Page 71 of Hard to Fake

“Talk,” Jay demands.

So I skirt as close to reality as I can.

“She wanted someone to have her back this weekend. She asked me to go with her.”

“Why you?”

I measure my words. “I think all this sorority stuff got in her head, and she wanted to take someone she could trust. Plus,” I deliberately add, “I know you’ve been worried.”

Jay’s nostrils flare. “And that prick Kevin is going.”

“Guess so.” My abs flex.

He paces halfway down the hall before turning back to me. “And you’re sure this is a good idea?”

“I’ve got it under control.” I flash teeth in what I hope is a reassuring smile.

He rubs a hand across his hair. “And this is just a favor. You’re not hitting on my sister.”

The lunch I had an hour ago is suddenly giving me heartburn. “I’m not hitting on your sister.”

Jay exhales, nodding.

“Don’t do anything stupid. We’re not kids, we’re the fucking defending champions. And we need you.”

17

BROOKE

Jay: Were you planning on telling me Miles is going to this reunion with you?

“That’s it. Men are impossible.”

I’m trying to convince myself more than Sierra, and it must not be working because she hands me a shot of tequila with a skeptical look.

It burns all the way down.

I’m mostly pissed that Miles told my brother he’s taking me to the reunion after he swore he wouldn’t.

I bet he didn’t tell my brother we kissed.

Fricking hypocrisy.

I’m on my social and I jump over to Miles’s profile.

The last few posts are pics of him sweating and intent on the court. A promo spot with a sports drink. One of him with my brother on the plane, Jay’s arm around Miles’s shoulders.

“What is it with guys and their little guy clubs?” I mutter to Sierra. “Like they have each other’s backs to a fault.”

Sierra looks at me, a sympathetic expression on her face. “It’s kind of sweet when they do.”

“Not when it means they betray your trust.” The one thing I asked him to do was keep this a secret for a few weeks. He couldn’t even do that.

I’m angry, but more than that, I’m hurt.

Because deep down, it means I wasn’t worth keeping a secret for. And no amount of fixed Louboutins or sexy photo shoots can change the truth.

I reach for my phone and hit Miles’s contact on impulse.

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