Fake It

(05) contagious chemistry

Pulling over in front of Hayley's house, Josh got out of his car and walked up to who he assumed to be Hayley's father. "Good morning, sir."

"Morning, buddy" Hayley's father, Peter, stuck his hand out for Josh to shake.

"Josh Franceschi" Josh smiled, shaking the male's hand.

"Nice to meet you, haven't heard anything about you, but I'm sure I will" Peter nodded, wondering what this random guy was doing at the house.

Peter assumed the kid wanted to sell him something, or maybe even needed help of some kind. The last thing on his mind would be that he was a friend - of sorts - with Hayley.

"I like your ute" Josh tried to start a conversation, hoping to somehow impress Peter.

"Why thank you. You see, I do plumbing for a living" Peter explained, pulling a box out of the ute. "See this? I found it in a drain... You can find the weirdest stuff ever."

Nodding, Josh furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at a shoe that was brown and soaked. "Wow, it must be.... Interesting."

"Yeah, no kidding" Peter laughed, turning to see Cameron who had walked outside.

"Josh! The legend!" Cam grinned, giving Josh a high-five.

"Hey buddy!" Josh smiled, messing Cameron's hair for fun.

"Do you want to play football?" Cameron asked, as Josh nodded.

At this point, Peter had to assume Josh was a friend of Cameron's. That didn't really add up but it was the only plausible idea.

The trio looked up when they heard the front door open, seeing Hayley walking out of the house.

"Would you get over here for a moment, please?" Hayley called out to Josh, having seen him and his car from her bedroom window.

"What did I do?" Josh asked, biting his lip. Walking to where Hayley was, he then gave a small smile.

"You can't keep showing up like you do" Hayley sighed, running a hand through her hair.

"Stop avoiding me, then" Josh's smile grew wider, feeling glad to see Hayley - even if she was acting like she was. "Take the other night for example, what was that?"

"I was... I was busy" Hayley lied, rolling her eyes. "Well what did you come here for?"

"I wondered if you'd like to come to the beach with me?" Josh asked, as Hayley shook her head in response. "You don't like the beach, I suppose?"

"No, it's not that. I- I have other plans" Hayley lied, yet again. She was actually watching a marathon of Glee episodes in her room while eating pizza - Josh did not need to know that.

"Well I'll leave then" Josh pretended to frown, hoping Hayley would give in. Turning around, he walked over to Cameron. "So Cam, how about that game of football?"

Hayley followed Josh, arching an eyebrow. "I thought you were leaving?" The girl called out.

"l'm playing football with your brother" Josh corrected, giving a goofy grin. He knew there'd be no way Hayley would want that to happen.

"No, you're not playing football with my brother" Hayley gave Cameron a stern look, before looking back up at Josh as he spoke.

"I want to play football with Josh" Cameron frowned, kicking the football around.

"I- I don't want you to" Hayley sighed, wishing her brother could just understand. "Sorry, Cam... Maybe another day."

"You're not the boss of us! I want to play!" Cameron frowned, making Hayley feel bad.