Page 180 of The Faking Game

He wraps his arms around me. His heart is beating steadily beneath my ear, and he’s warm, too, and above us, the blossoms fall gently in the breeze.

He was wrong, before. But he was also right. Because in the end, I did do it with someone I love.

WEST & JAMES

West

I know you won’t want to talk about it. But I’m drowning, man.

James

So it’s not just a casual thing?

West

I don’t think it ever was. Not for me. And there’s no way it can work out.

James

I’m sorry. I know it doesn’t help. Never does. But for what it’s worth…

West

Appreciate it. Getting my will in order too. Rafe is going to murder me if this ever comes out.

James

He might.

West

This would never happen to you.

James

No. It wouldn’t. What will you do about getting married?

West

I can’t if it’s not to her.

James

Would she marry you?

West

No. Even if she would, I could never ask that of her.

James

So you’ll lose Fairhaven.

West

I don’t see another way.

CHAPTER53