Page 69 of Fake Out

“Good to meet you both,” Orson Rhodes, one of the owners says. “We’ve heard… interesting things about your relationship.”

Charlie nods, taking a deep breath. “Yes, we wanted to address that straight away. Our relationship began as a publicity stunt. But during our time together, we’ve both grown and learned so much. I’m committed to honesty now, in all aspects of my life.” He glances at me, a flash of raw emotion crossing his face for a moment before he focuses back on the owners.

Evan chimes in. “I can vouch for that. Charlie came clean to me during our phone call, admitting everything without hesitation.”

There’s a palpable tension in the room, like a rubber band stretched taut. The owners exchange indecipherable looks, clearly weighing our words. I grip the edge of my chair, desperate for some indication of their decision.

I clear my throat. “I do want it to be known that the fake relationship wasn’t Charlie’s idea. It was all mine.”

I see more than a couple pairs of raised eyebrows, and one of the reps frowns at me.

“It was both of ours,” Charlie inserts.

I shake my head. “You don’t need to take the heat for me, Charlie.”

“I’m not. I?—”

I put my hand on his arm, silently asking him to be quiet. As his agent, what happened was my responsibility. We shouldn’t both have to go down because of it, and perhaps I can at least save Charlie’s career. Even if I never work as an agent again, he could still have a shot at returning to football as the star he is.

He stares into my eyes, and I know he understands all of this. I can also see that he doesn’t like it.

“Marissa…” He trails off.

I smile slightly, wanting him to know it’s okay. I know what I’m doing, and it’s the right choice.

After that, we have a good discussion with the owners and reps. Their expressions are stoic, however, and I can’t tell how we are doing.

“All right,” one of the team’s owners finally says, breaking the silence. “Give us a few minutes to discuss what comes next.”

They lead us out and into another room, this one boasting an impressive view of the football stadium. It’s empty down there, not a soul to be seen. It’s oddly peaceful, but the nerves knotting my stomach won’t ease.

“You shouldn’t have done that back there,” Charlie says. “Lie about the fake relationship being all your idea.”

I turn to face him. “I wasn’t lying. I was telling the truth.”

His jaw tightens. “The truth is more complicated in that.”

He holds my gaze, and heat flares in my chest. Yes, that’s accurate… And which part of the full, true story is he thinking about now? The part where we spend long, passionate nights together?

Or the part where I blamed one hiccup on him and kicked him out of my life?

I look away, unable to hold his gaze any longer.

The minutes tick by, each one feeling longer than the last. I watch my own reflection pace back and forth in the window, the stadium behind me a testament to the dreams we’re chasing. Charlie sits on the windowsill, his long legs stretched before him, seemingly unaffected by the tension in the room.

“How can you be so calm?” I finally ask him. “Our careers are on the line.”

He looks at me, his eyes steady and warm. “We’ve given it our all. That’s all we can do. If they offer me a new deal, it’s just the cherry on top.”

His words wash over me like a soothing wave, and I feel my chest loosen as I exhale. I glance at him, admiring his strength and resilience. It hits me with startling clarity: I’m in love with him.

“Charlie, I…” I trail off, unsure of how to proceed.

Should I tell him? Just blurt it out and see what happens, even if I end up looking like a fool?

Before I can muster the courage to speak, the door swings open, and Evan enters, grinning from ear to ear. “Good news! The owners have decided to offer Charlie a two-year contract. They’re drawing up the papers right now for you to review.”

“Really?” I squeal.

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