Page 88 of The Fake Out Flex

Which isn't good.

My self-restraint is slipping.

Let me rephrase that. My self-restraint has bolted out the door, left the building, and is now five blocks away, looking back at me and laughing maniacally.

I shouldn't be doing this.

The control I've kept tightly woven for years is unraveling, and yet…I'm the one who suggested these chat dates because the thought of having no contact with her during this busy period wasn't okay. I couldn't let that happen.

I feel like I'm on borrowed time anyway.

We can both see that the media's focus has shifted from us, laying the groundwork for a quiet breakup and an end to this whole fake dating thing.

But I don't want it to end.

As selfish as it may be, I want to keep this going for as long as possible. Time is slipping away, and I may not get to share many more moments like this with her ever again.

"So," Evie says, her voice taking on an unmissable firmness. "Let's talk about your game tomorrow. I have some notes."

I smile, staring up at the ceiling. "Tell me everything I need to know."

Evie

"This is a surprise," is how Fraser answers my call.

"Sorry, I realize I'm calling in the middle of the day."

"No. I mean, that you know how to make a call. I'm impressed."

"Ha. Ha." I've ducked away into an empty meeting room. Fraser has a game tonight, so I figure we won't be able to talk later. Even though we did only speak last night. "Are you busy?"

"We've just finished our game day skate. I'm about to take a shower, and then we're heading out for a team meal. But I've got a few minutes."

"This won't take long. I just wanted to wish you good luck."

He doesn't say anything.

"For the game."

Still nothing.

"That you're playing. Tonight."

I can't spell it out any clearer, can I?

"Um. Thank you. That's really nice of you, Evie."

"What sort of girlfriend would I be if I didn't call to wish my boyfriend all the best?"

He chuckles, but it comes out a little garbled. Must be a bad connection.

"Look, I won't keep you," I say since Fraser sounds like he's in pre-game mode, and the last thing I want to do is break his focus. "Have a great game. I'll be watching."

"Yeah…Thanks for calling. I mean it."

"No worries. Bye, Fraser."

"Bye, Evie."

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