Governor Carter gives one last withering glare toward Cory and his father before she and her husband exit the restaurant. I don’t look to see their reaction, but I know Cory hates it. He hates that I’m winning without him. He hates that I got out and got over him. He hates that I’m still respected. He hates that I’m still here. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I have people on my side.

The rest of the evening passes easily and laughter flows between me and Vic like nothing ever happened. Like he didn’t fumble his chances with me. Like his stupidity doesn’t drive me crazy. Because when we’re like this, just existing in each other’s space, we fit.

By the end of dinner, I’ve somehow agreed to help organize the End of Summer Block Party and resume my old duties as co-organizer of the Fall Festival, thanks to Kendra’s relentless convincing.

The drive home is quiet at first, just the sounds of soft music and the occasional flicker of streetlights painting the inside of the car. I try to act like I still have an attitude, like I’m not feeling completely in my element after tonight, like Vic didn’t just charm the hell out of me at dinner by being the kind of man who stands firm in a room full of powerful people to makes sure I’m seen.

I shift in my seat, look out the window, and refuse to acknowledge the energy radiating from his side of the car.

“So,” he drawls, voice laced with amusement. “You just gonna sit over there and pretend like you’re still mad at me?”

I blink, slow and unimpressed, before dragging my gaze to his. “Oh, I’m not pretending.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Right… Well, I should be the one who’s mad. I had to salvage my business tonight all by myself.”

I whip my head in his direction and scoff, folding my arms across my chest. “I salvaged your business, Victor Grimes. You were just there to flex your charm every now and then.”

“Mm,” he hums, stretching his long legs out like he owns all the space in the world. “And yet, here you are, sitting next to the most charming man you’ve ever met, treating him terribly.”

I make a face. “Your arrogance is repulsive.”

He smirks, leaning in just a little. “And so is your bluff.”

I dramatically huff, then turn back to the window, but Vic isn’t done with me. I can feel it. He’s quiet for a beat too long. Then his voice dips low and firm.

“Kerry.” He says my name like a command that demands my full attention.

I exhale slowly before finally looking at him.

“Tell me about your ex-husband.”

I stiffen, caught off guard by the sudden shift in our conversation.