Page 64 of The Roommate Experiment

“I’ve been looking forward to this party all week,” she gushes, eyes sparkling. “I spent all of today getting ready. Hair, nails, makeup, the works. I can’t wait for a fun, silly night to get my mind off everything…”

She doesn’t mention Theo by name, but her pretty mouth turns down at the corners, her lower lip wobbling. My stomach twists with guilt, but I need to break up with her. Only my tongue refuses to collaborate and becomes as heavy as lead. I try to imagine how I’d feel if the roles were reversed, spending all day primping for a date to get dumped on arrival. It’d be awful. Cruel, even.

But stringing her along to break it offafterthe party? That’d be worse.

I should do it now.

Come on, Dylan. Ignore her sadness. Tell her it’s over. Do it. Just do it. You don’t care if she’s spent the day getting dolled up for you. Or if she’s looking forward to tonight. And that she thinks you’re ready to take the next step. Hand her a box of break-up socks with “You Deserve Someone Better”written on the side and you’ll be good.

“Olivia, I’ve wanted to talk to you all week, and this is probably the worst moment, but can we take a moment before going in?”

“Oh, Dylan, you’re so sweet. But don’t worry.” She cups my cheek. “You don’t have to apologize.”

I frown. Apologize for fucking what?

Before I even ask, she tells me. “I know you feel bad about not spending the night. That after everything I’ve been through, you wanted to give me a special weekend.”

I so did not.

“But there’ll be another chance.” She grabs both my hands now as she stares into my eyes adoringly. Then she quickly stamps a kiss on my lips and pulls back. “But please let’s go inside now because I only had a quick brunch before the spa appointment and I’m starving. I hope the hors d’oeuvres are already out.”

Without leaving me room to reply, she turns on her heel and heads toward the resort.

I watch her go, wiping the sticky lip gloss from my mouth with the back of my hand and wondering if being the butt of every cosmic joke comes with a pair of socks that says,On My Last Toe.

30

HUNTER

I stand before the full-length mirror, scrutinizing my reflection. The simple, sleeveless sundress I’ve chosen for Rowena and Adrian’s engagement party hugs my body, the thin fabric caressing my skin in the warm, summer breeze that drifts through the open window of my hotel room, carrying with it the saltiness of the ocean. I smooth my hands over the modest dress, second-guessing my decision to be understated. Perhaps I should have opted for something more eye-catching, more dramatic. A dress that would make Dylan’s head turn.

No, I chide myself. Today is not about me or Dylan. It’s a celebration of Rowena and Adrian. Even if their engagement is a ruse, I need to focus on being present for my friend, not on the tangled undercurrents of my emotions.

A bitter sting cuts my belly in half at the thought of seeing Dylan with Olivia, their togetherness a stark reminder of what I’ve lost—of what I never even had. Of what could have been, if they hadn’t met a few days before he moved in with me.

I put a lid on the storm brewing in my chest. I can’t change the past, but I can be there for Rowena today.

Grabbing my clutch, I exit my room and make my way through the hotel.

As I step into the garden where the engagement party is being held, I’m enveloped by the festive atmosphere. Out here, the mineral tang of the ocean breeze mixes with the fragrance of blooming flowers. The space is alive with the murmur of conversations and the melodious tinkle of champagne flutes being clinked together in toasts.

Rowena said Adrian had hired a planner for the event, but wow. I wasn’t expecting this. The setting is breathtaking. Rows of pristine white tables are adorned with cascading bouquets, their delicate petals fluttering in the gentle wind. Beyond the garden, the ocean stretches out to the horizon, its turquoise waters sparkling in the sunlight. The sand dunes provide a picturesque backdrop, their golden hues a perfect complement to the clear blue sky.

Despite the beauty surrounding me, I can’t shake the sensation of being out of place. The other guests are impeccably dressed, their attires far more glamorous than my simple sundress. I tug self-consciously at the hem, wishing I had chosen something more sophisticated.

My unease twists into icy dread when I spot Olivia entering the garden, Dylan by her side. She looks every bit as radiant as I feared she would, her sleek pale-blue dress floating behind her like she’s Cinderella at the ball—minus the puffed-up skirt and sleeves. The fabric shimmers in the sunlight, casting a halo effect around her. Her golden hair falls in perfect waves, and her makeup is flawless, accentuating her natural beauty.

In comparison, I blend into the background, plain and unremarkable. Watching them make their way through the crowd, arms linked, is torture. But I can’t look away. I trail their progress across the lawn until they disappear behind the bar.

Desperate for a distraction, I scan the lawn to find Nina and Tristan. Relief washes over me at the sight of their familiar faces, and I hurry toward them, determined to pretend that Dylan and Olivia don’t exist.

“Hunter.” Nina pulls me into a hug. “You’re gorgeous, babe.”

I force a smile, ignoring the voice in my head that whispers the opposite. “Thanks, hon. You look amazing, too.”

Nina beams, her eyes sparkling with joy as she leans into Tristan’s side. He wraps an arm around her waist, pulling her close, and I can’t stop a pang of envy at witnessing their easy affection.

I push the unkind feelings aside, reminding myself that today is about celebrating love, even if it’s not my own. I plaster a smile on my face, determined to enjoy the party and not spoil anything for Rowena.

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