Page 45 of Faking Ties

Me: Just so you know, I feel stupid writing you knowing you won’t get these until much later.

“There,”I say. “I did it.”

“See? That wasn’t so hard.”

“What wasn’t hard?” a woman asks. We glance up and startle. It’s Aria, looking just like a Disney princess with long, black hair, charming blue eyes, and a bombshell body. Her long-sleeved, silver, short dress fits her to perfection and gives off a classy yet sexy feel to it at the same time. “Hi, I’m Aria.”

“Wow,” Nina says. “You’re gorgeous.”

“So are the two of you.” Aria smiles. “I love your outfits.”

“Thanks.” Nina nudges my elbow. “See, I told you your outfit is fire.”

“Yeah…” We had an argument about what I’d wear tonight. She chose a black bandeau top for me and a black pleather skirt that falls to my knees but has a slit up the front right up to the puss. I wanted something tamer, but she insisted that wasn’t Stella’s style.

“Anyone want a Jell-O shot or five?” Aria asks, pulling a stack of them out of her purse as if we’re not at a bar and instead at a house party. It’s a total vibe, one I can get behind.

“How many can fit inside that thing?” I ask, far too curious about what else she has in that bag.

“You know I’ve never checked the max capacity,” she says.

Nina passes us each a shot. “I think we’re going to need to rectify that next time we’re together.” She says it as if we’ll be getting together regularly once I’m nolonger Stella. But that’s impossible; we can’t still be in this world when Stella comes back. And that thought leaves an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach.

“Agreed,” Aria says and lifts the paper cup in the air. “To new friends.”

We all suck back the shots and immediately down another.

“Damn,” I say, “there’s something that hits different about Jell-O shots.”

“Right?” Aria smiles. “So… How’s it all going?”

“It’s hard, but I’m managing.” And that’s the truth. My body hates me, and my voice is raspy after days of performing in a row, but no one suspects a thing. The best part is sharing a connection with the fans and making their day by watching the show.

“You’re more than managing,” Nina says. “You’re thriving. I haven’t seen you this glowy in ages.”

“It’s because of the makeup,” I say, not wanting to admit in front of Aria how much I like the money aspect of Stella’s lifestyle. After worrying about making ends meet for so long, it’s a relief to be able to just enjoy life. But the pressure and the expectations that come with it, the constant rushing to and from one place and another, is all too much for me. I like a slower pace, but it’s fine because it’s only for a few months.

“It’s more than that, and you know it.”

“What about Hunter?” Aria asks. “Is he contributing to this glow?”

“No, it’s not like that between us,” I say.

“Funny, because it looks like it is,” Nina says. I shoot her a glare, and her grin broadens.

“Hunter is hot and cold and it’s hard to keep up,” I say finally. “Sometimes, he shuts down, especially when it’s football related, but then other times he’s really kind and funny.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone describe Hunter as kind or funny,” Aria says, a considering look on her face. “You must be special to him if he’s those things with you.”

“No,” I say, “he’s nice to me because of our agreement and the fact that I’m helping him.”

“Uh-huh.” Aria doesn’t sound convinced. “Let us be the judge of that. What happens when he shuts down?”

“He turns into an asshole, and I call him out,” I say.

“And then?” Nina asks.

“He apologizes and changes his behavior.”

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