As Blair tucks her phone away, Natalie leans in with casual curiosity. “Ok, who was the hot guy driving with the movie star hairline?”
Blair chuckles. “Jake. Wyatt’s best friend. And also married.”
Natalie nods appreciatively. “Even better. I can add him to my no-stakes lusting scrapbook. Lucas.” She points at me with a wink. “Harry Styles, that hot priest on TikTok, and now Jake.”
We all laugh as we take a shot of what I’m sure is grass plucked from the patch of lawn in front of the studio. It’s disgusting.
Stella nudges me with her elbow. “Hey, has Brandon posted anything lately? He said he was going to Cabo for a few days, but I haven’t seen any stories.”
“Cabo?” I ask, surprised. “He didn’t say anything to me.”
She shrugs, too casually. “He was bummed that he didn’t get an invite to the guys’ weekend. So, that’s usually where he goes when he wants to reset. Or, you know, ruin someone’s faith in dating apps.”
“Concerned?”
“No!” she says a little too quickly. “I just wish I were as fluent in dating as he is. That man could give a masterclass.”
I look at her sideways. “You do realize he once ghosted someone because they said they liked musicals, right?”
“I mean, I get it,” Stella says. “Some people aretoointoWicked.”
Natalie arches a brow. “Wait. Who’s Brandon?”
“Friend of ours,” Blair says. “Stuntman. Gorgeous. Unavailable. A walking cautionary tale, basically.”
“Stella and Jess’s neighbor,” Sophia adds with a knowing smile.
“Ah, I think I remember you mentioning him before. The neighbor.” Natalie leans back toward me. “So, you and your husband. How long were you together before you got married?”
The table goes quiet. I keep my tone light. “We’ve known each other for years. Worked closely together on many things. One day, we decided to go all in.”
It’s not a lie. It’s just not the whole truth.
Natalie nods, seemingly satisfied. “He seems like the kind of guy who’d do anything for his people.”
My chest tightens for a second. “Yeah,” I say. “He really is.”
We talk and sip until we’ve turned intothetable that’s too loud, too happy, and a little bit obnoxious, the kind that makes you want to join or run screaming, depending on your current therapy status.
When we finally say our goodbyes, Natalie hugs each of us and says, “Next week, I’m teaching candlelit yoga on the roof. You’re all coming.”
It’s not a question.
Back in the car, Blair plays DJ while I scroll through texts, and my heart stutters when I see the one from Lucas.
LUCAS
Home. No rush, just wanted you to know.
LUCAS
PS:I left something for you on the kitchen island.
Curiosity hums through me the whole ride back. When I step into the house, the space is quiet and warm. Sunlight spills across the kitchen floor in soft gold streaks, like the house is exhaling after a long weekend.
Lucas appears from the hallway at the same time I drop my bag, his hair still damp like he’s just showered. He’s barefoot and in a faded tee and well-worn shorts that hit just above the knee, showing off his thick athletic thighs and tan skin. It’s entirely too distracting. He looks casual and comfortable, like someone I want to come home to.
It’s ridiculous. He was only gone three nights, but at the sight of him now, standing there with that easy grin, something loosens in my chest.
