Page 15 of Faking with Three

Olivia raises an eyebrow, turning to me with a look somewhere between annoyance and amusement. “What, you don’t think I can handle it?”

I shake my head, folding my arms. “It’s not that. I just don’t think you realize what you’d be getting into. This isn’t like… like pitching a game concept or managing a team. It’s more personal than that and way more unpredictable.”

Ethan waves a hand dismissively. “Come on, Marcus, loosen up.”

I feel a wave of protectiveness come over me, which is insane because I barely know her anymore.

“If you think I don’t know how unpredictable things can get, you clearly haven’t seen the chaos my team creates on a daily basis. I’m not afraid of a little mess.”

I frown. “You really want to do this? Be in front of the camera?” I ask.

“Look, I didn’t agree to anything yet,” she says, holding her hands up in mock surrender. “But I’m here to help however I can. If it means being part of the show, then maybe I can do that. You might want to give me a little credit, Marcus. I can handle it.”

Uh oh. I realize what I’ve just done.

Jax looks between us, seeming entertained by the back-and-forth. “Well, as long as she knows what she’s signing up for,” he says with a shrug.

“Yeah, I mean it doesn’t have to be a regular thing, you know?” Ethan says. “She’ll be in front of the camera for just one episode at best.”

I’m still not sure about it. But Olivia is looking at me defiantly. I know she’s not going to back down now.

“Hey, if she’s game, I say we give it a shot. What’s the worst that could happen?” Jax says.

“Famous last words,” I mutter, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

Ethan claps his hands together, practically beaming. “Perfect! We’ve got ourselves a new star. Olivia, welcome to the Love Lab.”

She laughs, shaking her head. “This is either the best idea I’ve ever had or the absolute worst. I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

CHAPTER 5

OLIVIA

I flopdown on Heather’s couch, the old, worn fabric sagging beneath me. Her tiny apartment feels more like a cozy art studio than a living space, with mismatched throw pillows, shelves full of books, and paintings leaning against every wall. Most of them are half-finished projects of hers, and they’re stacked precariously, as if a strong breeze might send them toppling over. A warm, orange glow from the floor lamp makes the place feel snug, especially now that it’s dark outside.

And then there’s Clawdia, the chubby tabby cat, perched on the arm of the couch. She’s staring at me with her usual disdain, like she’s judging me for even existing in her space. I scratch behind her ear, and she rewards me with a begrudging purr.

I pick up my phone and hit dial. Heather answers on the first ring.

“Hey! What’s up?”

“Hey,” I say. “I’m good.”

“How’s Clawdia doing? Have you fed her?” she asks.

“Yes, I’ve fed the queen,” I say, rolling my eyes. “But that’s not why I called.”

“Good, because if she’s hungry, she’ll start biting your ankles,” Heather says, laughing.

I take a deep breath. “So, I need your take on something.”

“Uh-oh, that sounds serious,” Heather says, her tone shifting to mock concern. “Lay it on me.”

I pull the phone away for a second, staring at the ceiling. Here goes nothing. “So… I kind of agreed to do an episode for a WeTube channel.”

There’s a beat of silence. “Wait, like an interview or something? What kind of channel is this?”

“It’s called Love Lab,” I explain. “They do these weird social experiments—dating, relationship stuff.”

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