Page 2 of Faking All the Way
The universe really does have a sick sense of humor.
“Maya, meet Kat.” A woman materializes beside him like she’s been summoned from the pages of a lifestyle magazine. She’s everything I used to think I should be—polished and poised, wearing the kind of structured wool coat that never shows wrinkles or pet hair. “We dated a while back.”
Maya extends a manicured hand, her smile bright and practiced. Her engagement ring catches the fluorescent lights, glinting brightly. “The artist! Daniel’s told me about you.”
“Illustrator, actually.” I shake her hand, smiling weakly. “But close enough.”
“Right, your little drawings.” Daniel’s tone carries that familiar condescension that used to make me question every life choice I’d ever made. “Still pursuing that hobby?”
My smile slips a bit, but I keep my voice level. “I am. Just wrapped a series for a children’s book about managing anxiety. The publisher thinks it has real commercial potential.”
It’s true, and I’m damn proud of it.Stripey the Zebrais going to help kids understand that anxious feelings are normal and manageable. That matters more than Daniel’s narrow definition of success ever will.
“How wonderfully… brave.” Maya’s tone is harder to read than Daniel’s obvious dismissal. “Following your passion despite the financial uncertainty. I could never. I need stability, you know? Predictable income, clear career trajectory.”
“We all have different priorities,” I say diplomatically, channeling every customer service skill I’ve ever learned.
“So what about you?” Daniel asks, and I brace myself for the question that turns every family gathering into a special circle of hell. “Are you seeing anyone special?”
The way he asks it—like he already knows the answer and is doing me a favor by pretending to care—makes my spine snap straight. I’m not the helpless, flighty artist he makes me out to be. I’ve grown. I’ve sold three art pieces in the past year. I have a savings accountandan emergency fund, dammit.
“Actually, yes.” The lie rolls off my tongue before I can stop to think about it. “I’m seeing someone wonderful.”
Daniel’s eyebrows climb toward his perfectly styled hairline. “Really? Anyone I’d know?”
My brain scrambles for a name—something believable but not easily verified. Of course, all I can think of are the ridiculous character names from my latest project designing characters for a mural at a Philadelphia school.Benny the BearandMarvin the Manateeare definitely not boyfriend material.
Then, like divine intervention, a name surfaces from my subconscious. One that sounds plausible and decidedly human.
“Asher Vaughn.”
The words hang in the air between us, and the airport noise seems to fade to white noise. Daniel’s expression shifts from skeptical to confused, and my stomach starts to drop as I realize something about that name feels… familiar.
“Wait—the hockey player? From Philadelphia?”Oh shit.“You’re datingthatAsher Vaughn?”
I nod, even as my pulse skyrockets.
Dammit, dammit, dammit. Why did I say that?Maybe hockey players date normal people all the time. In theory, one might even date someone like me.
“Yup.” I speak around the sudden knot in my throat. “That’s him.”
“Didn’t I just see something on ESPN about his contract situation?” Maya chimes in helpfully. “The Philly team didn’t renew his contract, is that right?”
“Professional sports can be unpredictable.” I sound so confident that I almost convince myself. Thank god for that ESPN sportscaster. “He’s handling everything really well.”
“Is he meeting you here?” Daniel’s sharp gaze sweeps the baggage claim area like a hawk searching for prey. “I’d love to meet him.”
Shit.
“Oh, no, he couldn’t make it,” I lie. “He’s, um, really busy right now. Even though he’s not with a team at the moment, he still has some professional obligations during the hockey season.”
Is it even hockey season? Do they have seasons? Dammit, I have no idea.
Daniel’s mouth curves into that smug smile that used to make me feel like an ant under a magnifying glass. “That’s unfortunate. Would’ve been interesting to meet the man who managed to capture Kat Sanders’s heart.”
Managed.Like dating me is some kind of endurance test that requires special skills and possibly hazard pay.
“Well, actually—” I start to formulate some kind of graceful exit strategy when Daniel’s expression changes, his eyes focusing on something over my shoulder.
