It’s not flirting.
It’s leverage.
And suddenly it makes my stomach turn.
Because Ethan?—
Ethan is good.
Steady. Loyal. Protective.
The kind of guy who fixes things and shows up and remembers birthdays.
And she’s got him jumping through hoops like a trained dog.
I feel this weird rush of disgust.
Not jealousy.
Not anymore.
Just…
Disappointed.
Like watching a really smart friend fall for the world’s most obvious con.
Tony nudges me. “You good?”
“Yeah,” I say. “I think I just… needed a different vibe tonight.”
He grins. “Welcome to my vibe. We stand in corners and judge everyone.”
I laugh.
And we do.
We hang near the wall. Talk crap. Sip drinks. Commentate like it’s a reality show.
Mark and the Boston guys are already chatting up a group of girls near the bar.
Kate and Kristen disappeared ages ago.
“They’re fine,” Tony says. “They’re professionals.”
“Professionals at what?”
“Poor decisions.”
I snort.
It’s easy with him.
No pressure. No weird energy. No feeling like I’m on display.
Just… breathing.
At some point I realize it’s late. My feet hurt. My buzz has faded into a soft headache.
