Page 5 of Keeping Score

“Then, what are we—” She paused when she saw the restaurant I stopped in front of. “You didn’t!”

I shot her a sly grin.

“Are we finally eating at Contessa?” she gaped at the Newbury Hotel, housing one of the city’s most prestigious restaurants—one Maggie had been dying to eat at as long as I’ve known her.

“It’s impossible to get reservations here!” she squealed, jumping up and down as she stared between me and the entrance.

Yeah, it was. Which is why I had to book the damn place a year in advance—not to mention the time spent coordinating everything else. But the pure bliss on her face told me it had all been worth it.

“You want to go in?” I asked.

“I’m not dressed for Contessa!” she said, face paling in realization. “I can’t go in dressed like a lawyer!”

“I packed the essentials.” I held up the bag I’d packed for her. “Change of clothes. Perfume. Makeup.”

“Ah!” she squealed again, reaching out to grab it. “But did you remember—”

“Your facial wipes? Yep, babe. I did.”

“You perfect man!” She leaped into my arms, letting me spin her around as people maneuvered around us.

“Come on,” I laughed, setting her back down. “If we’re late, it’ll be another year before we get the chance to eat there.”

We went in, Maggie taking off to change in the hotel lobby bathroom while I shot off a text to Liam.

BRODY: About to come up!!!! 🥳

Liam’s response appeared before my eyes.

LIAM: 👍

I shook my head at his lackluster response. He was a man of few words. That translated to text as well.

But hey, at least he was using emojis now. That was major progress as far as I was concerned. I much preferred being thumbed-up by Liam than the ominous “Ok.” I was used to getting.

Which was a total scam, because last time I peeked over his shoulder at practice while he was texting, I saw his thread with Cassie filled with not only dozens of hearts, but kissy faces and heart-eyes galore.

Maggie’s reappearance had my head snapping up, and I pocketed my phone before she could look at the message.

“Damn, Mags.” I looked her up and down, admiring every curve emphasized by that tight black dress. “You’re stunning.”

“And you’re incredibly handsome.” Her hands fisted my tie. “And I’m incredibly hungry, so how about we go try the food that every big name in Boston has been bragging about for years.”

I nodded, leading us toward the elevator that would bring us up to the rooftop restaurant. Lacing her hand in mine, I felt her energy vibrating through the air.

The doors started to open, and I felt it happen in slow motion. Would she be disappointed? Should I have done something bigger? Damn, I probably should’ve seen if I could book Ariana Grande or something to make an appearance.

But it was too late now.

The elevator doors opened, fully revealing the rooftop restaurant and every single one of our friends and family screaming in unison,

“Surprise!”

Maggie dropped the bag she’d been holding and screamed back—a scream of joy, I realized with relief.

She looked at me with wide, awestruck eyes.

“You did this?”