Page 36 of Never Fake Date the Financier
“Just warning you because you might have to be fighting her off. I heard they’re making plans to visit each other.”
My eyes flare but then settle. That’s a good sign. A great sign. Ella’s thinking past this weekend and into the future. Our future.
“I don’t mind sharing.”
Just this once. But as soon as I see Ella in the crowd, laughing and smiling as she talks with my mother, I have to reconsider. I’m not sharing my gorgeous girl with anyone. She’s mine.
* * *
“Didyou always want to become an actress?” My father asks.
The question catches me off guard. It’s a rarity that he shows much interest, let alone genuine curiosity. I slide my arm onto the back of Ella’s chair, and she leans back, smiling at me before turning her attention to my father.
“Not at all.” She laughs. “I used to have terrible stage fright, and I was incredibly shy, too. The only friends I had were found in books. I loved stories. But when my elementary school decided to put on a play for one of my favorites, I jumped at the chance.”
I take a sip of water, watching Ella as she speaks. I’m entranced, and after a glance at my parents, I’m not the only one.
“I spent weeks reading and re-readingCharlotte’s Web.Going over the lines with my parents. I’m sure they were sick of it, but they never let on.”
I move my hand to her back, stroking her in between her shoulder blades as she glances over at me, smiling.
“I ended up getting the role of Wilbur.”
“The pig?” Lillian interjects. “You wanted to be a pig?”
“A lead role? Who wouldn’t want that?” I glance at Ella. “I bet you were a cute pig.”
Her weak smile strengthens as she squeezes my leg under the table.
“Unfortunately, I never made it that far. I threw up backstage from nerves and had to be replaced.”
Lillian makes a noise, but I ignore it. As does the rest of the table.
“Seems like it didn’t deter you,” my father says.
“It did for a while. But when I entered high school, I gave it one last chance. I’m glad I did. And I’m even more glad that I had a teacher like Mrs. Kelley.” Ella leans back, reminiscing for a moment before continuing. “She was this tiny woman with more energy than someone three times her size should have. Our school had no budget for the arts, but she turned our drama program into something special through sheer force of will. She made it fun. Magical even.”
“How so?” my mother prompts.
“She’d find ways to make incredible sets out of cardboard, duct tape, and random art students she’d pull out of class. Costumes came from thrift store finds or closets. She convinced local businesses to donate materials. Her excitement was contagious, and so was her belief in all of us. I forgot about my nerves when I was around her.”
I stroke Ella’s back gently as I grab her hand under the table, squeezing. She smiles at me briefly before turning back to my parents and continuing.
She’s never shared anything like this before. But then again, we haven’t had the chance. We’ve been moving at warp speed with more interruptions than I anticipated. We’ve been focused on nailing the fake relationship.Gabriella. I want to know more about Ella. She’s far more interesting than the fake girlfriend I created.
“She retired a few years ago, and unfortunately, with her gone, there aren’t many advocates left for the drama program. Last I heard, the school board is considering cutting it entirely. Probably happened already.”
“That’s a shame,” my mother says as Lillian groans, poking at her food.
“It is.” Ella squares her shoulders. “That’s why I want to establish a foundation to support arts education in small towns like mine. If I ever make it big,” she adds, glancing at her plate. Ella grips my leg as she swallows, pausing before she says, “I’d just like to give back.”
Color drains from Ella’s cheeks as she grabs her water and sips.
“I’ll be first in line to donate,” my mother says. “That’s a wonderful cause.”
I slide my arm around Ella, pulling her into a hug, and then kissing her on the top of her head. “Consider it done,” I whisper. “Anything you need.”
Ella glances at me, tries to smile, but it’s more of a grimace. With the boat gently rocking throughout dinner, there’s no question her nausea’s back in full force.
