Page 58 of The Fake WIfe Playbook

Right.She’s probably been spending her paychecks at the Casino.

“You seeing anyone, Mamma?”

“Oh, you know. Here and there.”

“I’ll see what I can do, but I can’t make promises. I have to go.”

“Really? So soon? Can you transfer me money for my phone bill?”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Well, you do that, sugar.”

Finn walks in. I’m not sure how much he’s heard.

“Everything okay?”

“There’s no use dancing around it. My Mama loves to smoke and gamble. She always wants money. Any call from her is gonna hurt my wallet.”

“I can help,” he says. “I’ll send her on a cruise, that will buy you a week.

God love him, he doesn’t get it. Apparently, we both have nuances we need to learn about each other’s worlds.

“She’ll spend whatever you give her,” I warn him.

“If it keeps her busy and makes you less stressed over it, it’s worth every penny.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, not a problem. I’ll book it, and you can give her the information.”

“You’re a glutton for punishment, Finn.”

“When will I get to meet them, your mom and brother?”

“Maybe the next time we’re in Nashville.”

“This year?” He teases.

I give him a side eye. “Sure. It’s my base.”

He looks hurt, and I realize all too late that I’ve just dissed the fact that we’re living together. My home base should be Maine.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” I say.

He shrugs. “It’s fine. I mean, this isn’t permanent,right?”

It’s as if his low voice is a test. But I can’t let myself believe the lie.

“Right,” I agree. He tries to hide his disappointment, but I know it stings.

FINN

HER ORBIT

Spin-o-Rama:A player spins 360° while controlling the puck to: Dodge a defender, set up a pass, or even score a goal