Page 48 of The Fake Play

“Right, well, she lost a bet with the producer, and got stuck playing an alien in the movie. Prosthetics glue usually comes off relatively easy, but this was a small budget film, and the makeup department shared a space with the props department… someone used the wrong glue for her fake ears.”

“Oh no.”

“Oh yeah. Thankfully, someone in props had some experience in the matter and worked some peanut butter into the glue to break it up. Came right off. But when Mom got home, the dog went crazy on her. He was a Great Dane, so it was kind of a problem.”

She snorts out a laugh. “That’s awful.”

“Yeah. Goat was a hell of a dog, well-behaved usually, but when it came to peanut butter, he was a terror. We had to lock him away while she showered and got the rest of the peanut butter smell off. He kept after her ears for a week.”

“Your dog’s name was Goat?”

“That was Evie’s idea. She’s a bit of a free spirit. So, how can I help?”

“How are you with glue guns?”

“Never had the chance to use one before, but I’m game for anything.”

“Perfect. Your hair is shorter than mine, so you’ll be safer, peanut butter or not.”

Figuring out how to use a hot glue gun was fun. Messy, sticky fun, and not at all the kind I was used to, but fun, nonetheless.

As the evening wears on, we share stories. I open up about my concerns regarding the team and the possibility of trades. She listens intently, offering support and encouragement that makes my chest swell with gratitude.

“I know it's tough right now, but you're an incredible player, Luke. You've put in the hard work, and I believe in you.”

“Thanks, that means a lot coming from you. I'm just scared of letting everybody down.”

“You won't. We're a team, remember? We're in this together.”

She has a knack for saying exactly what I need to hear when I need to hear it. I lean in, capturing her lips with mine in a soft, lingering kiss. When I pull away, I can’t help but grin.

“So what do we have planned for the victory celebration after the auction?

Her cheeks flush pink as she smiles. “I'm sure we'll come up with something.”

I can’t understand how she did it. How she became such a critical part of my life in such a short period of time. Looking in her eyes, I see my future there. I know that there’s nothing I won't do for this woman.

Tomorrow, I'll step onto that ice fueled by her belief in me and our shared goal. And together, we'll prove we’re more than just a team.

We’re a force to be reckoned with.

Chapter 20

Keke

It feels as if the whole world is coming in at me from all sides. I pace around the living room, a chaotic jumble of papers and lists scattered on the coffee table. The auction is coming up, and my mind races with a whirlwind of details that feel insurmountable. I bite my lip, trying to stifle the frustration that bubbles just beneath the surface. I need this to go perfectly; not just for the animal shelter, but also for Luke's future with the team and my own sanity.

When I hear the door click open, a rush of relief floods through me, hoping that Luke will somehow be able to alleviate the tension gnawing inside my chest. I turn to face him, and the stress of the day erupts out of me. I snap, “You're late.”

He holds up his hands, an amused grin spreading across his face as he presents two paper cups. “I come bearing gifts.”

“You think I have time for coffee? I need your help with the auction.”

“Okay, no need to get feisty. What can I do to help?”

“Nothing,” I reply curtly as I take my peppermint mocha from him. “There's too much to do, and I don't have time for this.”

“You don't have time to drink a beverage?”

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