Page 156 of Homewrecker

“This award isn’t just about me. It’s attached to the businesses. There are people in that room who don’t know anything about what’s happening privately.”

He reached for my hand, and I let him take it.

“This is business.” He rubbed his thumb over my ring. “It doesn’t change anything between us.”

I stared at our hands. “What am I supposed to do?”

“Enjoy your night.”

I looked up. “You’re serious?”

“You’re nominated too, Blair. This is your moment.”

“And you’re going to be there with your wife.”

His eyes closed briefly. “It’s one night.”

One night. One more thing I needed to understand. I’d gotten very good at understanding.

“Fine.”

His eyebrows lifted. “Fine?”

“Fine.”

“You sure?”

“No.” I pushed him. “But I understand.”

He leaned in to kiss my forehead. “Thank you.”

I felt proud of myself. I thought it meant that I was mature and secure in what we had. I had no idea I was just getting better at swallowing bullshit without chewing.

A month later, I stood in front of my mirror looking like money. There was no humble way to say it. I looked fucking good.

Klair stood behind me fastening an earring. Her eyes moved over me.

“My sister is fine.”

“Thank you.”

“Still dumb, but fine.”

I turned. “Can you give me one night?”

“One night of what?”

“Not judging me.”

She thought about it. “No.”

“Klair.”

“I can reduce judgment but it won’t leave completely.”

“I’ll take it.”

I grabbed my clutch. The night wasn’t about Caleb. I’d repeated that to myself all day. It was about me, work, and my company. I had earned that, and Caleb couldn’t take that from me. I was Blair. Interior Designer of the Year nominee.