“Alright... if she likes big flowers, I’ve got just the thing. Give me a sec.”
I nodded and drifted toward the counter while he disappeared into the back. Whatever he came out with, I’d take. I didn’t know what the hell I was doing here anyway. The thought of being surrounded by all her friends, coworkers, and goddamn social media cameras later had my palms sweating.
When he returned, he was holding a bundle of pink and yellow blooms, big and unapologetically cheerful.
“Perfect.”
Dirks always brought her flowers. I loved the way her whole face lit up when he did. I wanted to give her that smile, too. I paid in cash, and the florist slid the bouquet across the counter.
“Good luck.”
Yeah, I’d need it.
The walk was only a block, but every step closer felt like someone tightening a vise around my chest. This wasn’t my scene. Never had been. Never would be.
When I reached the corner, I saw it—Luna Yoga—her first location in what she kept calling her franchise concept. The place was impossible to miss, all floor-to-ceiling glass and glowing warm lights against the evening. Inside, people of every size, shape, and age moved around in bright leggings, sipping smoothies and hugging.
She was dead center in the studio, framed by the big window. Blonde hair shining under the lights, her smile so easy it made strangers feel like they belonged here. She was talking to a group of women, animated hands flying, eyes crinkling,alive.
Dirks stood right beside her, tall and golden, laughing with a guy who looked like he owned a Patagonia vest in every color. They fit here. They looked like they belonged in the glossy ad campaign for her grand opening.
I was standing out on the sidewalk with one hand in my pocket, clutching flowers with the other like a fucking extra in the wrong movie. Out of place didn’t even cover it. This wasn’t my world. But she was.
I pushed the door open, the smell of sage and eucalyptus hitting me. A couple people glanced my way, smiling politely, but it felt like walking into a house party where I didn’t know a single person except the one I came for.
Luna was still mid-conversation, but Dirks had slid in behind her, one hand at her waist, his mouth dipping toward her ear. She laughed, leaning into him, her body curving toward him without even thinking.
The three of us had never dated in public. Not like this. Not in some bright, open place where every touch could be seen.
Five months. That’s how long it’d been since we made the deal. Five months of sticking to our agreement before the estate needed to close. I was already more than halfway to the point where I needed her to fulfill her end of our bargain.
Dirks’s eyes caught mine first. He flicked his gaze over me—black shirt, black jeans, the flowers still clutched in my hand—and for a second, his mouth curved like he might make some sarcastic comment. He turned back to whoever Luna was speaking to.
Nova Thatcher.
Austin’s ex-wife was here. And standing just beside her—Ollie.
She was a walking reminder of my old life. Back when my best friend was Austin, and we’d drink until we couldn’t remember where the night ended.
I looked back toward the group and saw Luna break away, her smile brightening as she made a beeline for me.
“Hi, honey.”
She reached me, kissed me quickly, and gave me a once-over. “You came.”
“For you,” I muttered, holding out the flowers.
Her eyes lit up, hand coming up to my cheek. “These are so thoughtful. Thank you.”
“Mm.” My gaze flicked over her shoulder to where Dirks stood with Nova, both of them mid-laugh.
She followed my line of sight. “You want me to distract them?”
“No. Let’s . . . rip off the Band-Aid.”
“Alright then.”
She passed the bouquet to one of the girls at the counter without breaking stride, then slipped her hand into mine.
