Page 30 of Fake Out Forever

When I finally get my feet to move, I skate to the net, crouch down, and sharpen my focus. To repay my team and the fans, I’ll play a game they will never forget.

I’m going to give them my very last shutout.

16

MAYA

It’s almost six o’clock. Inside the church vestibule, the air is thick with tension. I’m worried I might throw up again. Sabrina keeps fussing with my veil. Mother looks as miserable as I feel. Father’s grinning like he just won the lottery.

The church door creaks open, and the wedding planner pokes his head out. “Two minutes until showtime. Get ready for the best day of your life.”

I feel lightheaded.

Duchess, if you’re watching this, I’ll see you soon.

My heart cracks as I hear Cade’s words from last night ring through my head. I bawled like a baby watching his final game. I’ll never see him again, never touch him. I’ll never hear his laugh or see one of his smiles.

Bile burns the back of my throat.

“Uh oh. Here we go again.” Sabrina hoists the train of my dress in the air. “Run, Maya.”

I rush into the tiny bathroom to vomit, but nothing comes out. All I do is dry heave and cry.

“Oh, sis.” Sabrina rubs my back. “I’m so sorry. This is all my fault.”

“It’s not your fault.” I collapse on the floor in a pile of sparkling tulle.

“I told Father where you were and who you were with.”

“Did he give you any other choice?” I ask.

“No. But…”

“I didn’t tell him no.” I sigh. “I’ve never told him no. Why would you? We’ve been controlled our whole lives.”

“Well, except for when I made the biggest mistake of my life.” Sabrina wets a paper towel and presses it to my neck. “I should have listened to Father then.”

“One time.” I press a hand to my stomach, trying to quiet it down.

“You’re so pale, Maya.” She dabs my forehead with the cool towel. “And you’ve lost too much weight.”

I give my sister a weak smile. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.” My appetite disappeared the moment I left Cade.

“Thirty seconds. Get yourself together, Maya. We’re walking down that aisle.” Father growls through the door.

“Here. Take this.” Sabrina holds out a piece of candy.

“What’s that?”

“A ginger drop. It will help your nausea.”

I pop the candy in my mouth, and Sabrina helps me get to my feet. “This must be what a death row inmate feels like as they walk towards Old Sparky.”

I take the bouquet from my sister.

She kisses my cheek, then settles the veil back over my face. “If you want to run, I’ll open the door.”

I think about her offer, but quickly decide against it. If I run and don’t do what Father wants me to do, he’ll go after Cade. And I can’t let that happen.

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