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 evenIcan’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.”
More silence. Just the engine and the tires on pavement and my heart beating too fast.
We’re almost at my apartment when he finally speaks. “We’re on the road for the next two weeks.”
“Okay.”
“So I’ll see you in Maple Lake. For the wedding.”
Oh. My heart sinks. That’s it?
We’re not going to talk about what’s been going on with him. We’re not going to address that kiss back there. Heck, I guess we’re not even going to talk about winning that stupid game.
I don’t know why I thought that kiss meant anything in the first place.
He pulls up in front of my building.
Parks. Doesn’t turn off the engine.
Leaves it idling. Ready to escape.
