Page 77 of Perfectly Faked

And that’s when it hits me—shearranged it. She probably pulled every string she could find so that I wouldn’t be temptedto stay with Leo. My parents have a way of making things happen because they’re puppet masters.

“Does Dad know about this?” I ask.

Mom doesn’t even look up from her plate. “He supports it,” she says, as if we’re discussing the weather. “In fact, he said if Peter comes through, Leo is off the hook with the rest of his probation.”

Leo glances at me before taking a bite of his biscuit. Hockey teams don’t drop punishments like this. This is almost too good to be true, which means it probably is.

Mom turns her attention to Leo with a faint, unsettling smile. “He said he’d talk to you about it later—something about changes to the arrangement.”

Her eyes gleam with something I can’t place. I’d like to believe it’s because Peter might be my new partner, but a sinking feeling in my stomach tells me there’s more to it. Some catch to the deal.

I set my fork down next to my plate. “Mom, I have news too,” I say, my voice steady. The calm I feel inside doesn’t match the storm brewing behind Mom’s expression, but I know this is the right thing to do. I’m done holding back, trying to keep the peace, no matter the cost. I’ve spent my whole life bending backward, giving up relationships, moving across the country for Dad’s career. Isn’t it time I finally have a say in what I want? “Just because I might have a new partner doesn’t mean Leo and I are going to stop seeing each other.”

She stops chewing and looks between me and Leo.

“I also received a sponsorship with Pro Ice Gear,” I add. “A big one—thanks to Leo.”

Her eyes dart to Leo, narrowing sharply. “So you think just because you got her a sponsorship you’re rescuing my daughter?”

Leo leans back in his chair, grinning in that maddeningly self-assured way of his. “Rescuing her? Not a chance. Your daughter is more than capable of carving out her own future—no help needed.” Then he drops his napkin on the table as my heart flutters. “But if she ever needs someone in her corner, I’ll be there, cheering her on every step of the way.”

Mom’s mouth opens, but no words come out, while I’m over here fighting the urge to grab him by the collar and kiss him senseless—becausethatwas a mic drop moment I’ll never forget.

He tilts his head and looks at my mom. “Maybe I’m not good enough for you, but I know I’m good enough for her. I know what she likes. What makes her light up. And if you knew your daughter, you’d know those things too.”

Mom hesitates before her eyes zero in on Leo. “I know my daughter wants to go to Nationals. And that’s enough for me.” Then she turns to me. “If you choose him, he’ll never support you the way you need. His hockey career will always outshine yours. Everything you’ve worked for—down the drain. You don’t want to throw it all away for that.”

She thinks Leo is using me as a stepping stone for his career? Nothing could be further from the truth. He’s the one who’s helped me at every turn. Becoming my skating partner. Pretending to be my boyfriend because it would helpmycareer. He even rescued Delilah’s bird, just because he knew I cared about my neighbor. He’s always put my dreams over his, but my mom can only see that he isn’t like us.

“Mom,” I say slowly, “Leo literally got me a sponsorship and agreed to be my partner to helpmycareer. If anyone’s been doing the heavy lifting here, it’s him. Just because you’ve always resented Dad’s job doesn’t mean you get to project that disappointment onto my life.”

Her face flinches before her lips tighten into a firm line. “You know your father has a lot of say in this industry. Coaches can make or break a player’s career.”

It’s not a veiled threat—it’s a direct one, aimed at Leo.

“Well, thank goodness I’m already a hockey player.” Leo stands and takes my hand. “Let’s go, Vic.”

As we step away from the table, Mom says. “Leo, how is Tina doing?”

I turn around so fast the room spins. “What?”

Leo slowly faces my mother. “How do you know about her?”

Mom takes her time responding, dabbing her lips with a cloth napkin. “When we moved here, I made a few friends. Women whose husbands are well connected. You know how small-town people are. They know everyone’s business.”

Leo’s jaw clenches. “She’s fine,” he says cooly.

“Oh, interesting,” she says. “But you still support her financially?”

“Mom!” I say, my voice shrill enough to turn a few heads.

“What?” she says, innocently. “If he’s handing out money to someone who clearly needs help, then he’s supporting her habits. Stop looking at me like I’m the bad person here.”

She says it for half the diners to hear, and I can feel their eyes on us. This is classic Mom—using other people’s mistakes to make her feel superior. She’s always seen herself as the noble one who gave up everything for her family. For once, I feel sorry for her. She’s so caught up in her need for control that she can’t see the joy or goodness in anything—not even in Leo or me.

“Mom, he gave her money for a hotel room. That hardly qualifies as supporting a habit.” I step toward Mom and hold her gaze, refusing to let her words rattle me. “I can’t stand here and let you put down Leo or his family. I won’t allow it. No matter how much you want me to turn out like you, I’mnotyou. And it’s time for you to accept that.”

Then I turn and look up into Leo’s eyes and whisper, “I’m so sorry. Can we leave now?”

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