Page 109 of Fake It For Love (Faux Love)
I sighed. “I don’t know. Why?”
“Some of the guys and I are going snorkeling,” he said. “We thought we’d see if he wanted to come along. That’s if you’ll let him off the leash.”
“He’s not on a leash,” I snapped. “He’s sleeping. I don’t think he’s going to be up for snorkeling.”
“Bummer.” He didn’t move away.
“You’re blocking my sun,” I said.
“Damn, everyone is so damn cranky today,” he said with a laugh.
This was going to be a long week if everyone kept reminding me about Ryan. I knew that was part of the gig, but damn, a girl needed a break. I needed an hour to get my shit together. Then I could be back on. I’d play the girlfriend. Fiancée. Whatever.
I had no idea where Ryan was. He wasn’t one to sleep in. He was probably up in his plane. I couldn’t very well tell people I didn’t know where my fiancé was because we weren’t speaking. Hopefully, there would be a Ryan sighting and people would leave me alone.
I felt myself dozing again and damn if I didn’t feel someone standing over me and blocking the sun again. I pretended to be asleep in the hopes the person would leave. It wasn’t working. I was going to come up swinging if someone else asked me about Ryan.
“He’s sleeping,” I snapped without opening my eyes.
“Who?” Ryan asked. My eyes popped open. I sat up. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was you.”
“Who’s sleeping?” he asked in a stern voice.
I realized it was jealousy I was hearing. The last thing I needed was for him to think I had gone home with someone. “You. I mean, you’re not sleeping, but people keep asking me where you are. I told them you were sleeping.”
“Oh,” he muttered. “Here. This is for you.” He handed me an envelope.
“What’s this?” I asked.
“It’s your check and an amendment to our contract,” he said.
“Our contract?”
“The Faux’s contract,” he clarified.
“Why do you have that here?” I asked and looked around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. “Someone might hear you.”
“I don’t really care,” he said.
“I do,” I snapped.
“Fine. It’s all in there.”
I opened the envelope and pulled out the check first. The number of zeroes was shocking. It was the full hundred grand we’d agreed to. The other paperwork was from Faux’s.
“Why are you giving this to me?” I asked. “Why now? Why here?”
“I wanted to make sure everything was settled,” he said. “I wish you the best. I hope this money helps you get what you need and gets you on the right path. You deserve a chance to be happy. I want you to have that chance.”
“I don’t understand,” I said. My brain was foggy. It was still struggling to function properly after being doused in alcohol last night. Having this conversation right now was probably not the best idea. “I’m sorry, but I’m a little hungover. Can we talk this afternoon?”
“I won’t be here this afternoon,” he replied.
“Are you going up in your plane?” I asked.
“No.”
“Then what is this check and stuff about?” I questioned. “Why don’t we have lunch and talk about how we’re going to handle the rest of the week.”
