Page 116 of Faking It

“You love her.”

It’s not a question, but I reply without hesitation. “Yes.”

“And there’s no room for forgiveness.”

Again, it’s a statement, but one that definitely needs clarification. “I’ve already forgiven her, Mom. I don’t know if I can trust her.”

There’s a long pause, then she says. “I don’t know Ana, but I know you. You’re the teenager whose two girlfriends started a fight in my backyard. You’re the adult who had a new woman on his arm every week. You’re the guy who’d always said that love is for suckers, and you would never subscribe to it. The fact that you’ve found someone who annihilated that vow tells me how special she is.”

I wrap my free arm around myself, that last line sending ripples of emotions through me.

“We all make mistakes. It’s a flaw that comes with being human. You mentioned that she apologized, which means she admitted to being wrong. That’s a good thing. Your father never once apologized.”

“So, you’re telling me to get over it.”

“I’m telling you not to allow a simple flaw to block you from happiness. You love her. That means a lot, Gideon. Don’t walk away from it. From her.”

With a conceding sigh, I nod, then realizing she can’t see me, I mutter, “I won’t.”

“Good. Now, considering your father is no longer in control, what are your next plans?”

For the next ten minutes, I fill her in. Ryan convinced me to keep the spicy rom-com deal since I’d already signed the contract.

“Don’t retire leaving a bitter taste in people’s mouths, Gideon,” he’d advised, and he was right. But it will be my last job, of that, I’m sure. I’m eagerly looking forward to taking my company to the next step. Hiring a team is my first goal.

There’s also the premiere ofEspionageto attend. Aunt Cheryl and I had a long conversation last night. Between her apologies and her expressive shock at what her brother had done, I agreed to promote to movie, especially since she decided not to throw Ana under the bus. My co-star/ex-girlfriend and I will be resuming our fake relationship again.

Listening to Mom made it sink in. I don’t want to go back. There’s no use pretending when my love for her is real as fuck. Strong as hell. Overpowering. I don’t want to keep these feelings to myself. Ana Kent needs to know. The entire world needs to know.

After catching up some more with Mom, listening to the updates on her progress and being encouraged that she’s almost at the end of her recovery road, I bid her goodbye. No sooner had I put the phone down, though, that it started ringing. Seeing the familiar number makes me swipe the screen. It’s not yet time. Why would they be calling me?

“Yes?” I greet tentatively.

“Gideon Cain, I presume,” the female voice on the other line replies.

“Yes, this is he. How can I help you?”

“I’m calling to let you know we’ve processed your payment for the lease. However, we’d love for you to come in ASAP and sign the paperwork. Our previous tenant will be moving out in a few days, so I’d imagine you’d want to get things going right after.”

It’s on my lips to tell her that she’s got the wrong person. My name was almost at the bottom of that waitlist. There’s no way I’d be lucky enough to skip the entire line. Unless they’d heard the news that James Carter and Gideon Cain are one and the same.

Still, it wouldn’t make sense. Not with the fact that a payment has been made. Someone made that payment on my behalf. There are only two who knew about my dreams of getting that studio.

Mom.

And Ana.

Chapter 44

Ana

“Hey, look at me.” Tori reaches for my hands. I lift my tear-stained face to meet her fierce expression. “It’s going to work out.”

“It’s been three days. He hasn’t called or anything. I’m sure the studio had called him by now.”

“Maybe they haven’t. Or maybe he’s been busy? Who knows? Just don’t give up hope. Such a grand gesture is sure to melt his heart. He probably needs more time to process.”

I know Tori is trying to improve my spirits, but it’s not working. Each passing day makes the gnawing sensation in my stomach feel much worse. Gideon’s not coming back to me.

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