Page 57

As the car pulls away from the curb, I lean my head against the window, watching the twinkling lights of the house fade into the distance. The gentle hum of the engine fills the silence, and I find myself lost in thought, replaying the events of the evening in my mind.

Winding through the dark, tree-lined roads, I come to a sobering conclusion: I need to focus on my own goals and aspirations, and leave the messy business of relationships behind. Every time I’ve opened myself up to the possibility of something more, I’ve ended up hurt, disappointed, and alone. I just don’t seem to be able to play nice with others.

Better to stick to the things I can control, like bringing in a huge account for Channing Gabriel.

The car pulls up to the motel, and I thank the journalist and photographer for the ride. As I make my way to my room, a wave of determination washes over me. I unlock the door, step inside, kick off my shoes, and just flop onto the bed, completely and utterly exhausted.

FOURTEEN

A gentle knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. I sit up, wiping at my cheeks, before heading over to open it. When I do, I’m greeted by Chloe’s beaming face, and the sight of her—so bright and excited—nearly undoes me.

“Rachel!” she chirps, practically bouncing on the spot. “Dad said we could come by and say thanks for the party! It was amazing! Everyone’s talking about how cool it was.”

Before I can respond, she barrels past me into the room, full of energy and enthusiasm, and I spot Dan hovering awkwardly in the doorway, hands shoved in his pockets. His gaze meets mine for just a second before he looks away, clearly still angry—or at least still processing his anger. My stomach tightens.

“Hey,” I manage, trying to sound normal. “You’re… both here?”

“Yeah,” Dan mutters. “James might have had one too many last night, so I’m working a shift. Chloe wanted to come by to say thanks. I figured… it wouldn’t hurt.”

Chloe’s already investigating the room like it’s a treasure hunt, picking up my hairbrush and putting it down again.

“Look how many pictures are on the group chat?” she squeals, holding her phone near my face. “Everyone loved thedecorations and the food. And Dad’s friends kept saying how great it was to see him. It was like… the best party ever in the history of parties.”

I force a smile, even though guilt prickles at my skin like tiny needles. “I’m glad you and your friends had a good time.”

Dan just shrugs, his face unreadable. “We, uh… didn’t mean to interrupt. Just… wanted to pass on our thanks.”

Chloe’s looking at me with such innocent excitement that it hurts.

“Can we hang out today?” she asks, eyes wide and hopeful. “Dad’s gonna be working for ages, and I’m bored. Thought maybe we could go somewhere? Just us?”

My heart sinks. I hadn’t exactly planned on being social today—especially not after last night’s disaster—but I can’t bring myself to turn her down. I glance at Dan, uncertain, and he just shrugs again, like he’s leaving the decision up to me.

“Chloe, I’m not sure—” I start, but she cuts me off, flopping onto the bed and giving me those wide, pleading eyes that I swear could crack granite.

“Please? I promise we’ll stay out of trouble. I just really want to hang out with you. I thought… after the party, we’d get to do something fun together.”

I swallow the lump in my throat, desperately trying to balance my own shame with not letting her down. “I don’t know, Chloe,” I hedge, glancing at Dan. “I… I left my rental car at your house last night. We’d need to go get it.”

Dan clears his throat. “If you could, that would actually be doing me a huge favor. There’s not much for her to do here. If you don’t mind taking an Uber. Just… head to the house, and hang out there if you want. I’ll finish up here and join you later.”

Chloe’s face lights up like a fireworks display, and she’s on her feet in a heartbeat, practically bouncing on her toes. “Yes! Thank you, Dad! Thank you, Rachel!”

Dan and I exchange a glance, and for just a second, I think I see something other than anger in his expression—maybe a hint of regret. Or maybe it’s just exhaustion. Either way, it’s gone before I can figure it out.

“Just be safe,” he says, voice gruff. “And don’t leave the house without me, okay?”

“Yes, Dad,” Chloe chirps, already dragging me toward the door.

I grab my purse and give Dan a small nod as we pass. “Thanks,” I say, and he just nods back without meeting my eyes.

Chloe chatters non-stop as we walk down the motel hallway, already planning out the day like it’s some kind of grand adventure. I can’t help but smile, even as my heart feels heavy with the weight of how badly I screwed everything up.

Maybe spending the day with Chloe will help. Maybe I’ll get my head straight. And maybe—just maybe—I’ll figure out a way to make things right with Dan.

The Uber drops us off at Dan’s house, and Chloe immediately skips ahead, her energy practically bouncing off the ground. I follow a little more cautiously, taking in the house that’s quickly becoming familiar—despite how little I actually belong here. The yard looks pristine, the tables, seating, and decorations from the party all packed away, like nothing ever happened.

I can still see the ghost of last night—how perfect it all seemed before everything fell apart. I force myself to push the memory aside and focus on Chloe, who’s already on the porch, waving me over with impatient enthusiasm.