Page 114 of Fake Shot

“We’re here until tomorrow,” Jackson says, her bright green eyes gleaming conspiratorially as she leans in, and Sierra and Petra nod along.

So I swear them all to secrecy, then I start at the beginning—six years ago in Las Vegas—and tell them everything, even things that no one but Audrey knew until now. I stop the story when Colt left to head back for his game yesterday. And I don’t mention how he called me as soon as he got back to his hotel post-win last night, and talked dirty to me as he watched me make myself come over and over again.

“It was obvious from the minute you entered my office that this wasn’t fake for him,” AJ says. “You took a little more time to warm up to the idea. But after everything that went down this weekend, I’ve never been more sure that it’s real for both of you.”

“The whole fake engagement thing aside,” Petra says, her face lighting up in a way that makes it seem like she’s just had a great idea, “can we just talk about this mentoring program for a minute? Because that is one of the most badass things I’ve ever heard.”

“It was Morgan’s idea, actually,” I say, and Petra looks at her assistant with something akin to pride. “I just ended up being the face of it because I’m the one who’s got the contracting experience.”

“I want you to let me donate to your nonprofit,” AJ says,looking between Audrey and me. “I know I’m not in the field, and I can’t contribute as a mentor, but I’m an enormous fan of women going into spaces that were traditionally dominated by men, and showing that we can kick ass there too.”

Lauren laughs, then says, “Yes, you sure are.”

“And I want to interview you about it,” Petra says, but I shake my head adamantly.

“No. It’s just in its infancy. Your show focuses on women who have done groundbreaking things in their field, like AJ has. All I’ve done is help a few women feel comfortable working in a male-dominated industry.”

Audrey’s scoff is sudden and loud. “All you’ve done?Jules, do you not understand how life changing that’s been for people?”

“I want to see that video you said you guys filmed about Rosie’s experience,” Petra says. “Even if you’re not ready for me to interview you, I can share that video broadly, get more people interested in donating.”

I shake my head. “You all are moving so fast. How about if Audrey, Morgan, and I spend some time finding a director for this nonprofit, and then once things are more in place, we can circle back? I’m afraid that the only thing worse than not growing our program would be growing it too quickly. There are so many things we still need to work through to make sure we can grow this program successfully, and I don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. But then, yes. We can talk about sharing that video out more widely, if Rosie is okay with it,” I say to Petra, “and we can talk about potential donations,” I tell AJ.

I carefully steer the conversation back to Lauren, because I feel guilty that Colt’s and my story has dominated the lasthalf hour of her bridal shower. By mid-afternoon, everyone is tired from all the food, drinks, and conversation, so when AJ says she needs to head to the airport, everyone else starts saying goodbye too.

“Walk me out?” AJ says to me as she stands.

“Sure.” After she hugs Lauren goodbye, I follow her to the front door.

“You know, I could get you a ticket if you wanted to come to the game tomorrow night.”

My lips part but the words don’t come, because my brain is busy trying to figure out whether that’s possible. Finally, I say, “I would love to be there. But I’m not sure if I can miss the next two days of work.”

“Think about it and let me know. The offer is open.”

“Thanks. I’ll let you know either way.”

“I hope you can come. Because not only am I convinced that he plays better when you’re there, but I think that what you and Colt have is really solid. I’ve known him for years, and I’ve never seen him care about anyone like this before. He’s a different person around you...a better version of himself, for sure.”

“Thanks, AJ. That means a lot.” I don’t need outside validation to know that what Colt and I have is real, and worth holding on to. But the fact that it’s so obvious to others, too, makes it even more special.

“Ihave to go get Graham from Jameson’s,” Audrey says. “I’m sorry. I feel bad leaving you when there’s still some cleanupto be done.”

I glance around the first floor. The food is put away, the dishes are done, and we’ve gotten almost all the decorations taken down. The only thing that remains is taking apart the big wooden backdrop, still laden with flowers, leaves, and the banner—and there’s no rush on that.

“It’s fine. Thank you so much for staying so long. I know it’s exhausting when Drew is traveling and you’re doing the single parent thing.”

Even though Audrey was a single parent for five years before Drew came back in her life, raising Graham was always a team effort, with Jameson and me helping out a lot.

“It’s getting easier as Graham gets older, actually. He’s becoming so independent. I kind of miss him being little,” she says wistfully.

“You thinking about having another?” I know Drew regrets missing out on so much of Graham’s childhood, and he’s told Audrey multiple times that he wants more kids with her.

“I mean...I’m notnotthinking about it.”She gives me a little wink.

“Are you . . .?”

“No,” she says with a laugh as she grabs her keys off the counter and steps toward me, “I’m not pregnant. But I’m starting to think I don’t want to wait too much longer before we grow our family. I don’t want Graham to be much older than his siblings. He’s already about to turn six.”

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