Page 19 of The Holiday Fakers
The woman gives me a filthy look.
Turning away, I gaze at my reflection in the polished chrome walls. Despite the designer clothes and expensive hair cut, I look like I haven’t slept for days.
I force my mouth into a smile as fake as the relationship I’m going to have with Piper. But my heart still flutters.
I’m going to see her again.
CHAPTER 4
PIPER
He’s not coming.
I’m standing outside my apartment building, my bags at my feet, and it’s a quarter past ten o’clock. I’ve heard nothing from Brody since I sent him my address, and now I feel like the world’s biggest fool.
The wind whips my cheeks and stings my eyes. Part of me expected for this to happen. I haven’t even told Mia yet. I didn’t believe that Brody would actually follow through and I don’t want her thinking I’m stupid for trusting him after so long.
I’m pretty sure if Brodydidhelp advertise the printer, then I’d keep my job, but I also wanted him to come back to Hideaway to make things right with Ethan. This has nothing to do with my crush. No, my feelings for Brody are now officially as dead as a doornail.
It’s a relief really. The rose-tinted glasses are off and I can finally move on.
Via public transportation to Hideaway Harbor with a story for my mom about why I’m traveling alone …
Dammit!
I willnotcry. I refuse to ruin the “barely there” makeup I’ve just spent the last hour fussing over. I’m just going to put on my big girl pants, hold my head up high, and look like a woman in complete control of her life.
I check my phone one last time, then make a move for the subway. I want to exude confidence, but I’ve forgotten how much I’ve packed. So, I end up dragging a heavy wheeled suitcase with one hand, balancing a smaller one on top of it, while trying to keep an enormous duffel bag over my shoulder and my purse in my free hand.
I make it a few yards before grinding to a halt as the Jenga tower of luggage collapses. How on earth am I going to manage stairs with all this?
Turn around. Re-pack. Start again.
Suddenly, I just want my mom. Like a little girl with an owie, I want to cry on her shoulder and let her tell me everything’s going to be all right. I love going home for the holidays, but right now, there’s a lump in my throat so big I can’t even swallow.
I take out my phone and dial the one person who will understand.
Mia answers on the first ring. “Did you find him?”
“What? Who?”
“A new boyfriend. I know you had the office party last night.”
I smile as her optimism pushes the tears away. “You honestly think I could have askedanyonefrom work?”
“I dunno? Desperate times and all that?”
“Well, I did have a plan, but he never showed up.”
“Holy crap. Did you hire anescort?”
“What? No! Jeez, Mia, I’m desperate, but I’m notthatdesperate.”
“So who was it, then?”
I take a steadying breath.
“Piper!”
