“That’s what I’ve been doing.” He thought about the gifts, the surprises. Whisking her away to play. “She needs time to slow her damn brain down and the space to step back and look at the big picture. And that’s what I’m giving her.”

“Is it possible that you two just aren’t speaking the same language?” Blaire asked.

“I think that’s damn clear,” he complained. “Why can’t we just figure it out as we go?”

“You can. She can’t,” Mama B told him. “If you were being wooed, you’d rather have a grand romantic gesture,” Mama B explained. “Maggie would rather have the research done and the case presented to her.”

“You’re giving her the time and space, but you’re also expecting her to do all the research and fill in the blanks on what a life with you would look like. You’re asking her to choose for you. That’s not fair to her.”

And through the bourbon haze and the frustration, things suddenly became clear.

“Well, fuck.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Blaire said.

“Cheers, my dears,” Mama B said, raising her tea.

“Do either of you know how to use that PowerPoint thing?” Silas asked.

45

45

Maggie gave passing consideration to throwing up but decided that wouldn’t get rid of the nerves, and she’d get too sweaty and ruin her makeup. Instead, she tiptoed to the stairs, hoping to stay invisible to the rest of the house for the next few minutes.

Downstairs, the caterer had commandeered the kitchen and dining room.

On the second floor, Dean was instructing Cody on the finer points of tying ties.

She made it to the third floor and, before she ducked into the spare room, overheard Dayana and Keaton in a serious discussion about why pants were important when socializing.

The big day was finally here, she thought, crossing to the closet and stepping over the velvet rope—Dean’s idea—into Ava Campbell’s garret.

She and Wallace had decided to keep their theories and some proof to themselves until after the party. It was all happening today. No doubt Dean would complain about having to recut episodes.

She had spent four hours shooting with him today, walking through every inch of the house and grounds before it was filled with guests.

There would be the preparty toast to her crew and the expected one-on-one later tonight, but that was it for the rest of the night.

Usually, she was feeling the hum of excitement about her next project. Usually, she was ready to move on to the next fixer-upper. But there was nothing usual about this house, this episode, this decision.