Page 51 of Perfectly Faked

“No, honey,” she says. “I’ve been a big fan for years and heard about what happened to your last partner. If you need a break, I might actually have a lead for you.” The woman rifles through her purse, then slips a card under my stall. “My son owns Pro Ice Gear—ever heard of them?”

I take the card and stare at it like it’s fairy dust from my magical godmother. For years, I’ve wanted to represent them. I’ve just never been offered the chance.

“Of course I have,” I say. “They’re the largest supplier of athletic wear for skaters.”

“I’ve been telling my son he should offer you a sponsorship,” the woman says.

“Me?” I gasp. “Why?” I can’t believe anyone would want me after three years of failure.

“Because I like your fire,” she says, turning to the mirror and reapplying a cotton candy–pink lipstick. “You don’t let anyone keep you down. And if you’re dating a hockey player, that’s even better.”

Dating? Where did she get that idea? I only said I shouldn’t fall for him. “Well, we’re not exactly... athing,” I clarify.

“It doesn’t matter. If you’re together, that’s publicity gold. I’m sure Pro Ice Gear will want you both and offer you a sweet deal.”

It seems almost too good to be true. Which means it probably is. “Both of us?” I say, wincing, because I know that’s impossible.

“My son’s had this commercial concept for years—two athletes who are dating in real life agreeing to represent the brand together.”

How in the world am I going to convince Leo to accept this offer with me, especially when we’re not really a couple?

I peek open my stall and hand her back the card, shaking my head. “I’m not sure if I can convince him, even though this would be a dream come true for me.”

She pushes the card back. “Keep it. You figure out a way to get him to say yes—to both the sponsorship and to working out your problems. If it’s love, he’ll agree.” Then she gives me a wink before leaving the bathroom.

NINETEEN

victoria

Ilook down at the card and then slide it in my pocket. Figure out a way to convince Leo? There’s no way, not after the rules we’ve established for our new friendship—plus, there’s the tiny fact that I broke his heart once, and he won’t ever forgive me for that.

I wipe my face before leaving the bathroom. Leo pounces from a chair, his concerned gaze locked on me, like he’s been waiting.

“Were you sick in there?” He frowns, and I swear I see worry in his eyes.

“I’m perfectly fine,” I say, straightening my spine, trying to prove I’m okay. I take a step forward and nearly trip over my own feet.

Leo grabs my arm. “You are not fine. Why don’t I take you home?”

“Leo, I don’t want to leave yet.” The room tips precariously, and I turn right into a barstool.

Leo places a hand on my shoulder gently. “Vic, you’re in no shape to do anything right now. And if I need to, I’ll throw you over my shoulder, and put you in the car myself... with the child locks on.” His eyes glint with stubbornness.

I jut my chin out. “You think I don’t know how to work child locks?”

“In your current condition?” he asks. “Doubtful.”

I brush by him and head to the team’s table. My stomach churns viciously. Maybe staying is a terrible idea, but I’m not about to bail in front of his friends.

“What’s next?” I say, forcing my attention away from Leo’s disapproving gaze.

“We’re just waiting on Leo,” Jaxon says, nodding at him as he sits across from me. “He won. Now he needs to choose who the lucky woman is.” He waggles his eyebrows at his teammate.

My face flicks up. “Wait, you haven’t kissed her yet?” I blurt out. I’d forgotten all about the kiss while I was in the ladies’ room having a good cry.

“Kissed who?” he says with a frown.

“The one you kissed last time,” I say as if it isn’t obvious.

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