Page 70 of Power Play
“Dangerous,” I add.
She nudges me. “Maybe. But you’ve never been one to play it safe.”
That makes me quiet. Because she’s right. I haven’t. I’ve crashed and burned plenty. Dated losers and love-bombers. But this? This feels different. Not perfect. Not easy. But real.
I drain the rest of my wine and turn to her. “Alright. What about you and Dylan?”
Mia immediately flushes. “We’re not talking about me.”
“Oh,we are,” I say, delighted. “Because you’ve got that post-moving-in glow still.”
“What! I do not have a glow.”
I raise an eyebrow.
“Okay, theremightbe a slight glow. What can I say?” She trails off, cheeks pink.
“Does this mean we double date now? Do we go on wholesome couples’ hikes and make fun of Jacko’s baking attempts?”
Mia groans. “You areinsufferable.”
“Correct.”
We both laugh.
And for a moment, everything feels easy again. Two girls, too much wine, and the knowledge that maybe we’ve both stumbled into something good. Because I’m not faking this. Not for the cameras. Not for the sponsors. Not for anyone.
Murphy might be chaos in skates, but he’smychaos now. And I’m not about to let Layla or anyone else reduce this to a campaign tagline.
Mia nudges me. “Want me to threaten him if he screws it up?”
I grin. “Get in line, Clarke.”
We toast with the last of the wine, the screen flickering in the background, and our laughter echoing through the lounge.
Whatever comes next, I’m ready.
And I’m all in.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
MURPHY
Istand in front of the mirror, running a hand through my hair. It’s one of those moments where I have to convince myself that I’m doing the right thing. I’ve been avoiding this conversation with Layla for far too long, but there’s no getting around it now.
I’ve been dancing around the truth, and I’m done. Sophie and I? We’re not some showmance for the cameras anymore. We’re real, and it’s time Layla knows that. I need to stop letting her think this is some PR stunt.
I glance at my phone, tapping my fingers on the edge of the counter. Still a little time before she arrives. I could sit here and second-guess myself, but I know that’s not going to get me anywhere. Layla’s been pushing for this ‘perfect image’ for so long, and now I’ve got to tell her that the relationship she’s been promoting is real.
When the doorbell rings, I groan, knowing it’s time to face the music. I pull on my hoodie and swing open the door. Ollie’s standing there, his usual goofy grin plastered across his face.
“You alright, mate?” he asks, peering over my shoulder like he’s trying to gauge my mood. “You look like someone just told you your favourite pub is closing down.”
“Great timing, Ollie,” I mutter, stepping aside to let him in. “Just gearing up for the big chat with Layla.”
“Ah, Layla,” Ollie says with a grin. “You’re still avoiding her, yeah? You know, you can’t dodge this one forever, mate.”
“I know,” I sigh, slumping onto the couch. “But it’s not as if I’ve been hiding it. I just haven’t found the right time. She still thinks Sophie and I are just for the cameras. That’s the problem.”
