Chapter 1: Building Castles in the Air out of Fears.

February 3, 2024—6:00 AM
Kate Norwin pulls into the Swag&Pop lot to prep for one of the exhibits. Truth is, they don't really need her at the gallery today. But since she and Aria agreed Aria would talk to Alex first, Kate figures it's smarter to stay out of the way.
She's twenty-seven, gorgeous, sexy, lively, and full of energy—a talented landscape painter, actress, model, and semi-pro golfer. Stunning blue eyes, long blonde hair, flawless fair skin, lean athletic build. She's fun-loving, charismatic, a little mischievous, endlessly curious. Artsy to her core, with a warm, easy way of talking. She loves dancing, singing, reading, music, karaoke, learning to cook, and throwing herself into new experiences.
Her personality runs eccentric, adventurous, playful, confident. She teases, but she'd never really hurt anyone—not even as a joke. Or at least she tries hard not to.
Alcohol? Barely. Smoking? Hard no. Same for any other drugs. No tattoos, no piercings. A genuine sunbeam of a girl-next-door—even if winter, by her own admission, is her favorite season.
She parks her blue Aston Martin outside the building that, let's be honest, looks a hell of a lot like a giant pink vagina. Slinging her black purse over her shoulder, she heads for the staff entrance in light blue jeans, a loose white shirt over a simple black bra, and crisp white sneakers.
At the door she runs into Tori Johns, the event coordinator. Tori looks up from her phone with a warm smile, light brown hair catching the early sun. "Hey, Kate! Didn't expect you this morning." She tucks the phone into the back pocket of her tight black pants and adjusts the cuffs of her white button-down. Her brown eyes sparkle with playful interest as they flick over Kate head to toe.
"Coming to work on your paintings? Or help with the exhibit?" Tori steps aside to let her in. The main floor is still dim, new installations hidden under protective covers. The air smells sharply of fresh paint and steel. Tori shuts the door with a soft click and follows.
Kate moves past with a light bounce, sneakers nearly silent on the polished concrete. She sets her purse on the nearest counter with a small thud, shakes out her long blonde hair, then turns to Tori with an impish grin.
"Nah, I don't really need to be here today," she admits, rolling her shoulders in a lazy stretch.
"Just figured I'd swing by and see what you're up to." She leans against the counter, cocking one hip in that effortless way that looks totally casual.
Tori walks over to a big cardboard box, flips the flaps open, and starts digging through a pile of long, colorful plastic decorations. Her face twists in disbelief.
"Oh my god, what the damn… I gotta call Maria. This isn't decor—this is straight-up Walmart Christmas shit."
She glances at Kate. "You know you don't actually have to be here, right? You're the cool, free-spirited artist from the gated side of Dreamside. I'm basically Dara's little slave running this place." Tori bursts out laughing, then waves a hand around.
"By the way, we're basically in LA here. This gallery sits right on some weird city-border line—geographical-infrastructure bullshit. But hey, tourists everywhere. Unlike your side of Dreamside, where they don't let those people in."
Kate tilts her head, a slow smile spreading as she watches Tori wrestle with the decorations. She pushes off the counter and saunters over, peering into the box with open curiosity.
"Hm, yeah, I get why you're pissed," she says, lifting out a garish red tinsel garland. "This is like… if a dollar store and a retirement home had a baby."
She holds the tinsel up between two fingers, letting it droop pathetically. Tori groans, snatches it away, and tosses it back into the box with a frustrated flick of her wrist.
"Exactly." Tori throws her hands up. "It's not even Christmas! Why the damn is there tinsel?!"
She slams the box shut and kicks it into the far corner.
"Maria's damned. Dara's gonna be so pissed."
Kate lets out a rich, throaty laugh as she watches Tori's mini-tantrum, blue eyes sparkling with amusement. She brushes a strand of blonde hair behind her ear, the golden strands catching the light pouring through the gallery's massive windows.
"Oh man, I'd pay to see that," she says, voice still warm with laughter. She steps closer until their arms nearly brush, both of them staring down at the offending box.
"You know, I could help you redecorate. If you want."
Her tone stays light, but there's an easy current between them—long friendship, mutual appreciation, the kind that doesn't need explaining.
Tori laughs and pulls her phone out of her pocket.
"Let me give Dara a quick rundown of this shitshow, then we'll get started," the event coordinator says, already typing. She smirks sideways at Kate. "So how's life over at your fancy party mansion? Still torturing your poor boyfriend with all those parties you throw? Is he even still alive over there?"
