Page 54 of Worst in Show

There’s a mini-pinch in my chest, but I shrug it off. “It would be weirder if he’d never been in a relationship.”

“Yeah, but… hashtag livinglavidaloca, hashtag brightfuture, hashtag honeymoon…”

The line is silent while I let that sink in. “He’s married?”

“Or he was? Harvey said he’s single, remember?”

The plot is thickening. “Either way, it doesn’t matter to me. It’s his life.”

“You’re not even a little curious?”

“Of course I am. But it’s not like I can ask him about it.” Especially not now that I’ve revealed myself to be the creepiest creeper ever. “I’m just going to forget about the whole thing. He could have a whole harem of wives, and that wouldn’t change a thing. Or rather I’d feel bad for him. A harem would be freaking exhausting.”

“Mm-hmm.” Micki’s blasé hum tells me she’s done with this conversation now. If I’m not going to play along with her Hallmark-y fantasies, there’s no point. “You let me know how that goes, okay? Are you training tonight?”

A new wave of shame washes over me. “Yes,” I sigh. Fifteen thousand is worth it, I tell myself. Fifteen thousand and the satisfaction of beating his fine ass.

Despite my resolve to move on, my brain fails to conjure normal topics of conversation on our way to the farm. Leo is in a good mood, smiling and humming along to the music he has playing, but all my focus is spent trying not to blurt “sorry I accidentally liked your thirsty post.”

“You’re quiet today,” he says when we’re halfway there. “Something wrong?”

That smile again. He totally knows.

“Nope, all good.”

He glances at me. “I liked the picture you posted of Cholula. How does it feel to officially join the modern world?”

Dear Lord, he’s going there. “Fine.”

“Let me know if you need any tips.”

“Will do.”

“Or if you have any questions…?”

I look at him, but his face is neutral, concentrating on the road. I do, I want to say. I have So. Many. Questions. “I can’t stay out late tonight,” I say instead. “I’ve got more work to do at the store.”

“Do you ever just chill?”

“You’re the one telling me to be ‘number one in business.’”

That elicits a small smile from him. “That’s a terrible impression of me. But I’m glad you were listening. I didn’t think you would.” He slows at a stoplight. “Does this mean you no longer consider me the human equivalent of the plague?”

I pretend to think about it. “I wouldn’t go that far.”

He touches his heart. “Ouch.”

“But I’ll concede you may have some valid points about how to run a business.”

“Some valid points. I’m overwhelmed with this praise.”

I slap him in the shoulder but can’t fully suppress my laugh.

Now that the mood is lighter, I venture a question that’s been on my mind. “So, Dawn tells me you have a brother?”

Leo’s jaw clenches almost imperceptibly. “I do.”

I hesitate. “Should I not ask about him?”

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