Page 23 of Fake Shot

“The one I sent almost a week ago?” Jules teases.

“Yeah, I needed to think about it.”

“And . . .?”

“I think I’m ready to do this. What did you have in mind?” Rosie’s voice is nervous, like she’s trying to be brave, and I’m wondering who this woman is and what the hell is going on.

I listen for a bit as Jules describes filming a video testimonial for the mentoring program she and Audrey started, and how she’s hoping Rosie will share how the mentoring impacted her personally and professionally.

“Do you think ...” Rosie pauses, and Jules turns the steering wheel, guiding us home as she waits patiently for her to continue. “... could we maybe film it from my good side?”

I’m curious what she means about her “good side.” The fact that Jules is quick to agree makes me think it’s something that’s really important to Rosie.

“We can do whatever makes you most comfortable,” Jules says. “Your story is so powerful.Youare such a badass and you deserve recognition for everything you’ve been throughand the choices you’re making now and how far you’ve come as a result. But I know how hard it’s going to be for you to tell this story, and I want you to know how proud I am that you’re doing this. You’re going to be helping so many other women.”

“I’m doing this to helpyou,” Rosie says, “so that you can help more people, like you helped me. This testimonial isn’t going to be about me. It’s going to be about you and everything you’ve done to change my life.”

Jules sighs. “I wish you could see how your strength is what got you where you are. I just helped smooth out the path a bit. That’s what the mentoring program is all about.” Her voice has the hoarse quality of someone who’s close to tears.

Even though I knew she and Audrey had started this mentoring program, I didn’t know much about the impact it had until now. By the sound of it, the experience has changed Rosie’s life.

“Well, I was considering dropping out of electrical school before I met you, because I just couldn’t see a place in the industry for myself.” Rosie’s response is full of gratitude as it carries through the speakers in Jules’s truck. “You’re the one who made me believe it was possible. So if you’re uncomfortable being the hero in my story, maybe we shouldn’t record it.”

Jules swallows audibly, as Rosie waits for her reply. And for the first time ever, I realize that maybe Jules isn’t comfortable with people’s attention on her. It makes me wonder if maybe her sassy and sarcastic personality is just a deflection technique that covers up for ... I don’t even know? Some insecurity?

She’s always taking care of others—helping Audrey raise Graham, cooking for her family, remodeling Lauren’s house as a favor to her brother, even coming to my condo when the adjuster was there so I didn’t get taken to the cleaners with the cost of renovations. I never recognized this side of her before, but it’s so damn clear now, as I listen to the way this woman practically idolizes her for the help she’s provided and how Jules is hesitant for Rosie to talk about that aspect of the program.

“I think we should record it and see how it goes,” Jules says finally. “Just remember that it’s the mentoring program that should be in the spotlight, not me.”

Because I can’t seem to take my eyes off her, I notice the pink creeping into her cheeks.

“Girl, youarethe mentoring program,” Rosie insists. “This thing wouldn’t exist without you. Audrey’s incredible, and the women you partner us with on job sites are wonderful ... but without you? None of this would have happened.”

“It wasn’t even my idea,” Jules insists. “My friend, Morgan, suggested it.”

“Doesn’t matter. You ran with it and built it into what it is, and you deserve recognition for that, too.”

Jules forces another deep swallow, like her throat is thick from being choked up.

“Thanks, babe,” she says. “I’ll be in touch with more details when we’re ready to record.”

They say their goodbyes, and when she disconnects the call, I ask, “Is this the reason you’re going to this dinner tonight? Because more donations will help people like Rosie?”

“Yeah, that and because I told Audrey I would.”

“But if you’re not comfortable around this guy, why go?”

“I’m notuncomfortablearound him. He’s just ...” She sighs. “Have you ever met someone who was so focused on you that they ignored everyone else around you?”

“You just described every woman I’ve ever met.” I’m half-teasing, but also ... not.

She huffs out a laugh and her hand flies to the base of her throat. “Oh my god, Colt, I can’t breathe. There isn’t enough oxygen in here for meandyour ego.”

“My ego’s not the only thing about me that’s huge.” She shakes her head, her eyes staying on the road, but she’s smiling. “Anyway, Idoknow a thing or two about unwanted attention. Is that what you’re getting from this guy?”

“Sort of? I hated the way he was so focused on me during our conversation that he basically dismissed Audrey, like she wasn’t there or didn’t matter.”

“Did she notice this?”

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