Page 60 of Fake It 'til You Make It

Mel starts to whisper. ‘From what I hear, he did go to the airport, so I don’t know what went down there but he came back alone, and obviously Fleur has come your way.’

My best guess is they weren’t over until right before Fleur got on the plane to see me. During her six-hour flight, she must have decided our relationship was back on. I’m the best, or only, available option right now, it would seem.

‘Okay, thanks. Could you please book a one-way ticket from JFK to San Francisco this evening or as soon as possible tomorrow morning?’

‘In your name, or hers?’

‘Hers. I’m not ready to return until I’ve worked out my next business move.’

‘You’ve got it. Are you going ahead with your meetings today?’

‘It’s a normal working day for me. Thanks, Mel.’

I consider the plate of fruit Fleur made and dismiss it, heading upstairs to my makeshift office. I want nothing more from her.

24

ABBEY

Television production is a tough business. After being rushed through make-up (on account of being late) and spending the morning acting (in the very loosest sense), I’ve run around after people all day. I’ve barely had time to eat or drink, which was helpful really because I had zero time to go to the bathroom.

All of this for significantly less money than I was earning as an auditor, which largely required sitting at a desk all day.

The last person I have the energy for is my mom. Not because I don’t love her; I do. But she’s hard work and especially at the moment, when every time I speak or message with her, I’m increasingly aware of the secrets I’m hiding.

I’m listening to the extravagant plans for Mom and Dad’s vow renewal, my AirPods in my ears, a brown paper bag full of takeout Indian food in my arms, as I try to find and tap my access fob against the door of my apartment.

‘Are you listening to me, Abigail?’

‘Yes, Mom, one hundred percent,’ I say. She was moaning about how she’s cross with Dad for not engaging in the details. ‘I’m also trying to juggle some heavy bags and navigate my way into my apartment.’

‘Oh, I see,’ she titters, as if she knew Imustbe enthralled by the talk of florists and live bands.

I am lucky and so happy that my parents have made it together for forty years but this party feels very much like something my mom wants and nothing like the kind of thing my dad would enjoy. He’s quiet, reserved. Business-confident and strong-willed but far from flamboyant.

‘Anyway, the other reason I called is to say I’ve spoken with Victoria and she says Andrew has nothing but nice things to say about you, still, despite whatever has the two of you upset with each other.’

My fob unlocks the door but I’m too stunned to step inside. ‘Upset? Mom, we broke up, for good.’ I also doubt that Andrew does have anything good to say about me, whether to his mom or anyone else. Actions speak louder than words.

‘A love like yours doesn’t disappear overnight, darling. You and Andrew are perfect for each other, always have been. Everyone agrees. I was at lunch with Victoria, Caroline and Marta just yesterday and we were?—’

‘Mom, Andrew is dating someone else.’

She gasps in a way that would be comical if she hadn’t put me in a bad mood.

‘He is? Well, Victoria never men?—’

‘And I’ve already told you, I’m bringing a date, too,’ I snap.

‘Oh. I thought that was just an emotional overreaction. This date is real, then?’

‘Yes, he’s real!’ I say, utterly affronted that she’d think I’d make up a date to save face… Oh wait!

‘He’s as real as Andrew.’ Who couldn’t be more of a bullshitter.

‘Now, don’t play tit for tat, Abigail, it doesn’t become you.’

I roll my eyes.

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