Kate grins, leaning against the counter while Tori fires off the message. "Oh, Baby Boy's fine." She rolls her shoulders in an exaggerated shrug. "He might be a little overworked—" she pauses, tapping a manicured finger against her chin for effect "—but I think he secretly loves it when I pull him out of his shell."
"Well yeah, obviously," Tori deadpans, still typing. "He must be thrilled. Listen, I've got a sister with the exact same temperament. If he's an introvert and you're happy with him—let him sit there and write. Just don't forget to change your Baby Boy's diapers… and you'll be everything at once: the artist, the golfer, the model, the party girl, and the mommy."
Kate barks out a laugh, shaking her head as she pushes off the counter and nudges Tori with an elbow. Their shoulders brush as they stand side by side.
"Oh my god, I love that," she says, voice warm with amusement. "Mommy Kate. I could get used to that."
She flicks a glance at Tori, catching the angle of her face, the smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. Tori's dark eyes meet hers, and for a second something old and familiar crackles between them—the look of two people who've shared too much, been too close, for too long.
"All done," Tori says, shoving her phone back into her pocket and nodding at the pile of other boxes. "So? Wanna crack some of these open and see if we can make this place look halfway decent?"
And that's pretty much how Kate's day at Swag&Pop goes—fun work with her friend Tori, full of gossip and jokes.
Meanwhile, Alex is still losing his mind.
February 3, 2024, 1 PM. Château des Rêves.
"God, time's moving so damning slow!" Alex mutters, sitting cross-legged on the grass with nothing under him, pink shorts and pink T-shirt bright against the massive lawn at the far end of the mansion.
Lila walks up. "Oh hey!"
"Hey," Alex says. "The place is a damning ghost town today. First time in my life I actually want to hear one of your dumbass parties… and there isn't one! What is it, everyone at fashion shows? Literary salons? OnlyFans awards? Where the damn is everybody?"
Lila sets down a tray of Coca-Cola bottles and drops beside him. She's in gray shorts and a white tank top. "Nah, just the usual rotations," she says, popping a bottle open with practiced ease. "Some girls at the spa, some with boyfriends, others napping. Though…" She smirks as she pours two glasses. "I did hear Madi and Amy went to the movies."
She wiggles her eyebrows.
"Yeah, typical Saturday, thanks—I didn't forget, it's just…" Alex sighs, then shoots her a scandalized look. "Hey, stop messing with Amy and Madi! Madi's basically my personal doctor. I'd be dead without her by now. They're just friends, that's all!"
Lila leans back on her hands, stretching her legs out. She gives him that look—the one that says she knows exactly what's in his head. "Mmmhmm," she hums, tilting her head. "If you say so, boss."
She sips her soda, taps the bottle rim. "You know Amy has a pretty wild side, right?"
Alex stares at her, a wild mix of shock, laughter, and outrage. "No, damn… Sorry, Lila, but you're out of your damn mind today. This morning your favorite boss got hit with Aria's little surprise. And all I can do is sit here waiting for the whole mansion to find out and start calling me names or whatever. Becky won't even call me Short Tail anymore."
Lila barks a laugh, nearly choking on her soda. She sets the bottle down, wipes her mouth with the back of her hand. "Oh my god, you are so worked up," she says, voice thick with amusement. "You know what's funny? I don't even think Aria did it on purpose. She just likes watching people squirm."
She nudges his knee with her foot. "And you—you're like a fish out of water the second someone teases you about it. Just take the hits. You can't be this fragile."
Alex grabs a bottle, pops it open, takes a long swig. "I'm saying, instead of helping me with my problem, you just blow it off and start rambling about Amy's stuff. When you've got issues, I always dive in headfirst to fix them. Hell, I would've made you a big-shot writer by now if it weren't for your stubborn, totally baffling choice to stay my ghostwriter!"
Lila stretches her arms overhead. She exhales a dramatic sigh, face mock-serious. "Oh wow, are we having a midlife crisis already? I didn't realize this was my day to get a lecture about my life choices, boss."
She crosses her legs slowly, gives him an evaluating look. "You know what your problem is? You're too obsessed with controlling everything. Even this—even Aria's little game—you want to manage it, figure it out, make it neat and tidy."
She leans forward, elbows on her knees. "But sometimes life just happens. And sometimes…"
Alex raises a hand, cutting her off.
"Look," he says, "we're not gonna keep spinning the same damn record. I get your point. I agree. I'll let it play out. But…!"
He takes another swig of Coke.
"How many couples like that do you actually know? Guy, girl, and their buddy? I'll answer for you: none. Not in our circle. So why the damn do I have to be the trailblazer? Which is why, yeah—this is absolutely Aria running some kind of op against me."
