Kiera reaches over and gently squeezes my hand. “What we know is that you think you can live without it because when you had it, it was that torturous. But when you have someone who actually cares about how you feel? Who worships you? Who puts you first?” She exhales dramatically, fanning herself. “Whew, girl. Not only will you not be able to live without it, you’ll want it all the time.”

“Preach!” Serena cheers, raising her wine glass.

“Testify,” Izzy adds with a nod.

“Vic adores you, Kerry, and everyone knows it. Let that man dick you down, girl.”

“Serena! Oh my God!” I grab a pen and chuck it at her.

“I said what I said.”

I wish I could take her advice. I wish I could kiss Vic every day, tell him how I really feel, and make love—actual love—because that’s what’s in my heart.

But then what? What happens next?

We’re already past our expiration date. This was only supposed to be a fake summer fling, but now we’re deep into October with no end in sight. And the longer I play this game, the more confused I become, and every time I try to discuss a break-up timeline, Vic deflects.

“Oh, I’ve added another event to the schedule.”

“But I need you with me at the restaurant opening.”

“But my show hasn’t even started yet.”

Show starts… “Let’s wait ‘til the end of the season. We’re a hit.”

And I admit, we are a hit. The town is back on my side. My follower count skyrocketed from 800 to 45,000. And Cory? He’s been M.I.A. for months. No texts. No threats. No surprise visits.

Even Krista suddenly backed down after feeding into the love triangle madness for a few days. I don’t know what prompted it—maybe her new secret boyfriend or maybe Vic’s warning to the network. Either way, she made a full public apology, claiming she was confused by reality.

But none of that matters because nothing can make me want to keep up this charade. Because the more we fake it, the more my heart believes it. The touches, the appearances, the time we spend together, the compliments, and how deep I’m falling for him just feels all too real.

After the girls leave, I settle into the silence, allowing myself to fantasize over Vic and how good I can only imagine he’d make me feel.

Until my phone buzzes with a message from an unsaved number.

Unknown: Hi Kerry! I’m sure you weren’t expecting to hear from me, but I’d like to extend an olive branch. I know there’s been tension between us, but I want us to be friends. Me, you, and Vic. No love triangle this time ??

Unknown: I’d love for us to go out to dinner one night and let bygones be bygones…