I slip away to start cleanup.
Collecting champagne glasses. Tossing paper plates. Organizing leftover food by catering into containers.
I’m in the kitchen, wrapping the last of the bruschetta, when Maya finds me.
“Chloe.” Her voice is soft. Happy. She catches my elbow. Turns me to face her. “I need to tell you something.”
I set down the container. “What?”
“I was wrong about Brody.”
My stomach drops.
She takes my hands. Squeezes. “About being worried. About thinking he might be using you.”
“Maya—”
“That kiss?” She’s beaming. “That was real. The way he looked at you during the song? The way you two know each other so well you won every single round?” Her eyes are shining. “That’s not something you can fake, Chloe. I think he’s a keeper. I’m so happy for you. You deserve someone who looks at you like that.”
I try not to look stricken.
I try so hard.
Because I have absolutely no idea what’s true anymore.
Was the kiss real? Or was it just another box checked on the contract to-do list? Kiss girlfriend in public to sell the story.
How am I supposed to know the difference when Brody’s so good at performing that even I can’t tell what’s an act?
“Thanks, Maya.” My voice sounds normal. Cheerful, even. “That really means a lot.”
She hugs me tight. Then floats back to Derek.
And I’m standing in the kitchen, surrounded by dirty dishes and leftover food, trying to figure out what just happened.
Trying to figure out if Maya’s right.
If that kiss was real.
If any of this is real.
We say our goodbyes.
Brody helps carry chairs. I hand out tip envelopes to the bar staff packing up.
Derek watches us both with that assessing expression, but he’s less hostile now. Maybe the party softened him. Maybe seeing us win every game convinced him.
Or maybe he’s just biding his time.
And finally, it’s just us.
The cold air feels almost refreshing after a long day. Brody walks me to the passenger-side door, opens it for me.
We drive in silence. The streets are quiet. Dark.
“That went well,” I say finally. “Everyone seemed to have fun.”
“Yeah. You did a great job.”