Lila's grin widens. She scoots closer. She rests her chin in one hand, studying him with open amusement.
"Oh, you think it's some elaborate plan?" she teases. "That Aria sat down with a whiteboard and mapped out a master scheme to get under your skin?" She leans back. "Nah, Alex. She just gets off on watching you squirm. You're fun for her."
She tilts her head, studying him with mock solemnity. "I mean, look at you right now."
Alex meets her gaze, a mix of mild annoyance and real gratitude flickering across his face.
"Thanks. You're a damning great shrink. Keep that up and Amy's gonna get jealous. Even though neither of you are technically psychologists. Madi won't care—she's a therapist."
Lila snorts, shaking her head as she shifts her spot on the grass.
"Therapists and therapists, baby. Big difference. And I'd bet Madi's got her own ways of handling your neuroses. She's just a lot more subtle about it." She taps her nails against the table, thinking. "But really, you're deflecting. This isn't about Amy or Madi or even Aria—it's about you."
Alex scowls, scooting slightly on the grass.
"Because I have to be the one to solve this? I don't even want to be involved in this damning mess."
"You don't get to opt out of life," Lila says simply. "You're already involved."
"Just… don't say anything about this to Madi or Amy," Alex says, finishing off one of the Cokes. "I'm serious. The whole reason I dragged you in this morning to get Ari out of my office was because you always handle it… quietly. You're not gonna run to Kate with some 'How dare you!' speech. Or whatever."
He sighs, gaze drifting to one of the maids playing badminton with a groundskeeper in the distance.
"Look, I'm not an idiot. Or… not completely. I know I'm in this. I know it's my fault: I couldn't give Kate everything she needed. I tried my damning best, but I couldn't. And yeah, it's hard—being an amazing boyfriend to someone like her while also being some amazing erotic writer. Obviously, the work won out over paying attention to her."
Alex pops open another Coke and keeps going.
"And that's why she went along with Ari's damning idea… damn knows what goes on in that girl's head. I can't just turn myself into some ultra-mega-alpha-male. That's not me. I'm more the quiet, supportive type."
Lila barks out a laugh, shaking her head as she stretches her legs out across the grass. She taps her fingers against the Coke bottle he just opened for her.
"I mean, sure. That's your narrative. The writer's perspective. But here's a question: has Kate ever complained about you not being 'ultra-mega-alpha-male'?"
Alex shrugs, popping the top off his own drink. "She wouldn't."
"Because she's nice," Lila says, rolling her eyes. "Or because she genuinely doesn't care? There's a difference." She takes a long sip, watching him over the rim.
"Alright, damn it… I'll just wait and talk to her tonight," Alex mutters, lost in thought.
His phone starts ringing in the pocket of his shorts.
"Damn, I told them to call you, Lila, not me…" He pulls it out, glances at the screen, and freezes.
"Damn, it's Kate…" He looks at Lila, eyes wide with panic. "I'm so damned…"
He answers, forcing casual.
"Hey, Goddess… how's everything at the gallery?"
Kate's bright voice spills through the speaker.
"Everything's great, Baby Boy! I've been helping Tori decorate the gallery all morning for the exhibit… You should've seen the tacky tinsel in those boxes!" She laughs.
"Let me guess—Maria sent over more crap?" Alex replies, matching her playful tone as best he can.
"Yeah, exactly!" Kate giggles. "I swear that woman buys this stuff in bulk just to torture us. Anyway, I'm about to grab lunch with Tori. Want me to bring you anything? I'm heading to the diner downtown."
"Well… you can grab some pizza like usual. Just no pineapple—last time it gave me tummy bubbles." Alex keeps his voice light, confident.
"Tell Tori I said hi. I'll drop by the gallery sometime to chat with her… you know, once I finish this damn book my damn publisher—Dana damning Lovell—is waiting on."
"Oh, my poor writer baby," Kate coos, affection thick in her voice. "I know Dana can be a real hardass. I'll bring extra milk for your stomach. Sweetened or no?"
"Oh, no, don't bring that… Or my stomach's gonna act up again… and it'll be a whole mess."
Alex slips into a soft, playful, almost childish tone.
Then his voice turns serious and tender.
"So, what time should I expect you? It's…"—he glances at Lila's phone—"1:15 right now. When will you be home today?"
Kate giggles at the Madi mention. "Oh, my poor Baby Boy… you're such a handful. I'll be home by 4:30, 5 at the latest. That okay?"
"No, of course not! You two enjoy your little feast with Tori. Love you," Alex says, his voice so tender it almost cracks.
