Page 54 of The Fake Affair

I order my third ginger tea—the only thing that settles my stomach lately—and pull up another job listing. London looks promising. The settlement from my“relationship”with Logan would cover relocation costs easily.

My cursor hovers over a link for women’s health clinics.

“Well, if it isn’t Bella Levine.”

I know that voice. Haven’t heard it in a decade, but some things you don’t forget. Like how Tracy Matthews made high school hell or how her boyfriend—my ex—dumped me for her.

“Tracy.” I don’t look up. “Still here, I see.”

“Some of us are happy with small-town life.” She slides into my booth uninvited, perfectly manicured nails tapping the table. “Not everyone needs a big city to feel important. Dan, honey!” she calls out. “Look who it is!”

Dan approaches, looking exactly like the quarterback he used to be, just slightly paunchy now. “Bells. Heard you were back in town.”

“Don’t call me that.” I keep my voice flat. “And I’m working.”

Tracy peers at my screen. “Job hunting? Trouble in the big city?”

Before I can respond, she gasps dramatically. “Oh my God, is that a woman’s clinic?”

I slam my laptop shut, but the damage is done. Her eyes gleam with malicious delight.

“Guess the city girl’s not so perfect after all.”

“At least I left this town,” I snap. “The furthest you’ve been is the Walmart in Montclair.”

“I have everything I need right here.” She grabs Dan’s hand. “A husband, a home?—”

“A job at the same salon that employed you in high school?” I smile sweetly. “How... consistent of you.”

Dan shifts uncomfortably. “Tracy, we should?—”

A commotion near the door makes us both look up. People are crowding the windows, whispering. Then the bell chimes, and the diner falls silent.

Logan stands in the doorway, looking like a shadow of himself. His suit is wrinkled, his hair a mess, and dark circles under his eyes. But somehow, he’s still the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen.

“Bella.” My name in his accent makes my heart stutter.

Dan straightens. “Who’s this?”

I ignore him, staring at Logan. “What are you doing here?”

“Looking for you.” He takes a step closer. “I need to tell you... God, I need to tell you everything.”

“I’m busy.” I start packing my laptop.

“Five minutes.” His voice cracks. “In the car. Then, if you still want me to go, I will.”

The entire diner watches, including Tracy and Dan. For once, she’s speechless. I can’t help how part of me thrilled about that. Looks like the last laugh is mine.

I lead the way with Logan’s hand on my lower back. Everything I want to avoid and want at the same time. Logan’s car is warm. The leather seats smell like his cologne.

“You look tired,” I say because it’s easier than asking why he’s here.

“Haven’t slept.” He stares straight ahead.

He tells me everything, including all the bits of the story I didn’t know existed. He tells me about the damage done, and for once, I see Logan as a different person.

“When you told me about the baby,” his voice breaks, “all I saw was that night at the hospital when Audrey was born. And I ran.” He laughs bitterly. “I spent my whole life trying not to become my father, and the moment it mattered most, I did exactly what he would have done.”

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