All the Pretty Lies Page 5

  “You know, if you groan every time you see me, people aren’t going to believe this is a thing.”

  “Good, because it isn’t a thing!” I plop back down onto my back with a dramatic sigh.

  “But it could be. I mean, as far as everyone else is concerned anyway.”

  “Callum, I’ve already told you. I’m not interested.”

  “Why? Because you think you’re too good for me?” He says it jokingly, but I don’t miss the hint of vulnerability in his voice.

  He can’t seriously think that I think I’m too good for him.

  “Quite the opposite, actually. But that’s not the point. I’m not going to lie to everyone in some weird ploy to try to get a guy to notice me.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I don’t like playing games.”

  “Oh come on, P. Where’s your sense of adventure? Just think about it. We do this right and by the time prom rolls around, you could be going as Ethan Ripley’s date. Isn’t that what you want?”

  “Of course it is.”

  “Then what’s stopping you?”

  “Well, for one, I find it hard to believe that someone who’s barely spoken to me in four years now wants the whole school to think I’m his girlfriend. Seems a little suspicious, if you ask me.”

  “So what, you think this is some sort of ploy to try to humiliate you?” He slides his sunglasses up into his hair.

  “Maybe,” I admit.

  “Come on, you know me better than that.”

  “No, I did know you. Past tense.”

  “You still know me. Okay, you don’t know everything about me like you did once upon a time, but you know me at my core. You know I would never intentionally hurt you like that.”

  “Wouldn’t you?” My forehead crinkles.

  “No.” He shakes his head. “And I get that this was kind of out of left field, but I saw an opportunity to help out an old friend and take care of a few grievances of my own.”

  “You really are insane.”

  “Don’t pretend like you’re not at least a little curious if this could work. Come on. I know you’re not wearing this skimpy thing because you like it. You were hoping Ethan would notice you.” I tense when his eyes do a full sweep of my body. “I’m offering you an even better solution. One that doesn’t require you to walk around almost naked.”

  “Is that your way of telling me I can’t pull this bathing suit off?”

  “The exact opposite, actually. I think you’re pulling it off quite well.” He grins, pushing up on his knees before crawling to his feet. “In fact, I might need to go take a cold shower.”

  “Oh my god. Will you please go away?” I can’t help but laugh at how ridiculous he’s acting.

  Who the hell is this guy and what did he do with Callum Hanson?

  “Just think about what I said.”

  “If I promise to think about it, do you promise to leave me alone?”

  “For now.” He rocks back on his heels, the smile on his face only making him better looking. Asshole.

  “Fine. I’ll think about it,” I finally concede.

  “I’ll find you later.” He starts to back away. “And P,” he waits until my eyes meet his, “I don’t plan on taking no for an answer.” With that, he spins around and takes off up the beach to join some of the other football players who are tossing a ball at the edge of the water.

  I don’t have time to process anything before Camila and April rejoin me in the sand, both of their gazes locked on me.

  “What the hell was that?” Camila is the first to speak.

  “Spill.” April leans in like she can’t wait to hear every detail.

  “It was nothing. He just wanted to ask me something about my mom.” I feel guilty for lying and truth be told, I’m not even sure why I feel the need to. It’s not like I actually plan to go through with his stupid idea anyway.

  Or do I?

  I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little intrigued. After all, I’ve all but thrown myself at Ethan, and he barely bats an eye when I walk into the room. I need to try something extreme, and let’s be honest, this pretty much takes the cake.

  But, I don’t like the idea of lying. It feels wrong and slimy and totally not who I am.

  “Seriously?” Camila draws back. “He interrupted us laying out to ask about your mom. What a fucking buzz kill. Doesn’t he realize we’re on vacation here?”

  “Wait, does this mean he did overhear you last night?” April adds.

  “Not sure.” I shrug. “Anyway, can we please talk about something other than Callum Hanson or my mother? This is not how I envisioned this afternoon going.”

  “Fine,” Camila grumbles, clearly not fully buying my excuse, but also loving me enough to let it go for now.

  I relax back, closing my eyes, trying to find some of the peace I felt moments ago before Callum so rudely interrupted. Unfortunately, it seems to be long gone because the longer I lay here, the longer my mind swirls around the possibility of what Callum is proposing.

  Having people think I’m dating one of the most popular boys in school wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, would it? Not that I’m unpopular by any means, but Callum’s popularity extends into a whole other stratosphere. Maybe he’s right. Maybe this is exactly what I need to finally get Ethan to look at me as more than another run of the mill girl. I need something to make me stand out. And Callum would definitely help me there. I swear, he’s like a bright light walking through a dark hallway. Everyone can’t help but look in his direction when he walks by, myself included. No matter how many times I’ve cursed at myself for doing so.

  As much as I hate the idea, I can’t deny it has merit.

  But can I really do this?

  Can I really lie to everyone I know?

  No, no I can’t.

  There’s no way I’m going to crawl into bed with the devil, figuratively speaking of course.

  And I plan to tell him just that when I see him next.

  Until then, I’m determined to forget all about my infuriating next door neighbor and enjoy a little R&R with my girls.

