My head snaps up. What is he doing?
Winnie looks over at him, concerned because this wasn’t part of tonight’s program.
Austin grins at the crowd. “A few months ago, we made a bet about our Lieutenant here.”
The room goes quiet. The spotlight finds us.
Austin continues, “We bet that Maverick couldn’t get through Ball planning without arguing with the Parks & Rec Princess.” Laughter erupts from the crowd. “But look at this event! They worked together perfectly. So, Mav, you won, brother. Proud of you.”
More laughter and applause.
But Winnie turns pale, limp in my arms.
“You made a bet?” Her voice is barely a whisper. “About me?”
“Winnie, let me explain?—”
Before I can, Mindy bounces over with a microphone someone gave her.
“If this is a honey roast, let’s go all in. Our department made a bet too!” she announces cheerfully.
Winnie’s eyes bulge.
“We bet Winnie she couldn’t make the grouchiest guy in town have fun at the Ball! We called it Operation Make Maverick Smile!”
The crowd laughs. Thinks it’s adorable.
But Winnie’s expression is horrified.
Mine is shattered.
We stare at each other.
Both betrayed. Both guilty.
“You were just trying to win a bet,” she says.
“So were you.”
“I was going to tell you?—”
“When? After you won?”
I know it’s not fair, but I’m hurt and defensive and on fire as the spotlight sweeps over us.
Vaguely in the background, Mindy and Austin take turns explaining that they knew we were interested in each other, but were both too stubborn to admit it. Thought they’d collude and help things along. But all I can focus on is the woman in front of me.
“At least I had good intentions,” she says, tears in her eyes. “You just didn’t want to argue.”
“And you just wanted to prove you could crack the impossible case.” The words are cruel. I regret them immediately.
But they’re out there, hanging between us like poison that we both offered up, both swallowed.
“I need air.” She steps out of my arms.
“Winnie—”
But she’s walking away. Not running. Just … leaving.
