"So it's settled then," Dad says, with the finality of a judge passing a sentence. "We're all going to Colorado—including Charlotte and her new boyfriend."
"Boyfriend might be a strong word," I try.
"Whatever you want to call it, dear," Mom pats my hand. "We're just happy you're moving forward. And I must say, I'm relieved you won't be facing Ethan alone."
As they launch into discussing travel logistics, I turn to glare at Emily, who looks thoroughly pleased with herself.
"What the fuck?" I hiss under my breath.
"You're welcome," she whispers back.
"For what? Forcing me into a fake relationship with a man who I'm actively trying to avoid?"
She shrugs. "It's either that or go alone and let Ethan think he won."
"He did win." I whisper shout.
"No, he didn’t." She takes a sip of wine. "Besides, you said Bash has been trying to apologize. This is the perfect opportunity to let him grovel properly."
"By pretending to be my boyfriend for a week in front of mom and dad and The Harpers?"
"Exactly! If he's really sorry, he'll do it."
"And if he's not?"
She grins. "Then you know he's an irredeemable asshole and you can stop obsessing over him leaving."
I open my mouth to argue, then close it. As insane as her plan is, there's a twisted logic to it. If Sebastian refuses, I'll know once and for all that he's notworth another thought. And if he agrees... well, at least I won't have to go on this trip alone.
"So?" Emily leans in and whispers. "You in?"
"This is the worst idea you've ever had," I tell her. "And that includes the time you convinced me to sneak into the neighbors' pool at midnight and we both got poison ivy."
"But you're going to do it."
I sigh, already mentally composing the most awkward conversation of my professional life. "I don't even know if he'll agree."
"Oh, he'll agree." She takes another sip of wine, looking smug. "I saw the way he was looking at you while y’all were on the dance floor. Trust me, he's not done with you yet."
"Charlotte," Mom calls from across the table. "Do you think Sebastian would prefer to travel with us and fly or will he be driving?"
I close my eyes briefly, wondering how my life spiraled into this farce so quickly. "I'll have to ask him, Mom."
Emily smothers a laugh behind her hand, and I shoot her my most lethal glare.
"You owe me," I mouth silently.
"Worth it," she mouths back.
As Mom launches into a detailed description of the family activities she has planned, all I can think about is how exactly I'm going to approach Sebastian, who I've been icily professional with all week, and ask him to pretend to be my serious boyfriend on a family vacation... just to spite my ex.
God, I need another glass of wine.
Chapter eleven
Charlie
I jab the 14th floor button and watch the elevator doors glide closed with a soft hiss. My fingers drift to my burgundy dress, smoothing imaginary wrinkles from fabric that clings to every curve before tapering at my knees. The neckline skirts the line between professional and provocative—deep enough to catch the eye but not quite deep enough to earn a meeting with HR. My fingertips brush against the delicate gold chain at my collarbone, its cool weight settling perfectly in the hollow of my throat, a subtle invitation to linger.
