Page 124 of Fake As Puck
“Yeah, I’m fine.. Just caught me in the middle of training.”
“Well, make sure you get some rest before the wedding. We don’t need you sleeping for twelve hours straight. Do you remember that trip? That was crazy, West.”
“I’m a pr—” I start, then stop. “Yes, Mom. I’ll get some rest. I promise I won’t be asleep for twelve hours this time.”
“Good. I’m so excited, West.”
After I hang up, I sit in my car in the parking lot of the training facility and try to process what’s about to happen next weekend. I don’t know what I was thinking when I invited Liv to this wedding as my fake girlfriend. My entire family is going to see us as a couple. And I still don’t know where we stand.
We have to act as a real couple.
Not two people who are confused about what they are to each other.
Not two people who slept together and then spent days pretending it didn’t complicate everything.
Not two people who are supposed to be fake dating but might actually be falling for each other.
I drive home in a daze.
My phone buzzes with a text from her:Looking forward to Napa. Should I fly directly there or come to Seattle first?
I stare at the message for a long time, trying to read between the lines.
Is she asking about logistics, or is she asking if I want to see her before the wedding?
Is she looking forward to the wedding, or is she looking forward to seeing me?
Is she thinking about that night in her apartment, or is she ignoring that and moving on?
I type back:Whatever’s easier for you. I can pick you up from San Francisco if you want to fly direct.
That works. I’ll send you my flight info.
Great. Can’t wait to see you.
I delete the last line and send:Sounds good.
Then I immediately regret not sending the first version.
I set my phone aside and look around the house that’s been waiting for her return.
The truth is, I don’t know what I want from Napa.
I’m not ready to admit that I won’t quit the NHL just to be with her.
I’m not ready to admit that I hope she’s willing to sacrifice what she has in LA to live with me.
I’m not ready to admit that this is killing me, and I want nothing more but to make this work.
But I don’t know how much I can ask without pushing her away, without making her think I don’t care about what she has going on because I do, and without putting my heart on the line, knowing she isn’t enthusiastic about making this work.
I pour myself a glass of water and drink it.
I want Napa to change everything.
I want to meet her at the airport and see her face light up when she sees me.
I want to introduce her to my family as my girlfriend and not have it be a lie.
