Luke nudges me with his shoulder, and my stomach does a little flip. Even with all that’s going on right now.
I’m suddenly very aware of him next to me. The way he just . . . came over. Like it was instinct. Like nothing’s changed. Like maybe everything’s fine.
Did this annoying influencer just bridge the gap between us? Because that would be kind of crazy.
I’m probably jumping the gun. But hope blooms. Especially when he stays put, folding his arms like he’s not going anywhere.
“I’m so excited to interview you,” she says.
Bailey and River just smile, both looking worn out but trying to stay alert. Neither of them seems to recognize her. Which makes sense because they don’t pay attention to that side of things—not unless they absolutely have to. It’s the only way to stay sane in this business.
So they wouldn’t know they’re sitting across from the person who’s caused so much turmoil for them these past couple of months.
But Luke and I do. I’d run her out of here if I didn’t think it would give her more fodder.
You Oughta Know settles into her seat before jumping in. “So, coming back this season, what felt the most different for you compared to last season?”
Luke and I both let out a breath at the same time, like we’d forgotten how to breathe while waiting for her to start.
He looks at me. I look at him. That’s a decent start, but I doubt she’ll stay this docile.
River starts to answer, then glances at Bailey to see if she wants to take it. She gives him a small nod to go ahead.
“I think the biggest difference is the history we have now. In the beginning, we were still figuring out who these characters were and how they fit together. This season, there’s more weight behind everything—they’ve been through a lot, so even the quietermoments feel bigger.”
I glance at Luke, and he’s smiling, nodding slightly. And he should be. That was a good answer.
You Oughta Know thanks River, then moves right into her next question.
“Was it immediate stepping back into that dynamic or something that built as you started working together again?”
I look to Luke, a flicker of concern settling in. It sounds like a normal follow-up, but I have the distinct feeling she’s building toward something.
Bailey takes this one.
“I think there’s always a little adjustment period, but the foundation was already there. We’ve spent so much time with these characters that it comes back pretty quickly—you just build on what’s already there.”
Well done, Bailey. I smile, feeling like a proud parent.
Then You Oughta Know tilts her head slightly, and Luke nudges me with his shoulder.
“Do you think that foundation is coming from the characters? Or from the two of you having a better understanding of each other off camera?”
Oh, she’s sneaky, that one. I knew she was building up to something.
I’m about to give Bailey the signal when Luke nudges me with his elbow this time.
“Ouch,” I say.
“Sorry,” he whispers. “But let’s see how they handle it.” He tips his chin toward our clients.
Then he finds the spot on my arm he just elbowed and rubs it lightly with his thumb.
A rush of butterflies takes off in my stomach at the contact—warm, unexpected, and very much not helpful right now.
Focus, Claire.
“Want to take this one, Bales?” River asks, using the nickname he sometimes calls her.
