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“It’s a dance class, not a kidney.”

“You usually hate organized activities.”

“I went bowling last night.”

Chloe goes still, her fingers closing around the pencil again. “With who?”

I regret the words at once. “People from work.”

“Who from work?”

“Just people.”

“Was it a team event?”

“Yes.” I take a fry from the bowl between us. “We were building morale.”

“At a bowling alley?”

“Morale can be built anywhere.”

Chloe watches me with the same look I imagine she gives clients who claim they have no idea why their last six relationships failed.

Thankfully, the host asks which country has the longest coastline.

“Canada,” I say quickly.

Chloe writes it down without taking her eyes off me. “What’s going on with you tonight?”

“Nothing.”

“You’re quiet, you agreed to salsa without complaining, and you keep checking your phone.”

“I’m waiting for an email.”

She clearly doesn’t believe me, but the next question begins before she can pull the lie apart. Chloe turns her attention back to the trivia, and once she’s written another answer, I take a sip of wine and change the subject.

“How are things going with your new client?”

Chloe rolls her eyes. “Tom Voss is going to be the death of me. He still hasn’t signed the contract, but that hasn’t stopped him from calling every day.”

“You keep turning him down?”

“Yep.”

“Have you thought about giving him a chance?”

“No.” Her answer comes at once. “I thought from the start that he only wanted to see if he could make me say yes. Nothing he’s done has changed my mind.”

“You think he’s playing with you?”

“I think he enjoys a challenge.” She reaches for her wine. “That’s not the same as wanting me.”

The host starts the next question, but Chloe keeps talking. “Speaking of Vosses, how are things with Eric?”

My stomach drops. “What do you mean?”

“Last I heard, he was trying to build a hotel beside yours.”