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“Um, I don’t know what that was back there, but you could win an award for that acting performance.” Spencer points back to where we just left.

“Well, Spencer, I think the trick of that scene was that it was one hundred percent real. Miles is one of those people you meet once in a lifetime and are changed for the better.”

“I think he could say the same thing about you.”

The encounter leaves me a bit exhausted and I say, “How about we go get something to eat? Maybe that will help me calm down a bit.” I glance down at my hands, which are trembling at my sides.

Spencer nods, guiding me to the table. “What do you want to happen after tonight?”

I laugh and shake it off. “Well, a full twelve hours of sleep would be nice.”

He pauses and stares at me. “While I applaud that much sleep, I mean between you and Miles.”

After blinking several times, my brain finally catches up on the fact that he’s asking about my feelings for Miles.

“Is this an investigation like in high school where someone sends their friend to see if their crush likes them back?”

Spencer shrugs. “I never went to high school, so I’m not sure about that. Being a child actor had its perks and disadvantages.”

The slight rise of optimism sinks back down. “Honestly, I don’t know. I mean, from the display from his mother, it’s pretty clear a relationship with Miles wouldn’t ever happen.”

“Why not? She’s just mad because she can’t control him anymore.”

I take his words and mull them over a bit. “Well, I don’t know how well this fake relationship thing is actually going. I mean, it’s not like we’ve had groundbreaking things happen.”

Spencer laughs. “I think you’re comparing your experience to the movies, Dani. Think about it. Miles decked your ex-boyfriend. His mom came up and tried to split you up. Those are pretty significant, I’d say.”

I take a plate and stand behind Spencer in line. But how do I figure out what’s real and what’s fake? The kisses we’ve shared have been analyzed to the max by my brain and I still can’t figure out what they all mean.

“Hey,” Miles says, coming up next to me. He places his hand on my lower back, leaning down to give me a quick peck on the lips. And that just sends me into the confusion spiral of a lifetime. “Sorry I took so long. Those guys wanted to chat about the new research we’re doing and I couldn’t get away fast enough.”

“Did you figure out what you needed from them?” I hope he doesn’t ruin any chances by running over to me. Except inwardly I’m kind of excited about it.

“Yeah, we should be good.”

CHAPTER35

Miles

Ifind Dani in line for food, with Spencer a step behind. The guy is a great friend, and I’m grateful to him for keeping her company.

But he’s trying to signal something with his eyes, opening them wide and then pointing toward Dani.

“What’s up?” I ask, wondering why he’s being so weird.

“Nothing. I’ll tell you later.”

It’s hard to speak with Dani since the room is loud and everyone keeps coming up to say a quick word. If only I could have a sign to hold up for moments like this when I want to be left alone.

We head over to a table near the stage where the band is playing, as that’s where I’m usually assigned when my mother is in charge. But tonight I’d rather be on the outskirts so Dani and I can talk.

I pull her seat out and make sure she’s sitting comfortably before taking my place next to her.

“How are you?” I ask, trying to catch her eyes. They’re the best source to know how she’s feeling and from the tense set of her shoulders, I need to fix whatever happened.

“I’m here,” she says, turning to me with a smile. It’s not the bright kind I’m used to seeing from her.

Resting my hand on the back of her chair, I lean closer, hoping to give her enough space to speak. “I’m so sorry I left you. What can I do to—”