Page 73 of The Fake WIfe Playbook

“Think about it,” I say, glancing at Jack again, then catching Kate’s gaze as it lingers on me a second too long.

And right then, I know exactly what I’m doing.

I’m not just winning over her brother. I’m showing her that we can be a family. And that it doesn’t matter where she came from or where her family lives, I’m not going anywhere.

Of course, her mamma made it crystal clear she wouldn’t mind a check in the mail—but I’m not here to play savior. Everyone knows that once you start handing out handouts, they have a way of never ending. I’m here for Kate. And Kate calls those shots.

33

KATE

IS ONLY FELLS LIKE HOME BECAUSE HE’S HERE

“I came backto find myself/ but all I can see is you/Funny how the place I called home/Don’t feel like home when I do.” Kate Riggs

The second I walk through the door of my old apartment, I’m filled with emotion. I haven’t been away for long, and yet, it’s like I’m stepping back in time. Back before I met Finn, before I stepped out on the Vegas stage.

It feels like I’m slipping into a life that isn’t mine anymore

The apartment still smells like vanilla candles and old records, just like it always did, with stacks of music magazines on the coffee table and fairy lights strung up in tangled knots across the ceiling. Homey, chaotic, and it was ours.

Shay’s already got two mugs of coffee waiting—because of course she does. Her fire-engine red hair is in a ponytail, and her freckles seem to suit her personality.

“You look exhausted,” she says, hugging me to her so hard my ribs cracked, then she drags me onto the couch before I can even take off my shoes.

“I am,” I admit, sinking into the cushions with a groan. “It’s been… busy.”

“So, how was your visit with MOM?”

I snort. “I think it went well. Well, as well as can be expected.”

Shay raises a brow, waiting.

I wave a hand. “Mamma’s still Mamma. Jack’s on the football team, and he’s grown two feet. And now he’s suddenly obsessed with hockey. And Finn—” My words falter before I can push them out.

Her eyes light up immediately. “Ah.Finn.” As if he’s the most incredible man on the planet.

I let out a sigh, letting my head fall back against the couch.

“We’re staying at the Four Seasons,” I say, trying to change the subject. “It is like living in another universe.”

She laughs. “You mean the same Four Seasons we used to sneak into just to see the Christmas lights?”

I grin, the memory brings back fond memories of our high school years. “Exactly. Remember how we’d sit in the lobby like we belonged there? Pretending we weren’t two broke girls from nowhere?”

“Please,” she says, smirking. “We didn’t even make it past the front desk.”

I laugh, the sound surprising even me.

“It’s different now,” I admit, sobering. “We walked right in. They knew his name. Champagne glasses were waiting, and our suite is larger than my entire first apartment.”

Her smile softens, eyes glimmering with something I can’t quite name.

“And?”

I look down, fiddling with the hem of my shirt.

“And it felt… normal. Being there with him.”