shoots Gia one inscrutable look, and stalks toward his office.
She pops her fist on her hip and yells at his back. “Yes, Gia! I agree, Gia! How hard is it to use your words?”
He wheels around, walks back, lifts Tairn off her shoulder, and disappears down the hall.
“Well then.” Gia turns her gaze to me. “At least I fixed one issue.”
I have it on good authority that he already wanted to apologize to Ro and was waiting for the right time, but I don’t say anything.
“So, Rosalina really left Enzo?” My face is going to get frown lines at the rate I’m going.
“I don’t know what her plan is. All I know is one week makes sense to wallow after a big fight. But two weeks? Something has to give.”
“They love each other so much. Anyone can see it. Are they really going to let their families stand in the way?”
“I couldn’t tell you. I just know she’s constantly, unsubtly rereading their old text messages but is too stubborn to admit she misses him. What she needs from me is a couch and a friend who will try to keep up the illusion of normalcy, I think.” She rubs her temple. “But that’s why I’m here. I’m leaving town for a few days, and I’m worried about leaving her alone. I’m off to another mutual friend’s wedding that Rosalina is rightfully skipping because, well, ouch—but I’m wondering if I should just cancel. I was hoping her brother would step up to the plate and spend some time with her.”
“He may, once they get that initial conversation out of the way.” I stroke my chin, my wheels turning. “Where did you say she works?”
“Adventureland Theme Park. She’s a manager. Why?”
“I’ve wanted to apologize to her in person for everything that happened but haven’t known where to find her. Maybe I could go see her, and then check in with her a few times after, if that goes well? What do you think?”
God, why does this feel like I’m asking a dude out?
Her eyes glimmer with hope. “Yes. That’d be great. I don’t know where in Adventureland you’d find her, but you should definitely try. And here”—she takes my phone out of my pocket and starts typing—“is my address and phone number. I’m texting myself so I have yours. Once I figure out Rosalina’s next day off, I’ll text you that, too.” She looks up as she hands it back. “Is this an ambush? Do we even care if it is?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll tread lightly.” I sigh. “It kills me that she’s upset.”
“I’m with you, girl.” She twirls a red curl around her finger, expression distant. “But all we can do is support her however she’ll let us.”
One way I could’ve supported her was by not wrecking her wedding.
But maybe I can fix this. Unlike Gia or Benji, I have nothing to lose if I interfere and it doesn’t pay off. Maybe Ro gets even more mad at me if I involve myself in her business, but she probably already hates me for lying to her.
If I can help salvage her relationship—her marriage—it’ll be well worth it.
As Gia heads back to work, I glance at my phone.
A sense of purpose swirls in my stomach as I open my texts. Sebastian and I may be done, but Enzo is his friend. He may know something Gia and I don’t. His help would be useful.
I fire off a text.
You should check on Enzo if you haven’t already.
I worry my bottom lip as I stare at the screen. Before I can talk myself out of it, I send one more.
And after you do, maybe you can stop by my store so we can talk?
Chapter Twenty-Six
