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.”
