Page 35 of Fauxmance in the City

“Whatever you say.” Natalie sighs and rubs Sam’s back. “Catie’s too focused on her own life to notice what’s happening in anyone else’s.”

Is that true? I’m absorbed in my work, but am I selfish?

“She’s used you for years,” Sam says. “Look at all the lies she’s told just to stay on top of her career.”

“I’m gonna stop you there, buddy,” she says, and the knot in my belly loosens. “I want to be behind the curtain. Catie’s tried many times to give me recognition, and I’m the one who says no. I’m part of all this too.”

Natalie lifts her knees up and down, getting the blood flowing.

“You didn’t weave the web of lies that led Catie to this point,” Sam says, pushing back. “She spun those all on her own, and we’re the schmucks who threw ourselves into her sticky threads. But the more we help her, the more wrapped up we become. It’s gonna do us all in. You shouldn’t have come back to help.”

I wipe my nose, my heart pounding as I listen to this conversation I’m not meant to hear. Sam has always been on my side, but now he’s tearing me down.

“She’s my sister. I’ll do anything for her. When the flight was canceled, I took it as a sign. Her texts last night were desperate. The cakes are ruined. And that poor turkey. Helping Catie is my default setting.”

Hope springs forth in my chest. Natalie came to help me! Today may not be an epic fail after all. It takes every ounce of willpower to keep my feet planted on the floor instead of running outside and throwing my arms around her.

This means one part of my life can be salvaged. Sam’s made it clear that my wrecking ball has left no chance of him forgiving me, but if I can save today, I can focus on my career and forget all about Sam.

“I’d ask why you agreed to this sham, but I already know,” Natalie says.

There she goes again, acting like she knows about Sam’s true feelings—if they’re true—this whole time. But he just denied it.

“I’m an idiot.”

“No, you’re not,” she says softly and huffs out a puff of air. “I’m guessing whatever happened last night is why you have it out for Catie right now.”

“I don’t have it out for her. I’d never do anything to damage her career.”

“You’re a good guy,” Natalie says, hugging him around his shoulders Sam’s hands remain shoved in the pockets of his hoodie.

“I’m glad one of the Bloom sisters knows it,” Sam jokes.

“I know you’re not what Catie thinks you are. Have you ever told her what happened with your ex?” Natalie asks.

“That’s old news.”

“But it explains why you were such a mess when we first met you.”

Sam snorts. “Do you really think Catie would care? She’d find some other excuse to hate me.”

“She doesn’t hate you.” Natalie smiles softly.

“It doesn’t matter now. I’m done with all that. I’m done spending time on a woman with a cage around her heart.”

My nails claw the sill of the window, wanting to run down there and defend myself, but then I sink back onto my heels because there’s truth in everything they’re saying.

“Maybe if you told Catie the full story—”

“She knows.” Sam shifts from side to side like he’s warming stiff muscles. “You didn’t need to come today. This shoot’s not gonna happen. At least, not with me. I’m going to talk to Gillian. I’m going to tell her. I’m not sure what exactly, but I can’t pretend anymore.”

“No,” Natalie yells, echoing the word in my head.

Sam ignores her, resolutely marching up the stairs. Natalie reaches out for him, but she trips and falls onto her outstretched arm, clipping the step with the side of her head.

“Ahh!” she screams.

“Oh, shit.” Sam drops to her side, but Natalie’s doubled over in pain.

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