Heart and Track

-8-

☆꧁༒Louisa May Pearl༒꧂☆

✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽

"Lou!" I jumped when I heard Myla shout my name. "Welcome back, I've been talking to you for the past 10 minutes," she said.

"You did?"

"Of course you didn't hear me since your brain is in another place." She grins at me. "What happened last night? Did you guys kiss?"

"Nonsense! That will never happen. We're not even real," I reply, feeling my cheeks heat up.

"Boo, you're no fun," she pouts, leaning closer. "Come on, give me something. How was the gala?"

I sigh, trying to collect my thoughts. "It was... surreal. The cameras, the people, Holden. He was so charming and attentive. It felt almost real."

"Sounds like you're falling for him," she teases, wiggling her eyebrows. I roll my eyes.

"No way. This is just a temporary arrangement. Nothing more." Myla's grin widens.

"Sure, keep telling yourself that. But your blush says otherwise."

"You're impossible," I say, shaking my head. "Let's just focus on work, okay?" She laughs, throwing her hands up in mock surrender.

"Alright, alright. But don't think you're off the hook. I want all the details later." I nod, trying to push the thoughts of Holden to the back of my mind as I dive into my tasks for the day. But it's harder than I expected. His touch, his smile, the way he called me "angel"—it's all stuck in my head, making my heart race.

___

Throughout the day, I try to concentrate on my work, but Myla's words keep echoing in my mind. The idea of falling for Holden seems ridiculous, but the more I think about last night, the harder it is to deny the feelings stirring within me.

"Lou, you're daydreaming again," Myla says, snapping me out of my thoughts. She's leaning over my desk, a knowing smile on her face.

"I'm not," I protest weakly, but she just laughs.

"Sure, sure. Anyway, are you free for lunch today? I want to hear everything. No more excuses."

I sigh, knowing there's no escaping her. "Fine, lunch it is."

We head to a cozy cafe nearby, and as we settle into a corner booth, Myla leans forward eagerly. "Okay, spill. I want every detail."

I take a deep breath, deciding to share a bit more. "The gala was incredible. The way Holden treated me... it was like we were really a couple. He was so attentive and sweet, always making sure I was comfortable."

Myla's eyes sparkle with excitement. "And? Did he say anything romantic? Did he touch you?"

I feel my cheeks heat up again. "He did. He called me 'angel' and held me close all night. It felt... nice."

"Nice?" Myla echoes, her eyebrows raised. "Lou, that sounds more than nice. It sounds like he's into you."

"It's just for show," I remind her, though my voice lacks conviction. "It's all part of the act."

She shakes her head. "I don't know, Lou. It sounds pretty real to me. And you should see the way you light up when you talk about him."

I bite my lip, unsure how to respond. Myla's words hit a little too close to home. "It's complicated."