Page 143 of Fauxmance

Izzy gestured to the stage as the guys finished up their set. "Let's be honest. Everyone in HERS fits that description."

I couldn't argue with that. Even sweaty and rumpled after the show, they didn't look tired at all. Hayden and the guys looked wonderful. That might've had something to do with the many fans who crowded the stage asking for autographs. After signing a few, I watched as Hayden jumped down and made his way over to us, grinning from ear to ear.

"Thanks for coming out," he said to the group. "So, did you enjoy the show?"

"Who wouldn't?" Cole said, giving him a high five and pulling him into a one-armed hug. "You guys killed it."

"Thanks, man."

"You were brilliant," Constance said. "As always."

"Having you, Mom and Dad here made my night," Hayden said, laying a kiss against her cheek. "Think it made me play better, too."

Constance was definitely blushing now. There was no doubt about it.

"Ah well," she said, waving the compliment aside.

"I mean it, Gigi. Thank you for coming"—he nodded, voice a bit tight but full of sincerity—"not just to this show, but all the ones before. It means more than you know."

She cleared her throat.

Then had to clear it again.

"How did you know?" she asked quietly. "Did Magnolia mention it?"

Hayden was shaking his head before she finished. "No. She didn't have to. I always knew."

Constance looked gob smacked, and honestly, I was, too. This was news to me. When she glanced my way for confirmation, I held up my hands.

"He didn't hear it from me," I said. "What happens at afternoon tea, stays at afternoon tea."

The two Davenports studied each other with equal looks of surprise.

"So…you knew?" Constance asked again.

"Yes," Hayden said and then laughed at her skeptical expression. "Come on, Gigi. I know you. The way you walk, how you carry yourself, your sense of style."

She narrowed her gaze. "I took great pains to disguise myself."

"Which was why I never said anything." Hayden grinned. "You were obviously going for mysterious."

"I don't believe you," Constance sniffed.

"Santino once pointed you out because of your fabulous taste in hats, and I had to stop myself from saying, 'Yeah, that's my Gigi. She's the best and one of a kind.'"

He took her hand in his.

"Like I said, it meant a lot that you came."

"Well, what kind of grandmother would I be if I didn't come to your shows?" she said in a crisp tone. "Honestly, Hayden. I am your biggest fan after all."

He laughed and hugged her tight before being pulled away to talk with his parents.

Constance gave me a look. There was a smile tugging at the corner of her lips, and her eyes were luminous.

"He's glad I came," she said.

"Told you so," I replied.

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