Page 88 of Perfectly Faked

“Why?” she asks, frowning. “You don’t think I can help you?”

I turn to face her. “Because if you don’t take this opportunity with Peter, it will never come again. He’s one of the best, Victoria, you know that. He won’t wait for a month, and you’re already behind.”

She crosses her arms. “So that’s it? You get to make sacrifices for everyone else, but Idon’t? We’re supposed to be a team, Leo.”

I drag a hand through my hair. “This isn’t about fairness. It’s about what’s right for you and your future. You’ve worked too hard for this dream to let it slip through your fingers now.”

“And what about us?” she asks.

“I’ll be here with Tina, and once she’s better, I’ll come up with a plan,” I say. “But you have to go now. If you don’t, you’ll always wonder what would’ve happened if you’d taken the chance.”

She shakes her head. “I don’t feel right going to Seattle and leaving you alone to care for Tina. Peter will have to find another partner.”

I stare at her. “I can’t let you do that.”

Her chin lifts stubbornly. “You’re doing the same—if you take time off, you’re risking your place on the Crushers. You know my dad won’t be happy about this.”

“That’s different,” I argue. “I’m not quitting. And believe me, I wouldn’t choose this.” If I’m being honest, I wouldn’t choose a lot of things in my life—Tina’s problems being first on the list. There’s still a part of me that wonders: What if things had been different? What if Tina had been stronger?

But we don’t always get second chances to make the right decision. That’s what I want Victoria to understand now. Her shot with Peter is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Hey.” Victoria’s voice pulls me back, and her hand is warm against my cheek. She tilts my face so I’m forced to meet her eyes. “You’re a good man, Leo. Do you know why? Because you didn’t walk away when she needed someone. You told me you’d try to be there for her next time she needed you. You’re a man who keeps his promise.”

I shake my head. “If I’m such a good man, why do I feel so conflicted about it?” My voice turns ragged. “There’s a part of methat wishes I could just walk away. Be the kind of dirtbag who doesn’t feel responsible, who doesn’t care.”

“Guess what?” She inches closer and slides her hand to my chest, right over my heart. “You’re not that guy. You have an actual heart, Leo, and because of that, you refuse to walk away, even when it feels like she let you down. I know it hasn’t been easy, but do you know how incredible that is?”

“Incredible?” I huff. “More like incredibly stupid.”

“It’s not,” she says, firmly. “Most people will only offer their love if they get something in return. You’re showing up for her even when she has nothing to offer. It’s what makes me love you even more than I already do.” Then she reaches up, knots her hands around my neck, and pulls me toward her, brushing her lips against mine so urgently I can hardly catch my breath.

When she pulls away, her eyes search mine. For a moment, I forget the weight of everything—Tina’s accident, her decision to leave, and how badly I want to follow. It all fades, leaving only this moment between us.

“You really love me?” I ask, my voice rough. Being loved by this woman feels like a gift I don’t deserve.

She smiles, her fingers brushing against my neck. “How could I not? You’re infuriating and stubborn and grumpy half the time, but you’re also the most loyal, selfless person I know. And that’s why I’ll always choose you, Leo.”

I don’t deserve this, but she’s standing here, telling me she loves me, anyway.

I bring her hand to my lips and press a kiss to her knuckles. “You know, for someone who loves me, you sure have terrible taste in men.”

She laughs softly. “Maybe I do. But you’re mine, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The next day, I unlock the door to Tina’s apartment, and wheel her toward the single bedroom off the main room. Everything’s tidy and the place smells faintly of cleaning supplies, like she’s making an effort to get her life in order. I help her out of the wheelchair and ease her onto the mattress, grabbing a pillow to prop up her injured leg.

“You good?” I ask, stepping back.

She nods, wincing as she adjusts herself. “Yeah. Thanks.”

“I’ll get you some water before I head out for my game.” When I reach the kitchen, I look around at the small, cramped apartment. The cupboards are mostly empty. So is her fridge. I don’t even see any alcohol around.

When I return to the room, I set the glass on the nightstand and pull out a few folded bills from my pocket. “Here,” I say, holding them out. “For groceries or whatever you need.”

Her gaze drops to the money, and she shakes her head. “I don’t want it.”

I frown. “Tina, don’t be stubborn. You’ll need it for grocery delivery.”

“No, Leo.” Her voice is firmer this time. “I’m done taking your money.”

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