Page 81 of Perfectly Faked

Thank you.

Leo

I know . . . move in permanently. Problem solved!

Victoria

As long as you let Delilah and Big Bertha come too.

Leo

Not that stupid bird again!

Victoria

You did promise to find us better apartments.

Leo

And now I’m questioning my decision-making. Good thing I don’t second-guess on the ice.

Victoria

You’d better back that up on the ice today. Otherwise, I’m reconsidering trusting your decision-making skills ever again. I’ll even stop by to watch.

Leo

Watching me or watching my butt?

Victoria

End of conversation.

Leo

Admit it—you like the view.

Victoria

Goodbye, Leo.

THIRTY-ONE

leo

Another day passes before I finally take matters into my own hands, climbing the stairs to Coach Jenkins’s office, determined to face this head-on. I hate leaving things unresolved, and this conversation has been eating at me ever since I talked to Victoria’s mom. I need answers—about my probation, about Victoria, about whether her dad has decided to make me the team’s scapegoat. This feels all too familiar, like sitting down for brunch with Victoria’s mom.

I knock once and hear Coach’s voice. “Come in.”

When I step inside, Coach is sitting behind his desk, flanked by Zach, the operations manager.

“Good timing, Leo,” Coach says without looking up from his screen.

“Coach. Zach.” I nod at them, keeping my voice calm. “I was hoping to speak with you for a moment. Privately.”

Zach rises, gathering his things. “I’ll leave you to it.” He gives me a brief nod before stepping out, closing the door behind him.

Coach leans back and gestures to the chair across from him. “We were just talking about you, actually. Have a seat.”

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