Kate laughs again, clearly delighted. "Love you too, Baby Boy. See you later, Okay? No pineapple!"
Alex ends the call and looks over at Lila, who's sitting right beside him on the grass and heard every word.
She's practically dying of laughter.
"What's so damn funny?" Alex asks, shooting her an annoyed look.
Lila covers her mouth, still giggling. "You are! Oh my god, Alex, you are just the cutest thing alive when you're talking to Kate." She looks at him with fond amusement, shoulders shaking. "Your voice gets all soft and sweet, like a little boy asking his mommy for ice cream." She elbows him playfully. "And then you go on about your stomach acting up… it's too much." She fans her face dramatically. "I think I just had a pleasure from your cuteness alone."
"You still haven't gotten used to it after all this time living and working with us?" Alex asks with a smirk. Then he pauses, thinking.
"Hm… I wonder what she's gonna call Brian… I hope it won't be 'Real Man' or something."
Lila barks out another laugh, shaking her head as she leans back on the grass. "Oh my god, if she calls him something like that I will lose my shit. Can you imagine?"
She waves her hands in exaggerated mockery. "I bet she would say that with the most sincere face too."
Lila keeps bursting into laughter.
"Wow, you really made me feel better! 'Thanks,' damn's sake…" Alex shoots her an irritated look. "Why don't you just tell me how the hell I'm supposed to act with Brian tomorrow when I go to Beverly Hills at 3 PM to talk about this whole goddamn mess? Like I'm supposed to go, 'Hey Brian, it's all cool—I've been with her for four years, but now you two can have your fun.' Then what? I'll be their driver at the wedding in a year?… yeah, they'll totally get married. And I mean—sure, Kate and I both have our reasons for not being married after all this time, it's not really our thing, but Brian? He'll definitely talk her into it. And here you are, rolling around on the lawn laughing your ass off while my life goes straight to shit… yeah, real funny…" Alex says bitterly.
Lila sits up, laughter fading as she looks at him with a mix of amusement and something softer. She reaches over and pats his knee, fingers pressing lightly.
"Oh, Alex," she says, voice tinged with affectionate mockery. "You really are a dramatic little thing, aren't you?"
She smiles and leans back again, propping herself up on her elbows. "Look, I don't think it's as bad as you're making it out to be. You know Kate—she's not going to suddenly jump into some huge relationship with Brian just because he's got a pretty face. And even if she does, so what?"
"Big guy, pretty face, nice muscles, smooth rapper voice…" Alex counts on his fingers, then stops and stares at Lila. His eyes go wide. "What did you just say?! 'And even if she does, so what?' Lila! You're supposed to calm me down, not… not… damn!"
Alex flops back onto the grass, covering his face with his hands.
Lila giggles, rolling onto her side to face him. "Oh come on, Alex," she says, nudging his thigh with her knee. "You're really gonna get worked up over something I just made up? I was exaggerating."
She watches him with half-lidded eyes, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "But admit it—you were thinking the same thing. You're just too much of a proper little gentleman to say it out loud."
Alex groans into his hands before dragging them down his face. His green eyes are dark with distress when he looks at her. "Say what?" he asks in a hurt voice.
Lila smirks, shifting to sit cross-legged beside him. The grass rustles. "Come on, Alex. You've got this whole thing built up in your head like some tragic love triangle, but let's be real—Brian and Kate? It's just sex. She's curious, he's got a reputation, and you've got nothing to lose."
She rests a hand lightly on his shoulder, fingers tapping a slow rhythm. "You're overthinking. Just go tomorrow, talk to him, and get it over with. You don't even need to like the guy—just be civil."
Her expression softens slightly as she watches him process it.
"Damn this goddamn life…" Alex mumbles quietly, turning away from Lila to stare at the grass blades.
February 3, 2024, 3:30 PM, parking lot near the FOODLand diner.
Kate finishes lunch with Tori, says goodbye, and slides into her blue Aston Martin. Five large pizza boxes—sausage and mushroom, no pineapple—are strapped into the backseat with seat belts.
She starts the engine. Her phone rings. It's Aria.
Aria giggles the moment Kate picks up.
"Oh god, Kat, you won't believe the drama king I dealt with this morning. Alex acted like the world was ending just because you're thinking about Brian. I told him to chill—it's not the apocalypse. You're curious, nothing's happened, and you're not about to throw yourself at the first guy who shows interest. But no, he's wound tight, like his brain's playing some twisted soap opera.
He's terrified about talking to Brian tomorrow. Seriously, you'd think he's facing a firing squad. I reminded him you're just curious, not jumping into anything serious. He's stressed as hell, but he promised he'll do it. That's where we're at. Your move now, babe."
