He stands, pulls me up with him. “For the record, you don’t have to prove anything to anyone tonight.”
“I know. But I want to be there. I want—” I stop, trying to find the words. “I want to feel normal again. Even if it’s just for a few hours.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do.”
I go change into something that doesn’t scream “I’ve been crying in my car” while Roman texts the team that we’re coming.
When I come back out, he’s by the door with his jacket on, keys in hand.
“Ready?” he asks.
I take a breath. “Ready.”
We walk out together into the winter evening, toward a party with people who know everything that happened and are celebrating anyway.
It’s not perfect. It’s not fixed.
But it’s something.
36
MARNIE
Dex’s houseis already loud when we arrive at seven-thirty.
Music playing, voices carrying from the back deck, the smell of grilled food in the air.
Roman’s hand finds the small of my back as we walk through the door.
Dex spots us immediately and grins. “There they are! The triumphant return of Dr. Walker!”
Several people turn, and I feel my face heat.
But then Goldie’s there, pulling me into a hug.
“So glad you’re back,” she says quietly. “Come get food. Dex made way too much as usual.”
The next hour passes in a blur of conversation and congratulations. People asking how I’m doing, telling me they’re glad Winters is gone, making sure I know they have my back.
Dinner is loud and chaotic in the best way. Goldie’s kids are there—Blythe asking a million questions.
I’m pouring wine when I get to Goldie’s glass and she covers it with her hand, giving me a tiny head shake.
Our eyes meet and she grins at me.
I don’t say anything. Just smile back and squeeze her shoulder gently as I move past.
The food is incredible, the conversation loud and easy. Everyone’s chirping each other about games, about Rodriguez’s latest social media disaster.
Rodriguez hobbles over on his crutches, looking pleased with himself.
“Doc, guess who just got cleared for pool work next week?”
“You, apparently. Though I haven’t seen the updated report yet.”
“Jake sent it over this afternoon. Ahead of schedule!” He grins. “Which means I can finally stop doing your boring exercises and move on to something else.”
“My exercises aren’t boring.”
