“I manage music artists,” she continues. “Which means I organize concerts, translate feelings into contracts, and occasionally stop grown adults from lighting their careers on fire.”
Dex blinks. “Oh. So… witchcraft.”
“Absolutely,” she says. “Unionized.”
Mason claps once. “She’s funny. I already trust her.”
Gregory’s chimes in. “She knows what she’s doing,” he says. “That’s… objectively attractive. Not for Dex. But in general.”
Sloane lifts one shoulder. “I pay attention,” she says lightly. “And I tend to finish what I start.”
Dex lets out a low laugh, eyes glancing over her with open appreciation. “Cool. Cool. Strong woman.” He nods once, impressed. “That’s kind of sexy.”
Sloane smiles politely and redirects without missing a beat. “It’s functional,” she says. “Very different category.”
I lean back, arms stretched around her chair, watching the way she handles them. She doesn’t try to impress. She doesn’t retreat. She listens, responds, and redirects when necessary. That alone earns points.
“So,” Bryce says, grin firmly in place, “you do PR. You’re here to rebrand our fearless leader?”
“I don’t do miracles,” Sloane replies. “But I admire your optimism.”
Dex slaps the table. “I knew it. Captain needs a glow-up.”
“I glow plenty,” I say.
Bryce nods his head. “Debatable.”
“And you should talk?” I say mildly, looking his way. “You’ve had our PR team on sedatives for two straight years.”
Bryce grins, unapologetic. “Hey. I’ve turned over a new leaf.” He lifts his glass. “I’m a very good boy now. Mostly.”
Sloane laughs and something in me shifts. The guys clock it instantly. Teasing turns warmer. Questions soften.
Dex points a fry at her. “Okay, follow-up question. Can you fix me?”
She studies him thoughtfully. “Define fix.”
“Make me charming,” he says.
She smiles sweetly. “I’m good, but I’m not divine.”
She turns her head upward, considering him again. “And, I only manage musicians,” she adds. “Can you sing?”
Dex straightens immediately, one hand to his chest. “Absolutely.” He clears his throat and launches into an off-key, overly dramatic two seconds of something that might once have been a pop song. “?? Yessss I can… ??”
She holds up a hand, stopping him without effort. “Okay, but can you be managed?”
The table explodes.
Laughter, groans, Bryce nearly choking on his drink. Even Gregory looks impressed.
“Barely,” I say, deadpan, before Dex can recover.
Mason lifts his glass. “She’s brave. I like her.”
“That was fast,” I say.
“No,” Mason corrects. “That was decisive.”
