“No,” I said.
“CPR?”
“That is not kissing.”
Rose closed her eyes. Dani picked up the pen.
“Where do I sign away my emotional future?”
“Page four.”
She signed. I signed beneath her. Tessa drew a heart beside her witness signature; I made her initial the alteration. Rose signed without decoration.
“Congratulations,” Tessa said. “You are now contractually bad at dating.”
“We are not dating,” I said.
“Right. You’re lying with paperwork.”
Dani stood and reached for the wine.
“Now?”
I checked the time.
“Yes.”
“Best fake girlfriend ever.”
The phrase affected me more than it should have. I turned toward the glasses.
“There are only three wineglasses,” I said.
Tessa had already found a coffee mug. “I contain solutions.”
The application was approved Monday, June second. Blake announced it by appearing beside us during my strength session and blowing their whistle. I dropped a resistance band. Dani caught it. This did not support our invented relationship history.
“Congratulations,” Blake said. “Amy and Dani have been selected for the Better Together Challenge.”
Several nearby members applauded.
“Was the whistle necessary?” I asked.
“Celebration requires punctuation.”
Blake handed us welcome packets featuring a photograph from my first mile: I was flushed and smiling at Dani; she was looking at me instead of the camera.
“You approved this?”
“It’s cute.”
“I am visibly perspiring.”
“You were exercising. Scandal.”
Blake tapped the packet.
“The launch event is Friday, June sixth, at seven. Cocktail attire, though athletic footwear is encouraged for brand consistency.”
