Page 119 of The Fake Out Flex

I want to believe what Hannah and Summer are saying, but my heart is battling with my head.

While I know Fraser would never do anything to hurt me intentionally, I still have to be careful and not get involved with someone who doesn't want the same things I do, like live in a small town or wait until marriage.

Been there, done that—and trust me, it's no fun.

I blow out a heavy breath, letting my thoughts swirl in my head. After a few moments of wallowing, I decide to lighten the mood a bit.

Evie: At least when we fake break up, I know Fraser will be a gentleman about it.

Summer: Don't joke like that. It's not funny.

Hannah: I second that.

Amiel: Third that.

Beth: Fourth that.

Evie: Nice of you all to be ganging up on me.

Hannah: It's always from a place of love. We just want you guys to work out.

Evie: I do, too.

Believe me, I do, too.

Summer: Hate to say this, ladies, but it's waaay past my bedtime. I need to get some rest.

Amiel: Same. I need to be up and baking in a few hours.

Beth: Oh, any last-minute clue you want to share with your besties about your segment, Evie?

Evie: Nope. Like I told Fraser, you'll have to tune in tomorrow to find out!

"Evie, are you sure you want to do this?" Margo's voice comes through loudly in my earpiece. "It's not too late to change your mind, hon. We have a backup segment we can use instead."

"Not an option," I whisper back, smoothing down the front of my jumpsuit. "It's fine. I'm fine."

I am not fine.

I am the thing that's the complete opposite of fine. Inside.

But outside, I'm doing everything I can to project an image of calmness and strength.

I need to do this.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. I came across it while brainstorming ideas for segments. In my research, I learned that it focuses on raising awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life, as well as highlighting barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face.

This is it.

My big story.

Because I'm going to present it in a way no one would expect—by BASE jumping off a building.

It's a risk, sure. But the payoff could be big, and I don't just mean in terms of numbers. I've been working on this story for a while now, and it means so much to me. It's an important message and such a great cause. I hope people tune in.

I know a few people will. The Fast-Talking Four-slash-Five—now that Amiel's joined us—and Fraser.

I suck in a few deep breaths.

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