  ONCE WE FINISH UP AT the beach, I head back up toward the cabin, my beach towel cinched around my waist. I had planned on getting cleaned up and going to look for Ethan, but it turns out I don’t have to look far.

  I spot him and Heidi sneaking off into the woods as I make my way up the dirt path and an instant sense of resentment kicks in. Toward him. Toward her. Toward this entire situation.

  I’m a good catch, right?

  I might not be the most popular or even close to the prettiest, but I have things to offer... Don’t I?

  Self-doubt is one hell of a bitch and she’s currently slapping me right across the face.

  “You know, that could be you.” I jump at the sound of a voice behind me.

  Turning, I’m not sure if I’m more irritated or relieved to see Callum. On one hand, lately he seems to be there every time I turn around. On the other, I need a distraction.

  “Pardon?” I question, acting like I don’t know what he’s talking about.

  “Are you seriously going to stand there and pretend like you weren’t just watching Ethan and Heidi sneak off into the woods?”

  “Don’t you have someone else to bother? I’ve seen more of you in the last two days than I have in the last four years.”

  “Ever stop to ask yourself why that is?”

  “Oh, I know why it is. Because you need me now, so suddenly I serve a purpose.”

  “Don’t act like this doesn’t benefit you too. We both know it does.”

  “Maybe. Or maybe it’ll backfire and people will think I’m just another one of your easy sluts.”

  “Can’t see a negative there. Either way, you get the attention you want.”

  “Being classified as another notch in your bedpost is not the kind of attention I’m looking for,” I counter.

  “What are you so afraid of?”

  “I’m not afraid.”


  “You sure? Because from where I’m standing, that’s exactly what it looks like. The Poppy Harris I knew wasn’t afraid of anything.”

  I ponder his words. He’s not wrong.

  Is that what’s holding me back... Fear? And if so, why?

  “Look,” he finally continues when I don’t respond, “if you’re worried I’m somehow going to tarnish your reputation...”

  “That’s not it.”

  “Then what is it?”

  “I just... I just don’t like the thought of lying to everyone.”

  “What’s one little lie if it gets you what you want?”

  I think on that for a long moment, my shoulders tensing when I hear laughter coming from the woods. I shudder to think what she and Ethan are doing, and the thought sends my uncertainty over what Callum is proposing straight out the window.

  “Fine.”

  “Fine?” He arches a brow.

  “I’ll go along with your plan. But just so we’re clear, I don’t like you. This is for one purpose and one purpose only. Ethan.”

  “Understood.”

  “So,” I shift my weight from one foot to the other, “how exactly is this going to work?”

  “You let me worry about that. I’ll plant the seed. It won’t take long before everyone is talking about it. Then we just need to make it a point to be seen together. We have to sell it or no one will buy it.”

  “Are we really doing this?” I ask, already second guessing myself.

  “Hey.” He steps in close. Too close. “I got you. I promise.”

  “Not sure your promises mean all that much to me.”

  “Meet me back here in one hour. We’ll go to the bonfire together,” he instructs, not commenting on what I just said.

  “Okay,” I agree, not sure what choice I have at this point. I’ve already committed to this ludicrous plan. The only thing to do now is see it through.

  He smiles at me, making me feel weirdly off kilter before turning and making his way into the cabin next to mine.

  What are the odds that his cabin would be the one directly next to the one I’m staying in, and how did I not know that before until now?

  Shaking my head, I quickly make my way inside, a hard knot planting itself firmly into the pit of my stomach.

  “UM, HELLO. HOW FREAKING cute do you look right now?” Camila asks when I exit the bathroom.

  I look down at my plain white tank and jean shorts.

  “Huh?” I question stupidly.

  “You look freaking hot.”

  “Um, it’s a tank and shorts,” I point out.

  “Yeah, a tank and shorts that look amazing on your curves. And your hair.” She points to the messy bun on top of my head. “I can’t remember the last time I saw you wear it up.”

  “It’s hot outside.”

  “Well, whatever the reason, you look super cute.”

  “Not really what I was going for, but I’ll take it I guess.” I shrug, slipping into my flip flops. “I’ve gotta go. I’m meeting Callum...” My words die on my lips when I realize what I said.

  “Come again?” She gives me a questioning look.

  “Callum,” I say on a hard swallow. “I told him I’d hang out with him tonight.”

  “Hold on. Say what?” A wide smile pulls up her face.

  “Don’t.” I shake my finger at her.

  “Don’t what? Say that I knew there was more to that conversation you guys had earlier, because we both know I did. So what, are you guys a thing now?”

  “No, nothing like that. Well, I don’t think it’s like that.” Less than an hour in and already I’m failing miserably at this pretend relationship thing.

  The thought of lying to my friends turns my stomach. But I know Camila, and even though she would promise to keep it to herself, she’d slip up unintentionally and everything would be blown.

  No, the only way to make this believable is to make everyone believe it.

  “What about Ethan?”

  “Ethan’s spent the last two days with his tongue down Heidi’s throat. I think that ship has sailed.”

  “Really? But you were so excited to finally make a move.”

