Pretend- A Peybrina fanfic

Chapter 16

Rowan's POV

"It's me and Rowan; we're dating," Corey says.

Well, I was not expecting that.

My head is swimming with thoughts. Does this mean Corey wants us to date? Does it mean he's so opposed to the idea he brings it up as our lie and way out?

"Um yeah... We're dating," I say.

Corey reaches over and gives me a peck on the cheek.

I blush. I feel like he's acting, but also like he isn't. I'm hoping for the second option.

"Well, we'll let you two lovebirds get on your way," the reporter says with a wink towards the camera. She gives an overly enthusiastic grin, and the recording button flickers off.

Once we're far enough that they can't hear us, I give Corey a little nudge.

"What was that for?" I whisper.

"Just..." He begins. "Never mind. We were helping Sabby and Pey out."

"Oh," I reply. So he doesn't like me like that.

"But if you ever wanted it to be true, I wouldn't object."

I smile a smile as big as the Empire State Building.

"I wouldn't either," I reply. I'm surprised how easy it is for me to admit. I've always been open to expressing my opinions. But when it came to my feelings for Corey, I'd always kept my thoughts to myself. I made up a million reasons for why I couldn't bring myself to say it: I was too young, I didn't know him well enough yet, maybe I liked Peyton or Amir or Uriah or even Sabrina. But I knew in my heart that it was Corey. It was always Corey.

"So," he said shyly. "We're together?"

I give him a smile. "We're together."

"I love you, Cor." I say.

"Rowan Eleanor Blanchard, I love you so much."

Sabrina's POV

I arrive at the Disney Black and White Ball after my mom drops me and Sarah off. The red carpet is almost empty now, since most of the Disney channel cast is inside already. I notice the Peytons waiting for us, dressed similarly in their black tuxes.

Peyton Clark runs over to the two of us. He takes Sarah's hand in his and kisses her tenderly. "You look beautiful, Sari."

My sister takes his face in her hands and kisses him again. The two of them lock hands as they walk towards the red carpet.

I break my stare away from the happy couple and land my eyes on my Peyton. His jaw is noticeably ajar as he gazes at me.

"Hey Peyton," I greet.

He walks forward, and we embrace.

"B," he says.

I tense up at the sound of Bradley's love-struck nickname for me. Peyton must notice, because he quickly-but hesitantly- corrects himself.

"Sabrina," he says. "You're gorgeous."

"You don't look bad yourself, Huckleberry."

He grins at this in-screen tease.

"Why thank you, city girl."

I glance around and see that we're the only ones still outside besides a handful of reporters, who I'm sure will swarm at us any second. Peyton reaches for my hand and he intertwines his fingers with mine as we rush down the carpet and into the bright florescent lights of the ball.