Page 27 of From Fake Dates to Forever Goals

“We don’t have anything to hide, Ava,” I say, reaching across the table to take her hand in mine.

Ava glances at me and smiles faintly, her shoulders relaxing under my touch.

Just then, my phone rings. It’s my mother. It’s unusual for her to call me at this hour.

I excuse myself and step away to take the call.

“Mom?” I say.

I can hear her coughing on the other end.

“Are you all right?” Being busy with training, I haven’t spoken to her for a few days.

“I’m perfectly all right, Sebastian,” she says, brushing off my concern.

“Do you have the flu?”

“Why would you ask that? Can’t a grown woman cough in peace?” she teases, though another cough follows quickly after.

I know it’s pointless arguing with her. I can never win.

“I called to congratulate you on your game,” she says. “I thought of calling you earlier, but I just haven’t been myself these days. It must be the weather.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I know she would have been there if she weren’t living miles away.

“I can see a positive change in your game, and I’m proud of you.”

My heart warms at her words.

“There is a positive change,” I admit, glancing back at Ava. She looks up from her coffee and meets my gaze.

“I’ve seen the papers. It seems like you finally found yourself someone special.”

My mother has always kept a keen eye on me, scrutinizing every move I’ve made. Hearing her approval of Ava is a pleasant surprise.

“I hope to meet her soon,” she adds.

I’m thrilled that my mother is impressed with Ava. It means a lot, especially since she’s never approved of the women I’ve dated before.

We hang up, and I make my way back to Ava.

“That was my mom on the phone,” I tell her.

“She must have seen how well you played,” Ava says.

“She’s seen a lot more than that,” I reply, noticing her confusion. “She’s been reading the papers, and she’s pretty impressed with you. And she’s never liked any of my girlfriends.”

Ava blushes and says, “I’m glad to be the first Mama Kane-approved girlfriend. Even if we’re just faking it, right?”

Fake. Right.

Hearing her refer to our relationship as fake stings, even though it shouldn’t. We had a deal, and obviously, sex doesn’t change that.

Fake or not, I can finally feel my life shifting for the better. I’m more dedicated, more focused, and, admittedly, I owe it all to Ava. For the first time, I have a woman by my side who sees me for who I am—not because I’m famous. That means more to me than I expected.

After dropping Ava off at her place, I head to practice, but my mind refuses to stay on the game. As I sit on the sidelines during a break, I find myself thinking of her—missing her. I want to spend more time with her, so I decide to take advantage of whatever time we have left in this so-called fake relationship.

I pick up my phone and dial her number.

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