I rubbed my temples. “Because he’s rich. And famous. And a man. The trifecta of ‘I’ll do what I want and no one will question it.’”
Imani’s brows arched. “And you’re not worried? Not even a little bit?”
Of course I was. Every time I let my mind drift to what would happen when the season ended, when I had to walk away from Hazel, I felt it. That deep, stomach-hollowing dread.
But I couldn’t let them see that.
I shook my head. “No. Because I know exactly what this is. It’s a short-term situation, and then it’s done.”
Cleo gave me a flat look. “Right. Because people always rationally handle unexpected emotional bonds.”
Imani hummed. “And you have never had a habit of repressing things until they explode.”
I pointed at them both. “I don’t like the tone of this intervention.”
“No intervention.” Cleo raised both hands. “Just two concerned best friends watching you make a highly questionable life choice.”
Imani tilted her head. “Do you at least like him?”
I blinked. “Who?”
She gave me a look. “The father of the baby you’re currently raising.”
I scoffed. “Absolutely not.”
Imani rested her chin in her hand, watching me like I was a particularly reckless lab experiment. “We’re not trying to be difficult.”
“We just want to make sure you’re okay in all of this.” Cleo twirled her straw between her fingers.
I scoffed. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Because you’re living with a man who has the emotional availability of a brick wall, raising his child, and pretending none of it is a big deal.” Imani lifted a brow.
Cleo pointed at her. “And historically, you don’t handle emotional upheaval in a chill way.”
I narrowed my eyes. “That is a deeply unfair assessment.”
“Is it?” Imani leaned back, crossing her arms. “Because I have very clear memories of you refusing to admit you liked that guy in second-year until you were literally engaged in a full-blown situationship.”
“That was a rough time.” Cleo winced.
I made an impatient noise, shoving my glass away. “This is a job. Nothing more.”
They exchanged a look.
Cleo took a slow sip of her drink. “Then why is it a secret?”
“Because Julian said so.”
“Wait.” Cleo’s expression sobered. “No one knows?”
I shook my head. “And you can’t tell anyone.”
Imani sucked in a breath.
“I mean it.” I met both their gazes, steady and unflinching. “Not a word.”
Cleo leaned back, arms crossed. “Of course we won’t. But, babe, you get that this is insane, right?”
