Page 15 of The Holiday Fakers
Marv gets to his feet, pacing like he’s got ants in his pants. “You won’tactuallydo it. Just say you will. Once you get the job, you’ll be on the other side of the world. It’s not like she’s gonna produce a contract. And even if she does, I’ll find a loophole.”
“No, I’m not lying to her.”
“Then you’ll do it?”
I stare back at Piper’s face, my heart pounding so fast I think I might faint.
“You’ll go back to Hideaway Harbor and fake-date her?”
Could I?The thought feels like madness. Like standing on the edge of a precipice with no parachute or safety net. And what would fake dating involve? Even the thought of holding Piper’s hand makes my breath stutter to a stop.
“Brody?”
“I can’t … We can’t … I’m not sharing a room with her,” I say decisively, even though my body thinks otherwise.
“I told ya, I’ve already booked rooms at the Hideaway Hotel. A few photo ops and a catch-up with old friends. It’ll be a piece of Christmas cake.”
Marv grabs his phone back from me and taps the screen. “Gotta call her.”
“Who? Piper?”
But he’s already stalking across the living space, the phone clamped to his ear and one arm outstretched behind him like he’s already pushing me away.
“Hey, Piper? It’s Marv. Brody’s in.”
Palms sweating, I jump to my feet and follow him, a million thoughts and questions running through my head: What’s our backstory? Will we tell her family the truth? How are we getting to Hideaway? When are we leaving? Can I really do this?
It’s just another acting job.
So why am I in full fight-or-flight mode with my mouth as dry as a desert and my heart racing at VO2 max?
“I need to talk to her,” I say, the words feeling like gravel in my mouth.
Marv ignores my outstretched hand. “Yeah, yeah,” he says into the phone. “Separate rooms.”
At least we’re on the same page about that. So why does the thought make my chest ache?
“You just need to act like you’re into him in public,” Marv continues. “Hold his hand and shit. Y’know, as if you like him.”
The pain in my chest moves up into my throat. Piper doesn’t evenlikeme anymore?
What the fuck did you expect after the way you spoke to her?
“Nah, you don’t have to kiss him … But if you want to?” Marv sounds hopeful.
I don’t realize I’m holding my breath till I let it go at Marv’s next words.
“Okay, no problem. I get it. Remember, you just need tolooklike you’re into him. If you don’t wanna hug him, I’ll use Cara for those shots.”
“Marv!” I hiss. “No!”
“Cara’s my assistant.” Marv pauses, and I strain to hear what Piper’s saying. But the phone is pressed so hard against his ear I can’t make out a word.
“She wasn’t a part of it,” he continues. “The photos online. Cara’s a sweet kid, so go easy on her when you meet, okay? I’m the asshole here, not her.”
Another pause, then Marv laughs. “Yeah, I know.”
My foot taps impatiently on the wooden floor as I wave my hand in front of his face.