  “It is what it is. I’m not going to throw myself at someone who clearly isn’t interested in me.”

  “That’s my girl.” She nods in approval. “So then, do you like Callum?”

  “Maybe.” I nervously pick at a loose thread on the side of my shorts.

  “I knew it,” she announces excitedly, jumping to her feet. “I knew there was something more between the two of you. The way he’s always looking at you...”

  “What are you talking about?” I question, having no clue what she’s referring to.

  “Oh come on. You can’t be that blind. He stares at you... Like constantly. He always has.”

  “No he hasn’t.”

  “Says you. But let’s be honest, you’re not the most observant person in the room.”

  “If he’s done it that much, why are you just now mentioning it to me?”

  “Because I didn’t think it mattered. You made it pretty clear you despised the guy. Or so I thought.” She crosses her arms in front of herself. “Damn it, that means April was right.”

  “Right about what?”

  “She’s always thought your hatred of Callum was a cover for how you truly felt about him.”

  “She what?” I gawk, pretty sure my best friends don’t know me as well as I thought if they ever imagined I had a thing for Callum Hanson. Then again, it does make selling the lie that much easier.

  “Oh relax. Obviously, she was right.”

  “I’m not doing this right now,” I tell her, grabbing my cell off the top of the dresser before stuffing it into my back pocket.

  “Right. Because you’re going to be late meeting up with Callum fucking Hanson.”

  “We’re just hanging out. It’s not like that.”

  “I hear you. I don’t believe you, but I hear you.” She grins. “But seriously, how am I the only one in the trio that hasn’t gotten a single bite since we’ve been here? Meanwhile my two best friends are both getting hugged up with hot football players.”

  “One, I am not getting hugged up with anyone. Two, you could have anyone out there you want and you know it. I think it’s more you’re not interested in them than the other way around. And three, we’ve been here less than forty-eight hours. I think it’s a little premature to toss your cards on the table and fold.”

  “You know what, you’re right.” I can physically see the wheels turning in her head. “You go, I’ll meet you guys out there in a bit.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yep.” She nibbles on her bottom lip.

  “Uh oh, I know that look. What are you planning?”

  “Oh nothing.” She smiles like she’s up to no good. “Just thinking it’s about time I pulled out the dress.”

  “The dress?” I arch a brow, knowing the one she’s talking about. It’s more like a tight tube than a dress. It’s so tiny it barely covers from her chest to the bottom of her ass cheeks.

  “The dress,” she confirms on a wink. “I’ll be damned if you and April are the only two having a good time this week.”

  “And by have a good time you mean...”

  “Get laid... Yes.”

  “You do know there’s not a chance in hell I’m sleeping with Callum, right?”

  If we do this right, I’m sure some people will assume we did, but that’s one area where I won’t lie to my friends.

  “You say that now.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me.

  “I’m serious, Cam. You know me.”

  “I do. But I also know you’re probably one of the only eighteen-year-old virgins in our school. And you don’t have an excuse either. You’re smart. Funny. Gorgeous. You have all the tools, yet you’re terrified to use them. You know having sex doesn’t automatically lead to pregnancy, right?”

  “Of course I do. But I don’t want to risk it. It’s n
ot worth it to me.”

  “But haven’t you been on the pill since you were like fourteen?” she asks, even though she already knows the answer.

  She had to listen to me bitch for a week leading up to my appointment. Even though I insisted I had no interest in having sex, my mom was not messing around. She’s convinced I’m going to end up just like her. Which is probably why I’ve never had a ton of interest in relationships, because with them comes certain expectations. Well, that and I’ve been pining after the same guy for nearly two years to no avail.

  “You know,” she finally continues, “you are going to have sex eventually.”

  “And I will. After I’ve finished high school and am out from under her roof. Until then, these legs are staying closed.”

  “God, you’re lame.” She groans.

  “You know what, I’m going to take that as a compliment.” I give her a cheesy smile before heading toward the door and tugging it open.

  “It wasn’t a compliment,” she calls after me, laughter in her voice as I step out onto the front porch.

  Without responding, I pull the door closed behind me and then freeze mid-step when I see Callum standing right outside my cabin waiting for me.

  He’s dressed casually in a navy tee and gray athletic shorts with his football number – 85 – on the leg. He’s wearing a pair of black slides and has a Norwood Titans ball cap turned backward on his head.

  He looks good. I’ll give him that.

  “Hey.” He smiles as I make my way toward him.

  “Hey.” I nod, a rush of nervousness hitting me unexpectedly.

  Nervous? Why would I be nervous? It’s not like any of this is real, I remind myself. Though it does little to calm the swarm of butterflies that have broken loose in my stomach.

  I look around, taking note of how many people have congregated in the area. Considering the two cabins next to mine, Callum’s included, are the ones offering the beer and music, this seems to be the place to be.

  “You ready for this?” he asks, offering me his arm.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be.” I sigh, looking down at his arm before deciding to not take it.

  He lets out a low chuckle as he follows me through the crowd.

  “You know, we’re going to have to touch each other eventually.” He leans in so only I can hear him.