Page 38 of Faking It

His words sink in. “You’re right—”

“It’s not only about us, either. You wanted to help Ana, remember?”

“I said you’re right.”

“Oh.” He grins sheepishly, then raises his coffee cup. “Let’s drink to that, then.”

I lift my cup, too, trying to keep a straight face throughout Jared’s elaborate toast. “Cheers,” I reply when he’s done.

Jared downs the coffee, then stands, reaching his car keys on the counter. “Rest your pretty little head while I do the groundwork. I’ll contact Ana after talking to Aunt Cheryl. Whatever’s the response, I’ll let you know.”

“You have Ana’s number?” I ask hopefully. I’ve tried several routes to contact her, including a DM on Instagram—an action I’veneverdone—but to no luck.

“No. Her agent’s.” He smirks at me. “Mhmm.”

“What?”

“I feel like doing a wager.” He dips into his back pocket and pulls out a leather wallet. “Five hundred bucks that this fake relationship won’t be fake for very long.”

I scoff. “I’m not making a bet.”

“Because you’ll lose, and you know it.”

Rising from the stool, I make my way out of the kitchen, a silent hint for Jared to go.

“Face it, you have a thing for that girl.”

“I’m attracted to her. That’s not the same thing.”

“That photo disagrees…” he says in a sing-song voice.

I whirl on him, the irritation on my face amusing him even more. “Don’t you have anything to do? Who’s watching Coco, by the way?” I ask, referring to his Maltipoo.

Jared’s pleasantness fades replaced by an irritated expression that matches mine. “She’s with Riley.” He spits out his ex’s name like it’s poison. “It’s his weekend.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, no. Don’t be.” He waves me off. “We agreed to co-parent after the breakup, and that’s what we’re doing. I’ll be fine. Mommy needs a break, anyway.”

He doesn’t look fine. I can see it in his eyes. I won’t push him, though. Grilling Jared will only make him shut down.

Besides, I have a phone call to make.

Still, I give him a hug before he leaves, and his body relaxes. He pats my back, then hurries out after a snarky remark about me being a copycat. All because we’re wearing the same cologne.

The smile slowly fades as the door closes behind him. I reach for the phone in my pocket, then dial the number like I do every Sunday morning around this time.

Lena Cain-Carter answers on the third ring. The thin, yet musical tone brings back a smile to my face.

She’s still here.

“Hey, Mom,” I murmur, dropping my body on the sectional and throwing up my feet. “I wanted to call earlier, but Jared stopped by.”

“That’s okay, honey. How’s Jared, by the way?”

“Still not over Riley cheating on him.”

“I’m really sorry to hear that. He’s such a good guy, which is a surprise, considering he comes from your father’s side of the family.”

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