Page 142 of I Think They Love You

Which means, of course, he nearly jumps off the rooftop when Nic taps him on the shoulder. She’s striking in a Ralph Lauren blazer and cropped pants, pale pink to match her lip gloss. “My condolences,” she says, smirking.

“Who died?”

“Your personality, apparently.”

He side-eyes her. “Don’t be a brat. I’m working.”

“You look like Kami at these things,” she says, folding her arms. “Where is she, BTW?”

Denz shrugs. He’s only caught flashes of her metallic Badgley Mischka gown, the dipping sunlight giving the illusion she’s wearing constellations. They haven’t crossed paths. It’s safer that way. Except…

It’s strange to be at a 24 Carter Gold event without her by his side. Kami, who people-watches with him. Who drags himaway from boring conversations with equally boring celebrities or politicians. Who laughs at all his tipsy jokes. Kami, who he was unnecessarily cruel to yesterday.

“Are you two still fighting?”

Denz’s eyes narrow. “Who said we were fighting?”

“Your face. Just now,” Nic says. “Is it about her secret boyfr—”

“Uh, I need to go check on the floral arrangements.”

Denz weaves through the noisy crowd. He finds a spot under the spiral staircase leading to the balcony. From there, he observes the party. He forces himself to avoid checking his phone, to see if a new text from Braylon has arrived. He’s overloaded with enough nerves, enough regret that every breath is like a fist trying to punch through his rib cage.

He’s not coming.

Denz knows it, and still.

“How’s The Final Word going to get a cover photo of you if you’re hiding?”

Eric steps forward in a classic tux, a champagne flute in one hand and his wife, Julie, on his other arm. She’s glowing—long, dark hair swept up into an elegant ponytail. Her pleated lilac tulle gown does nothing to hide a very pregnant belly.

Eric beams when Denz’s mouth falls open.

“Sorry to greet and run,” Julie says, rubbing her stomach, “but these two are treating my bladder like a trampoline. Everything looks beautiful, Denz.”

“So do you,” Eric whispers, kissing her temple, and then Julie’s gone, moving toward the indoor restrooms.

Denz smacks his shoulder. “What the hell?”

“Ow!” Eric rubs his arm. “Surprise?”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Really, Denz? When was the last time we had lunch? Got coffee? Shared an elevator?” Eric rolls his eyes. “I’ve never been introduced to your boyfriend, even though we were at the same parties.”

Denz frowns. “Fair point.”

“She—theyare the reason I pulled my CEO nomination.” Eric sips from his glass, gesturing to where Julie once stood. “I didn’t want to put in more work. I didn’t have to. Financially, we’re good.”

“What about moving up? Making a name for yourself?”

Eric laughs, carefree. “You don’t have to get promoted to make a name for yourself,” he says. “Lovewhat you do. Be great at it. That’s the impact people see.”

Denz bites the inside of his cheek.

“I wasn’t ready to give up quality time with my wife or the twins,” Eric adds. “Not for a position I’d only take because your dad invested so much in me.”

“Twins.” Denz coughs, then collects himself. “That’s smart.”

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