Kate giggles, the warm, rich sound filling the car as she shifts gears and pulls out of the lot. The road ahead is long and empty, giving her time to savor the call.
"Oh my god," she laughs, shaking her head as she turns onto the main road home. "Poor baby boy. You'd think I was about to run off with the first guy who looked my way." She glances at the pizza boxes in the rearview, then back to the road.
"But you're right—he's being dramatic. I don't even know if I'll sleep with Brian. It's just… curiosity, I guess."
Aria cackles, voice thick with mischief.
"Kat! Babe, cut the shy-girl act. We both know you're curious about him."
She giggles again, then drops her voice, blunt and low.
"And don't pretend you haven't thought about it. He's been eyeing you like a starving wolf for months. You gonna keep teasing him forever? Because I want to hear how it goes."
Kate bites her lip. A slow smirk spreads as she winds along the coastal road toward Château des Rêves. Sunlight catches her platinum-blonde hair, turning strands gold. The thought of Brian sends a warm thrill through her.
"You're terrible," she teases, though there's no real protest. She wedges the phone against her shoulder with her cheek, her free hand resting on the gearshift as she rounds a bend.
"But yeah… I've thought about it. Obviously."
She exhales through her nose, laughing quietly.
Aria snorts, amused and teasing.
"Of course you have. Don't play innocent Puritan with me. You've been eyeing that guy just as hard as he's been eyeing you. I've seen it for months—ever since I introduced you two. Pretty sure Brian only shows up to your parties at Château des Rêves for you."
She pauses, voice sly.
"But hey, don't rush. Just… don't make me wait too long for the juicy details, Okay? I want to hear everything about you finally being with my Brian."
Her tone softens, warm.
"And if you need me, you know I've got you, sis. Always."
Kate smiles, the kind that crinkles the corners of her pale blue eyes. She can practically see Aria's playful smirk through the phone. Wind slips through the cracked windows, stirring her hair. She lifts a hand to tuck a strand behind her ear.
"Oh, I know," she says softly, amusement edging her voice. "You're always ready to live vicariously through me, aren't you?"
Aria's laugh bursts out, loud and delighted. "Hell yeah, I am! You know I love a good show."
Then she adds, "Alright, talk later. Kisses."
Kate keeps driving toward Château des Rêves, her mind spinning over everything that's happened.
She's crazy in love with Alex—he's her Baby Boy, and that's all there is to it. They've never even had a real fight. Alex is funny, sharp, sarcastic. Cute. Successful, even if he's only a modestly known erotic novelist. And he can never say no to her.
But Brian… shit. She feels a pull to him. A strong one.
She passes a massive billboard for Plant Growth Technologies Inc. A happy young brunette with short hair stands surrounded by lush garden plants. Above her, the slogan:
"Grow with us, grow beyond yourself."
Kate smiles. Something shifts inside her. Grow. Beyond herself. That's always been her motto, hasn't it? Try new things. Experience everything life offers. Alex has never tried to hold her back—he's always encouraged her to be herself, to explore, to chase what she wants.
So why does this feel different?
She turns onto the winding road that leads up to the château. The familiar gates swing open. The sprawling French-style mansion rises ahead, ivy clinging to pale stone walls like green veins. Home.
Kate parks in her usual spot and steps out into the warm California sun.
February 3, 2024, 2 PM, Château des Rêves.
Out back, three of the maids—Nina, Leona, and Izzy—are sitting at wooden picnic tables, eating lunch in the fresh air. The vast yard looks more like a park than a private estate.
Izzy's in blue denim shorts and a white top. Leona wears dark jeans and a navy T-shirt with BRAT splashed across the front in red. Nina's in a blue denim skirt and white top.
Izzy sips apple juice from a box, her gaze drifting across the huge lawn. Alex—pink T-shirt, pink shorts—lies on the grass next to Lila, who's in gray shorts and a white tank. The writer and his assistant are deep in animated conversation, a tray of Coca-Cola bottles between them.
"Look at those two cooing like lovebirds," Izzy says, giggling. "I've said it for years—this place is a modern Netflix version of Tendres cousines. If I didn't know the whole Kate-and-pink-boy dynamic, I'd swear he and his assistant are really close."
Leona bites into her banana, smirking. "You do realize the 'boy in pink' is technically the boss here, right? It's his mansion."
"Eh, technically," Izzy waves it off. "But we all know whose château this really is. Kate runs the place, not him."
Nina laughs, shaking her head. "True. Still, it's kinda sweet, them just chilling out here like normal people. Not that I've ever seen Alex do anything remotely normal, but you know what I mean."
