Page 20 of I Think They Love You

Denz rubs his temple. Why is his best friend like this? He uploads a video of Connor in action before responding:

no! terms of endearment. cute nicknames

The family’s probing into Denz’s romantic life is relentless. Auntie Cheryl “randomly” pops up in his office to ask for a name. Kami tries to get him to crack with long stares in the elevator. Nic’soutright asked via text when he decided to lock down a man. He can only ignore their questions for so long.

That’s why he’s spending part of his day conspiring with Jamie. They need ways to deal with the inevitable. Things like posting adorable photos on social media. Scheduled FaceTime calls while Denz is at the office. How to act in front of the Carters.

I thought you hated pet names,Jamie sends.

He does. Passionately. A side effect of the breakup with Braylon.

My tiny muffin. Three words whispered in the morning, to Denz’s mild annoyance. During study breaks. Between gasps as strong hands peeled off his clothes. In his worst moments, just to make him laugh.

“Fuck,” Denz hisses while staring at his phone. He’s gone forty-eight hours without thinking about Braylon. He can’t start now. He props one of the fundraiser invitations against an empty champagne flute. In the iridescent light, the curling gold script on the cardstock shimmers.

He gets a few shots before writing back:we need to be convincing!

They need an airtight plan. It won’t be enough tosayhe’s dating Jamie. To post a couple of photos online. The Carters will want in-person proof. And Jamie’s one semester of acting at UNC Chapel Hill won’t cut it.

Ellipses appear, then disappear.

Outside the ballroom, Denz leans against a marble column. Uniformed staff pass him in a flourish. He clocks three different guests wearing velour tracksuits right out of an early 2000s music video strolling into a meeting hall.

His phone buzzes. An email from his dad. Denz inhales sharply as he opens it.

DATE: Today, 1:02P.M.

FROM: [email protected]

TO: [email protected]

SUBJECT: Future CEO Evaluation Assignments

Dear Staff,

Below are the promised assignments for the CEO assessment. Each candidate will oversee the planning and execution of a VIP event for the spring quarter, with the support of a small team. As these are two of our most valued and high-profile clients, I expect everyone to put their best foot forward.

The evaluation process will conclude March 28th. Should one candidate prove themselves a better fit, I’ll introduce them as the successor at my retirement party, a public statement to follow.

EVENT:Mayor Tiffany Reynolds’s Valentine’s Day Gala

DATE/TIME:February 14 at 8:00P.M.

CANDIDATE:Denzel Carter

ASSISTED BY:Connor Fisher, Eric Tran

EVENT:Emily Sedwick’s Engagement Party

DATE/TIME:March 6 at 7:00P.M.

CANDIDATE:Kamila Carter

ASSISTED BY:Kim Perry, Jordan Carter

If I find neither candidate suitable, 24 Carter Gold will announce a nationwide search for a new CEO in April.

Best of luck to all!

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