Page 61 of Faking Ties

“Hate to break it to you,” Jake says, “but you never had any to begin with.”

I chuckle and we silently watch the rest of the team have their turn. The second it’s over, I hightail it out of there. Elodie is about to start soundcheck and I want to catch her before it starts. It’s what I’ve done when I thought she was Stella, and I’m not going to change it now that I know she’s Elodie.

I like Elodie, but I’m too hesitant to believe that who I fell for is real. She fooled me into believing she was Stella and now I’m questioning my own judgement of our relationship if I was so easily duped. Maybe I read everything wrong between us; maybe she’s just a great actress. I need to be focusing on football and my place on the team, not chasing after a woman who isn’t even real. But knowing this doesn’t stop me from wanting answers.

“Tell me a secret,” I say when she answers my call. “Something no one knows about you.”

“Hello to you, too.” She laughs. “That’s an interesting way to answer the phone.”

“Thought I’d mix it up and keep you on your toes. But also, I want to get to know you as you.”

“Okay.” I can hear the grin in her voice. “But Nina knows everything about me.”

“Fine. Then tell me something not many people know about you.”

She’s silent for a few beats before she says, “I like to bake.”

“What do you like to bake?”

“Cookies.”

“Wait,” I say, putting the pieces together. “Did you bake those cookies at Evren’s house?”

“Yeah…”

“Babe, those were fucking amazing. Why aren’t you shouting from the rooftops that you bake world-class desserts?”

“World-class?” She laughs. “I wouldn’t go that far. It’s just a hobby and I’m out of practice. I haven’t been able to afford the ingredients lately and…” She trails off as if embarrassed for admitting that. Something uncomfortable sits in my stomach at the admission. At how hard her life has been.

“Do you like pie?”

“Who doesn’tlovepie?”

I grin at her word change. “There’s this amazing pie store here. Why don’t you stay with me after my next game? I can take you there and we can order one of everything on the menu.”

“That sounds dreamy.”

“Then come. There’s nothing stopping you. I can talk to Rachel and your security team to ensure my place is secure for you. I’ll keep you safe and?—”

“Okay.”

She says it so easily, it takes a second to realize that she agreed. “Okay?”

“Is there an echo on the line?” She chuckles.

“I guess so.” I grin. “So, you’ll come to my game and stay with me after?”

“Sure. But I’m nervous about the fans turning against me if you lose.”

“Well, good thing we won’t lose.”

“I’m going to hold you to that,” she says.

“I’d expect nothing less.”

She sighs. “I’ve got to go, but see you in a few days?”

“Can’t wait.”

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