Page 99 of Hard to Fake

“You missed out last night,” Caroline calls when I get to breakfast at the main resort building.

She’s dressed in knee-high suede boots, a thick sweater draped intentionally revealing one shoulder. Her pale hair falls in relaxed curls, but her eyes are red as if she didn’t sleep.

“Kevin and I are engaged.” She holds up her hand, hoisting a massive sparkling diamond in the air like a weapon.

It does deliver a gut punch.

Not because I want anything with Kevin, but seeing him commit to her when he broke up with me for covering for him manages to scald some portion of my soul that I thought was safe.

“Elise,” she says, and I realize that the woman is right behind us. “I didn’t mean for you to overhear.”

“Not at all, it’s wonderful news.” Elise’s eyes brighten with genuine pleasure.

“Isn’t it? Someone’s follower count always goes up following their engagement and wedding planning. It would be great exposure for your brand.”

There’s no way Caroline orchestrated this engagement for the purposes of impressing Elise.

Is there?

Even I’m not so cynical as to think she’s been plotting this for weeks—longer.

But… what if Caroline’s stock was slipping and she took drastic measures to address the fall?

Elise smiles. “I appreciate that, but I’ve made my decision. I’m going with someone different.”

Caroline smiles in a way that doesn’t look like she was rejected. “Different can be good. It can also cause problems if it doesn’t align with your brand. Is this what you’re looking for?”

She holds out her phone, showing Elise.

Elise’s nostrils flare delicately.

I extend my hand, and the other woman passes me the device.

The photo is dark and blurry, but it’s definitely me straddling Miles in the hot tub. His fingers dig into my waist, my hand grips his shoulder. If you can’t see his face, the bear tattoo makes it pretty clear.

Except it’s not a photo. It’s a video.

Me kissing Miles, my body pressed to his. Though the water obscures half of what we’re doing, the water licks at my back in rhythm with our movements.

“It looks to me as if that moment was intended to be private,” Elise says at last.

Gratitude wells up.

“Excuse us, Elise.” I grab Caroline’s arm and drag her down the hall.

“What the hell?” I toss when I round to face her.

“Some of us have worked all our lives for our image. You go around saying and doing whatever you want and still get your way.”

“You can’t believe that.” I stare at her, incredulous.

“It’s true. You fucked up in school and came out unscathed. I guess your boyfriend is perfect for you."

I laugh. It’s the only possible reaction to her words. “I genuinely have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Miles Garrett put Kevin in the hospital the summer after junior year."

My mouth falls open in shock. It’s so unhinged, but I have to give her credit. Just when I think she can’t go any lower, she does.

---