Page 92 of Skating and Fake Dating
I let out the breath I was holding. “You were amazing up there.”
She beams, but then seems to register my expression. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Just tired—”Confused about us.“That woman seemed interested in ...” I give her a chance to tell me the good news … or not.
Instead, she quickly tucks the business card in her purse. “Just someone interested in my maple butter. Nothing important.”
The casual dismissal of what I know is a major opportunity for her business cuts deep. Is she holding back because of me? Because of our arrangement and what it might mean if we made what started fake into something real?
I ask, “What about thinking bigger?”
Her shoulders lower with a shrug. “I’m an ordinary girl. I make maple butter. I like seasonal decorations and cinnamon,puzzles and board games, live with my parents and my room looks the same as it did when I left home. You’re a professional athlete. I imagine you’d want a little more excitement in your life.”
The various topics of conversation meld together—my career, her business venture, our fake relationship and future. I know what I’m hearing but am not sure if I should read between the lines. Bailey rarely has had a problem speaking her mind. This is different though, and I want to support her no matter what—that’s what she told me love is way back on the trip here.
“Blondie, there is never a dull moment with you and if it’s an opportunity for your business, you should pursue it.”
She looks surprised. “Really? But what about ...?” She gestures vaguely between us.
“Our arrangement was never meant to hold you back.” The words taste bitter in my mouth.
Her smile falters. “Right. The arrangement.”
An awkward silence falls between us. Around us, the celebration continues, but it feels like we’re in a bubble of uncertainty.
“But what about when ‘all this is over and things go back to normal?’” I ask, paraphrasing her comment to the woman.
“Were you listening?”
“I couldn’t help but overhear. Has any of this meant anything to you?” I hiss.
“As if you haven’t been looking for an exit strategy with Gabe and the endorsement deal, commenting at the Ice Breakers inaugural bash that you’d nearly accomplished what you set out to do. You’re ready to move on.”
My protective walls go up at the accusation because that’s not true at all. “So this is how it’s going to go? This was always just for show?”
“That’s what we agreed to,” Bailey responds in a muted voice.
Or maybe it’s just an echo in my ears as I’m rejected for the second time. “Okay. Yeah. I think we both know this wouldnever work long-term, so it’s probably better we don’t pretend otherwise.”
“Probably,” Bailey whispers. “I mean, you only did this to improve your image.”
Clasping my hands behind my head, I pace in a small circle. “Is that really what you think?”
“Isn’t it?” she whispers.
Stopping so we’re facing each other, I lift her chin gently, forcing her to meet my eyes. “No. It’s not.”
I’m not sure how I want her to respond, but it’s not with silence.
Hiding the hurt in my voice, I say, “I should get going. Early practice tomorrow.”
CHAPTER 38
CARSON
Bailey’s expression falters. But neither of us walk away despite our difficult conversation. At least, not yet.
She asks, “Will I see you Saturday night for the victory bonfire?”
