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"You want the real story? That woman was trying to get Ethan’s attention. She was waving, flipping her hair, and doing this weird squat thing like she was auditioning for a fitness video. He didn’t bite, so she turned to me and grabbed my arm to ask if I could introduce her. That’s when the picture got snapped."

Mandy snorts. "She did a squat?"

"Yeah. She squatted next to our table like she was trying to tie a shoe that didn’t exist, smiling, sticking her chest out, and moaning about her quads like she was in a fitness commercial. Every time Ethan looked at his phone, she dipped another inch like she was trying to win a gold medal in seductive lunges. I thought her kneecaps were gonna file a restraining order."

She laughs, and I grin. "I told her Ethan was into women with brains. She walked away like I told her she had to pass a bar exam to talk to him."

Her laugh lingers in the air like music I didn’t know I needed.

“I believe you,” she says quietly.

I close my eyes.

“Let’s finish the season, get the bar exam out of the way...together,” I whisper. “And then whatever comes next... I’m in.”

She shifts, just enough to look up at me. “You mean that?”

I brush my thumb along her cheek. “With everything I’ve got.”

The moment settles around us. It’s still, certain, and sealed.

We don’t need a contract.

We just chose each other.

And that’s binding as hell.

Chapter twenty-six

Mandy

I'm mid-brain fog, halfway through rereading a con law chapter, when my phone buzzes with a group FaceTime from Haley, Grace, and Stacy.

"We have news," Haley grins like she’s about to tell me I just won the lottery.

"We’re road-tripping to Columbus for Game 7," Grace adds, her curls bouncing with excitement. "You’re coming. No arguments."

Stacy waves from the corner tile, her background showing some kind of chaotic kid scene. "I can’t make it, but you three are carrying the vibes. All the good karma. Plus, Nate will be useless if you’re not there."

I blink. "Seriously? You want me to come?"

Haley tilts her head like I just asked if the ice is cold. "Mandy. It’s the divisional Game 7. We need our guys dialed in. You showing up is basically a good luck charm. Also... your sister lives there, right?"

My stomach flips. "Yeah."

"Well, we happen to have two extra tickets. Thought it might be a nice peace offering."

I exhale, a smile tugging at my lips. "Okay, okay. Let me call her."

I hang up and dial Allison.

"Well, look who it is," she answers, playfully suspicious.

"Hey," I say softly. "I, um... I wanted to tell you I’ll be in Columbus tomorrow. The girls invited me to Game 7. And they have extra tickets for you and Ben. If you want them."

There’s a beat of silence. Then she exhales. "Yeah? You sure?"

"Yeah. And I wanted to say… I know we fought. But I love you. And I’m figuring this thing with Nate out. He means a lot to me."