Leona nods slowly, dark hair catching the sun as she leans back. "I guess. But I don't see how anyone can be that sweet and still be with a girl like Kate. That's just unfair."
Izzy grins. "Yeah, I know."
She sucks on the juice box a few more seconds, then sets it down, drumming her fingers on the table while watching Alex and Lila. Alex waves his hands excitedly; Lila doubles over laughing, clutching her stomach.
"Okay, but seriously," Izzy says, "how long do you think that couple's gonna last? Four years of all this sweet cutesy shit… He really is a Baby Boy in so many ways. But I don't know. I'd want a guy with more edge—even if he wasn't as rich or successful. Back in high school, girls like Kate were getting railed by the basketball team captains, not the lit-club presidents."
She says it slowly, almost musing, eyes still on the pair across the lawn.
Leona snorts. "You saying our Kate's slumming it with Alex?" She shakes her head. "No way. That boy's got more going for him than you think. He's quiet, sure, but when you talk to him there's this weird intensity. Like he's really listening to every word. And he's damning loaded." She smirks. "Not that he acts like it."
Izzy tilts her head, considering. "Yeah, but how long can that last? She's Kate. Every guy in Dreamside is panting after her. Literally. You see how they look at her."
Out on the lawn, Alex and Lila suddenly started wrestling. It was over fast—Alex couldn't break her hold and slapped the grass in defeat. Lila released him and burst out laughing, pointing and teasing.
Izzy snorts. "Yeah… definitely not a basketball team captain."
"Oh my god," Leona groaned, rubbing her forehead. "Is he seriously letting her do that to him?"
She kept watching as Lila laughed at a thoroughly defeated Alex. "Jesus, he looks even more flustered than usual."
Izzy sips her juice box and rolls her eyes. "Flustered? That's his default setting." She nods toward Alex brushing grass off his t-shirt while Lila keeps ribbing him. "You'd think after four years he'd at least pretend to have a spine around Kate. But no. He just lets everyone walk all over him. Even his own assistant."
Nina let out a small giggle. "Izzy, they're more like friends than coworkers. Lila started here four years ago as a part-time maid when she was seventeen. Within a year she was Alex's assistant. Even though she's eight years younger, she's basically his older sister in practice. Same way Becky is to Kate. Friends-slash-assistants."
"Yeah, but that's different," Izzy says, taking another slow sip. "Becky actually respects Kate. Lila just… teases him. Like he's some kind of damning pet." She smirks as Lila pokes Alex in the side, making him jump and laugh in protest. "He'd probably follow her around wagging his tail if she told him to."
Leona shrugs. "Alex is soft. But he's not stupid. Lila wouldn't be his assistant if he was just a pushover."
Izzy snorts. "Maybe not, but he lets her get away with murder."
Nina rolls her eyes. "Oh come on. Every party here is huge — drinks, music, and everything on a massive scale. Apparently it closes all those fancy art deals. Everyone's having fun except Kate and Alex. Kate usually ends up in the small lounge with Aria—staff barely gets in there. And Alex… well, you can see Lila basically replaces parties for him. They do everything together."
"You're right about that," Izzy mutters, still watching them. "Kate's always off with Aria doing God knows what, and Alex is just… here." She waves vaguely toward the house. "Hanging with Lila or hiding in his office."
Nina shrugs. "He's not really the party type anyway. Honestly, I think he's happier this way." She glanced over again. "Lila makes him laugh more than anyone here. Even Kate."
Izzy snorts. "Yeah, at his own expense half the time."
Nina picked up a bright red apple and turned it over in her hand. "Aria and Kate just drink and gossip in that little lounge—that's been an open secret forever. Alex is Dana's top workhorse, and Lila's the one who keeps him balanced, creatively and personally. I bet her salary's way better than ours. Though Madi, their personal doctor… she's in a league of her own pay-wise.
"She even kinda looks like Kate—different face shape, green eyes instead of blue, but the hair, the way she talks to Alex… it's almost identical. 'Baby Boy' from Kate, 'Sweetheart' from Madi. Every checkup probably makes him feel a lot better."
Izzy let out a low whistle. "Damn. You really pay attention to all this."
Nina grins and takes a bite of the apple. "Perks of being a maid. We clean up after everything. Literally and figuratively." She gestures toward Alex with the half-eaten apple. "And him? He's a walking oxymoron. All that weird reclusive-writer shit, but then there's Lila and he's just… so damning easygoing with her."
Leona leaned forward, curious. "What do you mean?"
