Page 39 of The Worst Pucking Deal

“And what’s your name?” Cam asks the man, completely oblivious to my rising panic. “Do you maybe want to remove your hat so we can see your face?”

“John,” he lies. “And no. I prefer to be anonymous. I just wanted to say that I’m impressed with how Lucia embraces Sawyer’s past. It’s commendable that you two are being so honest with each other.”

My heart pounds in my chest, my mind racing as I try to keep up with the sudden turn of events.

“So, my question is for Lucia,” Fabian, or John as he claims his name is, continues, his voice dripping with arrogance and insincerity. “Have you been just as honest about your past, Lucia?”

His words send another shiver down my spine, and I feel a lump forming in my throat. I search for the right words as I struggle to maintain my composure. I know I can’t blow the interview, but the fear of Fabian unraveling everything threatens to consume me.

I try to gather my thoughts, but Fabian’s presence overwhelms me. Memories of our tumultuous past flood my mind, each one more haunting than the last. He’s always been a master manipulator, capable of twisting the truth to suit his own agenda. I can’t let him derail everything I’ve worked so hard for, but the fear of what he might reveal gnaws at me.

Glancing at Sawyer, I’m hoping for some semblance of reassurance. “I have no reason not to believe Lucia’s been completely honest with me,” he answers easily, leaning in like he’s about to kiss my cheek. “What the fuck’s going on, Lucia? Who’s he?” The words are barely a whisper.

“I...” I begin, my voice faltering as I struggle to find the words. I can’t tell anyone about Fabian. Not now, not ever. I can barely form a coherent thought, let alone string a sentence together. For a moment, my vision swims, making me feel like the onslaught of emotions is going to pull me under.

Luckily, I’m spared from having to answer when Sawyer stands up, taking the opportunity to divert attention away from Fabian’s question. “Actually,” he interjects, his voice projecting confidence, “Lucia and I have some exciting news to share with everyone.”

The audience’s attention shifts, curiosity piqued as they turn their focus toward Sawyer.

“We’ve decided to take the next step in our relationship,” he continues, his gaze locking with mine. “We’re moving in together.”

A wave of murmurs ripples through the audience, followed by a round of applause and cheers. I feel a surge of gratitude toward Sawyer for his quick thinking, grateful that he’s managed to steer the conversation away from dangerous territory.

“Oh my God,” Cammy squeals. “Is that why the two of you made your relationship public?”

“I told you there was a reason for their timing,” Cam interjects, lovingly poking his partner and co-host.

As the applause dies down, Cammy and Cam wrap up the interview, thanking us for joining them on “The Cams Know.”

With one last smile for the audience, we rise from our seats and make our way off the stage, the weight of Fabian’s question still lingering in the air. I might have dodged the proverbial bullet on stage, but I have no doubt Sawyer and Jo are going to dig deeper.

Proving how right I was, we barely make it into the limo waiting for us before there’s a text from Jo.

Jo: What the fuck, Lucia? My office tomorrow!!!

Me: What time?

Jo: 9am or kiss your job goodbye. This is a disaster, Lucia.

Another text comes in, and this time our phones ping at the same time.

Tom: When I said to come up with a reasonable explanation, I never thought you’d take it to this level. But as long as you’re both comfortable with it, I support it.

The look Sawyer sends my way is so dark it makes chills run down my spine. Fuck, I’m in trouble. Just as I’m about to tell the limo driver to take me home, Sawyer exhales angrily and leans forward, asking the limo driver to take us to his place. I want to tell him no, explain that I want to go home. Still too shocked about Fabian’s appearance, I can’t make my mouth speak the words, so I just sit there, feeling like I’m awaiting my execution.

Sawyer’s so fucking angry his hands are shaking. Seriously, he looks like he wants to punch something. I can only imagine the questions swirling around in his head, I’m sure some of them match my own. I want to know how Fabian found me, and how he knew to show up for the interview.

“Sawyer,” I hear myself say, and he rounds on me.

“No!” he bellows. “I don’t want to fucking hear it. Do you have any idea what just happened?”

I take a step back, biting down on my bottom lip. “Is this about the engagement? I swear I never thought… it’s just a piece of jewelry.”

Sawyer scoffs. “I find that fucking hard to believe. But no, this isn’t about the engagement. They were going to say that eventually, anyway.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, oh,” he says mockingly.

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