Page 33 of Fake Out

“Absolutely,” I say. “I truly believe our relationship has made me a better athlete and person.”

As the meeting continues, I steal glances at Marissa, her eyes bright and focused as she listens intently to the conversation. The way she advocates for me, the confidence she instills in me… it’s something I’ve never experienced before.

As the meeting starts winding down, the reps exchange knowing glances, their initial skepticism replaced by warmth and genuine interest. Their change in attitude is palpable.

“Charlie,” one of the reps begins, her tone softer than before. “We had our doubts, as I’m sure you know. We’ve all heard the stories, seen the headlines. But seeing you here today, listening to your answers, and witnessing the bond you share with Marissa… it’s clear that there’s more to you than what we see in the tabloids.”

“Thank you,” I say, my chest tightening with emotion. “I’m committed to proving that I’m worth your investment and support.”

“We still have some deliberation to do, but I think it’s safe to say that things are looking positive,” another rep chimes in, nodding in agreement. “We’ll be in touch soon with an official decision.”

As the meeting comes to a close, handshakes and pleasantries are exchanged, and Marissa and I make our way out of the conference room. The moment the door closes behind us, relief and elation wash over me like a tidal wave. Without thinking, I sweep Marissa into my arms, spinning us around in celebration.

“Charlie!” she exclaims, laughing, her cheeks flushed from the sudden embrace.

Our eyes lock, and I’m tempted to lean down and kiss her, to express my gratitude in a way that words can’t. But just as quickly as the urge appears, I force myself to step back, placing a professional distance between us once again.

“Sorry,” I mutter, running a hand through my hair. “I just… Thank you, Marissa. Seriously. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

She shakes her head, though she’s wearing a smile. “Charlie, this was all you. You’re the one who answered those questions and showed them the real you.”

“Still, I wouldn’t have even made it this far without your guidance,” I insist, my heart swelling with appreciation for the amazing woman standing before me.

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” she jokes, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

But beneath her lighthearted demeanor, I see a genuine pride in her gaze. Pride for me, for us, for what we’ve accomplished together.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” I say, trying to tamp down my excitement. “We still have to wait for their official decision.”

“True. But no matter what happens, I… I’m proud of you. And I know that if you keep pushing forward like this, great things are in store.”

Her gaze locks onto mine, and for a moment, I see something flicker behind her eyes. A vulnerability that she quickly disposes of.

I want to probe deeper, to ask her if she feels what I am. But she’s already turned away and pulled out her phone.

“I’ll order a car,” she says, her tone prompt and professional.

A strange emptiness takes hold of me. My career is finally looking up again, and I should be ecstatic. Instead, my mind keeps drifting back to Marissa… to the way her hand fits so perfectly in mine, the sound of her laughter, and the warmth of her embrace.

I miss her already, even though she’s standing right next to me. The realization is a cold, hard truth that settles in my gut. I want more than just a professional relationship with her; I want her friendship, her support, and maybe… even more.

But as she taps away on her phone, focused on her job, I suspect she’ll never see me as anything other than a client. Once our tour of interviews is over, she’ll go back to work, and I’ll become just another name on her long list of future successes.

“Car will be here in five,” she announces, snapping me from my thoughts.

“Great,” I reply, forcing a smile onto my face.

What am I thinking, anyway? Marissa is my agent, and I don’t do relationships. There would be no future there for us. So everything is as it should be.

…Right?

CHAPTER 16

MARISSA

I sit on the hotel bed, my back against the headboard as I mindlessly flip through the channels on the television. The room feels too quiet, and my thoughts are louder than ever.

It’s been a whirlwind of a journey so far with Charlie, and it seems like success is just within our grasp. We’ve grown so close in such a short amount of time, and I’m proud of us for what we’ve achieved.

---