Nina shrugs. "Kate's his personal goddess, the love of his entire damning life. Amy's the mom-psychologist type, Madi's the mom-therapist. And Lila? She's the insurance policy that he doesn't implode from overworking, introverting, and being completely in love with the other three. She's basically responsible for his social survival."
Izzy exhals sharply. "Right. I guess that makes sense." She glanced at Alex and Lila again. "Kate's intense. And Alex… he seems fragile in a way. Like he's trying to hold everything together, but it's all on his shoulders."
Nina hums in agreement. "Exactly. Lila's the pressure valve." She nodded toward them. "Look. They're just bickering about some dumb shit and laughing like idiots. That's literally her job—to make him actually enjoy being here instead of just existing."
Lila throws her head back in laughter, dark hair catching the sunlight, while Alex gestures wildly. "They look like best friends who hate each other just enough to keep things interesting," Nina said, finishing her apple and tossing the core into the trash.
Leona leans forward, thoughtful. "So she's basically his… emotional support person? But more casual?"
"Pretty much," Nina says. "If Kate's the whole damn universe to him, Lila's the gravity keeping him from spinning out."
Izzy watches as Alex says something that made Lila laugh so hard she nearly spilled her soda. "Still… I think Kate's kinda outgrowing Alex. Both as a person and as an artist. Makes you wonder whose name that mansion and most of the assets are under right now…"
She shoots Nina a sly look. "Just so we know whose shit we'll be cleaning up after they get tossed out."
Nina scoffs, resting an elbow on the table. "Oh please. I've been here long enough to know Alex isn't going anywhere. At least not voluntarily." She glanced back at the pair—Alex gesturing animatedly, Lila throwing her head back again with laughter.
"Kate might get bored with him sometimes," Nina continues, voice lowering slightly, "but she's also the kind of girl who gets off on being worshipped. And nobody worships her like Alex does." She smirked. "That shit? You don't just throw it away."
Izzy hums, tapping her fingers against the juice box. "Alright, they're not married, so no splitting assets in court. But you know that simp might've put a whole damn lot in her name…"
Izzy furrows her brow, tapping her finger on the table as she thinks.
"And besides, have you noticed how she's been hanging out these past few months? Always with that Black guy at the parties—tall, ripped, skin like dark chocolate. It's her, him, and Aria all the time. What's his name again…"
Nina tilts her head. "Brian Jackson. Basketball player, rapper, whatever. Pretty sure they're just friends… or something." She smirks, leaning back in her seat at the outdoor wooden table. "Kate's always been the type to flirt with everybody. It's part of her charm."
Leona snorts. "Yeah, but I've seen how she looks at him. And he looks at her." She gestures with a carrot stick. "It's intense. If only Alex could see it…"
"But Alex doesn't see it. Doesn't know. That's my point."
Izzy finishes her juice box and tosses it into the garbage can where Kate threw her apple core.
"Honestly, every damn dog in the county knows Kate's personal life with Alex and her public life never cross paths. At least not yet."
Nina lets out a slow whistle, shaking her head. "Damn. You sound like you're waiting for the shit to hit the fan."
Izzy grins, stretching her arms above her head. "Just saying, when a girl like Kate gets bored of being adored, and there's a guy like Brian waiting in the wings… well." She shrugs. "Ain't nobody gonna stop her if she decides to move on."
Nina scoffs, but her fingers tap rhythmically against the table. "Yeah, yeah. But Alex isn't just some disposable admirer. He's… the whole foundation."
"I don't know if that's good or bad," Izzy muses, peeling open another juice box. "You ever wonder if she'd rather have someone who wasn't so… devoted? Someone who'd actually push back once in a while?"
Nina exhales through her nose. "That's the thing about people like Alex and Kate—they're both so used to getting their way, it never occurs to them to fight. Probably why they've lasted this long."
She gestures with her juice box. "Alex is the most easygoing guy I've ever met. And Kate? She loves that. But there's a part of her that wants something new. That's why she flirts so much."
Izzy props her elbows on the table, chin in her hands. "So you think she's just playing?"
Nina snorts. "Oh, she's definitely playing. But there's a line between playing and going too far." She grins, catching the sparkle in Izzy's eyes. "And I think Kate's getting real close to that line."
Izzy hums, tapping her juice box against the table. "And Brian? What do you think he wants?"
Nina laughs. "Oh, we all know what he's thinking." She stretches her legs under the table. "But how far is he willing to go to get it?"
Izzy tilts her head. "You think he'd actually do something about it?"
Nina shrugs, picking at the label on her juice box. "Nah, he's too careful. Too smart. Brian knows exactly what he's doing—flirting, making her feel wanted, but never pushing too far. Keeps it suggestive."
