Page 28 of Power Play
Murphy, still quiet. “Not like that.”
Mia gives us alook. “You flirt constantly. You act married in public. I mean, I know your agent want’s a more grounded version of you, Murph, but still…”
“And we haven’t slept together in months,” I point out.
That shuts everyone up. Murphy side-eyes me. “Way to overshare, love.”
“Just clarifying for the room.”
Dylan looks vaguely like he wants to dissolve into the sofa.
Murphy leans closer. “You could’ve said ‘we’re just mates’ like a normal person.”
“That’s boring.”
Mia groans. “I feel like I need a PowerPoint presentation to follow this dynamic.”
“It’s simple,” Murphy says. “We’re friends. Sometimes spicy friends. But mostly just friends.”
“With amazing chemistry,” I add.
“And dazzling wit.”
“Andexcellentfake dating faces.”
He grins. “You do have a good smoulder.”
“I practice in the mirror.”
Mia tosses a cushion at us. “Please leave.”
Dylan raises his drink. “Seconded.”
We don’t leave, well not right away.
It’s late when we finally peel ourselves off the floor and start making noises about going. Mia packs up leftovers for us in little Tupperware boxes as though we’re her disappointing children. Dylan looks like he needs sleep and possibly therapy.
Murphy’s still in high spirits, spinning his keys around his fingers, telling Mia she should open a card school and charge for entry.
“You’re exhausting,” she tells him.
“I’m delightful.”
I nudge him. “You’re both.”
He holds the door open for me. “After you, fake girlfriend.”
I turn back to the room before stepping out. “Thanks for the chaos,” I say.
Mia smiles faintly. “Thanks for making me feel normal.”
“Sorry we were weird in your house,” Murphy adds.
Dylan, already halfway to closing the door adds, “Don’t come back.”
Outside, the night’s cold. It feels sharp around the edges. Murphy offers me his hoodie and I take it without arguing. We don’t sayanything as we walk to our cars. There’s music humming from someone’s flat nearby, offering a bassline through the dark. Our shoes scuff the pavement.
“You okay?” I ask finally.
