Page 40 of Faking It

“I don’t understand. Cheryl Adams literally told me I wasn’t the right fit. What changed?”

“It’s that heartwarming photo of you and Carter that’s been blowing up the internet,” she replies, and I roll my eyes.

“People are so weird. I don’t know what it is about a simple hug that’s making them go crazy.”

“Take a minute to research your new co-star. You’ll notice he’s never been caught in an intimate photo with any of the women he’s been with.”

“Our photo wasn’t intimate. It was a simple hug,” I reiterate.

She scoffs, typing in her phone, then turning the screen to me. “Be honest. Does this look simple to you?”

Taking the phone, I scrutinize the photo. My face resting on Carter’s chest, his chin perched on top of my head, those thick arms hugging me tightly, making me feel so safe…

Yes, they did make me feel protected. Warm. Tingles ran up my spine as I listened to his heartbeat, the rhythmic incline a clear sign I wasn’t the only one affected by our connection. Whatever that weird sensation was, he felt it too.

Definitely not a simple hug. It was more intimate than the image captured. I will never tell a soul, not even Tori about that fact.

Carter has yet to mention what he overheard that night, six years ago. I don’t know why he’s keeping that secret, but I don’t trust him. I can’t trust someone who could destroy my career by opening his mouth. If the production company is really serious about offering me that role, I’ll take it. Working with Carter will be a nerve-wracking experience, but I’ll survive for eight hours each day.

“This intimate moment is perfect for the narrative they want to spin, anyway,” Tori says, her words piercing my thoughts.

“What narrative?”

Her expression looks sheepish. “Oops, I forgot to mention that part.”

I knew it was too good to be true. “They’re not giving me the leading role, are they?”

“Of course, they are. There’s only one condition.”

Yeah, definitely too good to be true. “Just tell me,” I say wearily.

“They want to ride on the buzz that you’re Carter’s girlfriend. Meaning, you’ll pretend to be his girlfriend until the movie gets released.”

My jaws slacken. I sit frozen on the couch, the words flying around in my brain. “What?” I finally squawk.

“Just until the movie gets released,” she repeats quickly.

“That’s like a year from now, minimum!” I screech. “I’m a good actress, but I don’t think I can pull off that ruse for so long.”

“Ana, this is where I remind you of how important this role is. You haven’t been getting any decent gigs. You’re working minimum wage. To put it boldly, you’re broke. Do you want to keep living like this, or do you finally want to chase your dream of making it big?”

“Of course, I want to make it big, but not like this!”

Tori scoffs. “Come on. People have worse for less. Besides, Carter is one fine fake boyfriend. Don’t try to convince me that pretending will gross you out.”

“I didn’t say it would.”I just don’t want to be around him much longer than I need to be.

“Suck it up, buttercup. Go on a few dates, cuddle in public, grab a smooch or two if you feel like it… it’s a small price to pay for such a role.”

I know she’s right, but I’m still not enthused. “Ugh. I hate this.”

“And you’re going to love spending that six figures when it starts rolling in.” She leans in and pats my thigh. “Go get ready. We have a meeting to attend.”

***

“As my assistant mentioned in that email, Ms. Kent, if you accept the condition of this deal, we will require that you sign this NDA. As you imagine, we’d hate to have any negative press attached toMahogany Productions, even after the film is released.”

I regard the older woman’s serious countenance with a nod. “I understand.”

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