Page 87 of Yes No Maybe

“Wow, it’s an honor,” he says. “Everyone’s been talking about filmingCape—”

“The absentee fiancé,” I cut in, unwilling to listen to his bullshit. “Or boyfriend or whatever. We were starting to wonder if you were real.”

“Here I am,fiancé, in the flesh.” Dean smiles good-naturedly. “I’m grateful for your hospitality. And to all of you for taking such good care of Rowan and Sara while I was away.”

“Well, someone needed to be there for them,” I huff.

“It’s our pleasure, love,” Rose jumps in. “They’re part of the family now. Have something to eat. You must be famished.”

Dean obeys, thanking her as he picks up a pizza slice.My fucking pizza.

An awkward silence is broken when Christine clears her throat. “So, what’s this I hear about driving lessons for Sara?”

Tom leans in with cutthroat seriousness. “We begin Friday at noon. Automaticandmanual. She’ll be able to drive any vehicle by the time we finish with her.”

Sara grins. “Jack said I can learn on his Tesla.”

“That’s generous,” Mira says. “Don’t think I’d let any teenager near my Tesla, if I had one. Not even my own kids.”

“So, did you get your big break?” I stare at Dean like a sniper on a rooftop. “A whole summer away—I hope it was worth it.”

Rowan mouths “Stop it”over Dean’s shoulder. I don’t want to be a jerk or disappoint her, but saying nothing isn’t an option. Sara’s words from the beach stick like a bad song in my head—she doesn’t want to marry him, but she will. He’s treated her like shit—if Rowan won’t call him on it, I sure as hell will.

Dean clears his throat. “No, it wasn’t worth it. I have the most amazingfiancéeon the planet. But I’ve neglected her, and even the role of a lifetime wouldn’t make up for how I’ve hurt her.”

He twists in his chair, facing Rowan, his hand slipping over her knee under the table. “No dream is worth being apart from you—it won’t happen again. I’m sorry that it took so much doubt and disappointment for me to realize that I’ve had my dream all along.”

Rowan gapes at him like she’s breathless. But it’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard, forcing a vitriolic laugh to rumble from me.

“Sorry,” I say, as everyone glares at me. “It’s just—wow—”

“Thanks, Dean. That’s nice to hear.” Rowan to the rescue, again. At least this time, she looks unnerved.

“How sweet,” Rose allows.

Marcy mutters a soft “aw” while Mira groans.

“Dean, what a lovely speech,” Christine says, pouring more wine.

“Speechis the operative word. So, no big break then?” I repeat, dragging everyone into silence again.

Dean’s smile falls, finally catching on to my animosity like a fish hooked through its gullet. “Not for lack of trying. I landed an agent, and I have a few promising auditions coming up. Minor roles… but there are no small parts, only small people.”

Almost imperceptibly, my head shakes.This fucking guy.

He puts on his best fake-humble smile and squeezes Rowan’s knee again like he wants me to challenge him.

“We can’t all be as lucky as you, Jack. Didn’t I read somewhere that you dated your agent before she took you on as a client? In the article, she joked that she’s always wondered if that’s why you went out with her—to get her to read your manuscript.”

Rose looks aghast. “Is that true, love?”

“A coincidence. That’s all. Weird that you’d be reading up on me.”

“I read all the news from the entertainment industry,” Dean explains. “You’re a hot topic lately with the book release, the Netflix movie, and your usual exploits. Aren’t you dating a Victoria’s Secret model?”

I flash a coy grin—a flimsy jab straight from the tabloids. I hope Rowan sees his pettiness.

Marcy rebuffs him first, “Oh, Beatrice or Inga? Doesn’t matter—they were ages ago. So, what if Jack’s had a robust dating life?” She tips her glass toward me.

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