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“Even if winning her back could ruin her career? Is that really caring for her?” Her gaze cuts like a blade.

“I won’t let that happen. I’ll protect her from Celine.”

“Will you?”

“I’d fall on my sword before letting it pierce her, Hannah. I promise you that.”

“You’re a dedicated dude. The men I fuck don’t put in half the effort you have, and you two haven’t even smashed.”

Now that sounded more like the Hannah that Verity had described.

“When I want something, I put in the grind to get it.”

“Even though you’ve only known her a few weeks?”

“When you know, you know.”

“Didn’t you think that about Celine once?”

Her tone isn’t malicious, merely curious. She’s testing me, and I understand that. Verity is her best friend, and she’s looking out for her. It’s the exact same thing I’d expect Chloe and Bridget to do.

“Celine and I were young, and there’s a lot more to our story than you’re probably imagining. Just trust me when I say that by the time you get to my age, you know what you want and you don’t settle for less.”

“Not a bad answer.” She slows her pace, coming to a stop outside a tall, marble office building and crosses her arms. “Okay, I’ll help you. What’s the favor?”

“I need you to give her this.” I hand Hannah the envelope from my pocket.

“What is it?”

“A ticket to the ballet tomorrow night.”

“Stop. She is going to die!” The genuine sparkle in Hannah’s eyes puffs up my pride. “You just earned yourself a couple extra points with me.”

“Thanks?”

“But why don’t you give it to her yourself? Don’t you want the credit?”

“If I ask her to go with me, she’ll make up some excuse.”

I considered putting the ticket in one of her morning pastry bags or in one of the bouquet notes, but I didn’t want to risk her throwing it out, whether on purpose or by accident. I am confident that Verity still wants me, but I’m not confident enough to believe she’d agree to another date just yet. Which is why I needed another way to lure her there.

After she explained to me her childhood love of ballet, I quickly swindled my way into securing the best tickets in the house for us. I’ve never seen a ballet in my life, and going to one isn’t anywhere near the top of my bucket list by any means, but it is something she likes and that is enough for me.

“Ah, I see. If I ask her to go, it’s less sus.”

“Exactly.”

“Smart idea.”

“My idea,” Bridget grumbles, clearly feeling like a child left to play in the sandbox on her own.

“So, you just need me to give this to her? That’s easy enough.” Hannah tucks the envelope into her purse and then gives me a salute. “I’ll do my part. The rest is up to you, my dude.”

“Thanks, Hannah. I appreciate it.”

“No worries.” She tilts her head to the side, giving a reserved wave. “It was really cool to meet you, Bridget.”

“Course. You too.”