I caught the dig. Kept my expression neutral. Focused on refilling the tea pitcher like I hadn't heard a thing.
Addison found Presley immediately. The kid looked relieved to be here despite whatever was happening at home. They talked quietly in the corner, Presley's hand on Addie's shoulder, both of them smiling.
The party continued for another hour and a half. The girls excited about getting dolled up for the runway. Mothers reassured. Everyone performing the careful dance of small-town social politics while eating pretty finger food and drinking sweet tea.
By six, my face hurt from maintaining the pleasant boyfriend expression. Not from the mothers or students—they were fine. But from staying civil while Vanessa shot pointed looks and made comments designed to cut.
When the last family finally left, Presley locked the door and leaned against it.
"God, I'm exhausted."
"Long day." I agreed. “Come on, I’ll take you home.”
BACK AT HER HOUSE,we both headed to change. I pulled on jeans and a plain t-shirt, came back out to find Presley already inyoga pants and an oversized t-shirt, hair down, no makeup. Soft and real and more beautiful than she'd been all day.
"How about I order pizza?" I said. "We're probably still full from the party anyway. Late dinner."
"That sounds good."
"Go relax. Find something on TV. I'll bring wine."
She settled onto the couch while I called in the order, then poured her a glass of wine and grabbed a beer for myself. Found her flipping through channels until she stopped on some detective show.
We sat close, sipping our drinks while the TV detective pieced together clues.
"I wish real life were this simple," she said quietly. "The guilty person always gets caught. Everything works out. Happily ever after."
The doorbell rang before I could answer. I got up, paid for the pizza, brought it back with paper plates.
We ate in comfortable silence for a while, the show playing in the background.
"Do you think whoever vandalized Crown & Grace will ever be caught?" She set down her half-eaten slice. "At least nothing's happened lately. Maybe they'll stop?"
"I don't know what will happen," I said honestly.
The show ended. We'd finished eating. The room had gone dark except for the TV's glow. She shifted closer on the couch.
I reached over, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Wished I could tell her things would be okay. That they'd work out the way she wanted.
Tears welled in her eyes.
I leaned in. Kissed her softly.
She kissed me back—hungry, desperate, like she'd been waiting for this all day.
The kiss deepened. Her hands fisted in my shirt. Mine slid into her hair.
"Bedroom," I managed against her mouth.
She nodded, took my hand, led me down the hall.
INSIDE HER ROOM, Icupped her face.
"I know you're scared," I said quietly. "About whoever's threatening you. About your business. About whether it could all fall apart."
She nodded, blinking back tears.
"I can't promise we'll catch them tomorrow. But I can promise you this—I will do whatever it takes to protect you. And I need you to know you can trust me. Completely."
