Page 38 of Making It While Faking It
“I dropped out of university,” I admit.
“Why?” she asks.
“I hated it.”
“Why?”
It suddenly dawns on me that I’m saying all of this to Achilles. Wow. We’re actually having our first real conversation, even if it’s being guided by a third party. But the only person who knows the answer to that question is my cousin Paisley. And it wasn’t as if I had true insight into why I made my decision and shared it with her. Paisley was the one who told me why I left college.
“Because I can’t be contained,” I whisper to Achilles. “I love the world. I want to experience everything, all the time. At least…”
I drop my eyes from his open gaze. Even though I saw no judgment and no indication that he’s weary of me, I couldn’t tell him more.
“That’s all,” I say.
“And you, Achilles?” Dr. Brandt says.
“‘At least’ what?” Achilles asks.
I look up, overwhelmed by his curiosity. “What?” I ask.
“You were going to say something else. What was it?”
“Nothing,” I say. “Forget it.”
He’s frowning in that way that I loathe again.
“It’s fine if Treasure doesn’t want to share now. Perhaps she’ll do so later,” Dr. Brandt says. I’m grateful that she’s letting me off the hook. “And Achilles, what was your favorite subject at university?”
He’s still frowning. I think he’s pouting because he’s not getting his way. I wonder when Dr. Brandt is going to ask what we don’t like about each other. I would say just that—he’s controlling and pouts when he doesn’t get his way.
“Business law,” he says, and there’s an edge in his voice.
“Treasure, where do you see yourself in the next five years?” she asks now that we’re back on course.
I don’t rush to answer. I don’t think I want to share that information with him. Does she know we’re getting fake married? And the way he’s looking at me seems odd. It’s a Max look. Whatever I say, he’s ready to use it to his advantage.
I can bullshit him.
“Married with kids,” I say, choosing to do just that, bullshit him.
Achilles blurts out a laugh. “You see, she’s really funny. What are you hiding, Treasure?”
My eyebrows flash up as my body jumps into fight-or-flight mode. “Sorry?”
“Married with children? You? You’re lying.”
“Achilles?” Dr. Brandt says in a gentle but chastising tone. “You’re taking us off track.”
Glaring at him, I ask, “Why are you so sure I’m lying? You don’t know me that well.” I point to Dr. Brandt. “Does she know the truth?”
He blinks at me like he’s furious.
“I understand all that I need to know,” Dr. Brandt says as she readjusts in her seat. I think she’s finally realized that she’s lost control of her little exercise.
“You have an out, Treasure. Were you ever going to mention it?”
I fall back slightly, leaning away from him. “An out?”