She smirks. "I bet he's hoping she'll make the first move. Just for the ego. He's not exactly subtle. The way he talks to her and looks at her… it feels pretty intense."
Izzy laughs, stretching her legs out beside Nina. "Yeah, I've noticed. It's all this—" she waves her hands in front of her face, "—energy between them. Like they're both holding back but dying to snap and just—" She makes a grabbing motion. "Go for it."
Nina nods, tapping her juice box again. "Exactly. The tension, the attraction. They're both so careful, waiting for the other to break first." She leans forward, voice dropping. "Kate's always been vibrant, adventurous. She needs more than stability. She needs excitement. Alex is steady. Safe." She wiggles her fingers in air quotes. "But I don't know if that's enough forever."
Izzy drums her fingers on the table. "You really think she's gonna leave him?"
Nina shrugs. "I think she's gonna test the waters."
"Wait…" Leona squints, trying to pull the memory into focus. "Isn't Brian Aria's boyfriend? They've made out plenty of times at those parties, right in front of Kate. And it never seemed to bother her."
Nina nods, taking a slow sip of juice before setting it down. "Yeah. That's the thing—it doesn't bother her. That should tell you something." She glances at Izzy. "Kate's always liked watching other people have fun. Likes being part of that energy."
Izzy taps her fingers again. "So you think she wants Brian, but she's hesitating because of Alex?"
Nina smirks. "Exactly. She loves Alex for all the right reasons. But she's also got a thing for bad boys."
Leona rolls her eyes. "Oh god, don't tell me this is all gonna end with Brian and Kate getting together in some room while everyone watches. Just like that girl last year. Remember?"
Nina laughs, shaking her head. "God, I hope not. That was ridiculous." She leans back, tapping her fingers against the edge of the table. "But if Kate wanted to do something like that, I don't think she'd stop herself. She's not shy about what she likes."
Leona groans. "Ugh. I don't want to think about it. She's so sweet and bubbly, and then—" She makes a crude gesture, wiggling her fingers. "—she's out there partying hard with multiple guys at once in front of everyone. I just—no. Too much."
Nina snorts. "Don't act like you wouldn't watch if she did," Izzy says, grinning as she nudges Leona's arm.
Leona huffs but doesn't deny it. Nina chuckles, stretching her legs under the table while the warm California sun beats down. "She's not like that," she says, tone light and teasing. "Mostly. But she's… curious. And Brian is…"
Izzy perks up. "Brian is what?"
Nina considers it, then grins. "Brian is exactly what she'd go for if she wanted someone different from Alex. He's got that… presence. That confidence."
"Hmm… then how about a little vote: Alex or Brian?" Izzy says, giving Leona and Nina a playful look. "We could even make a bet on who Kate ends up with."
Nina raises an eyebrow, a slow smile spreading. "A bet? I like that." She rests her chin on her hand, elbow propped on the table. "But I think we all know how this is gonna go."
Leona scoffs. "Oh, come on. Alex? You really think she's gonna stay with him forever?"
Nina shrugs. "I think she'll stay with him for a long time. But… yeah. Brian has potential." She taps her fingers on the table. "Kate likes a challenge. Alex is safe. Brian is the opposite of safe."
Izzy hums in agreement.
"Alex is sweet," Nina continues, smirking. "Loyal. Does whatever she wants. Brian's the kind of guy who'd try to take charge. That's exactly what she likes when she's feeling adventurous."
Leona groans, pressing her hands to her face. "Ugh. Fine. If you two are gonna bet on this, I'm in. But I think Alex wins. He's got that gentle, dependable thing going for him." She drops her hands and glares.
Nina chuckles, crossing her arms. "Yeah, he's gentle. But Kate gets bored easily. She needs new experiences. New people." She glances between them, grin widening. "And I think she's been eyeing Brian for a while. You saw how they were talking at the last party. She was all over him."
Izzy nods eagerly. "Oh yeah. Definitely flirting hard. And Brian wasn't stopping her." She taps the table. "So what are we betting, exactly?"
Nina leans back, squinting against the sunlight. "Let's keep it simple. Whoever loses has to do something embarrassing at the next party." She grins. "Like… dance on the bar while singing 'My Heart Will Go On' in French."
Leona gags. "You're evil."
Nina just laughs. "What, you scared?"
Izzy snickers. "Yeah, Leona. You scared?"
Leona rolls her eyes, but she's grinning. "Fine. But if Alex wins, I get to pick the song and the embarrassing thing you two have to do." She points at Nina, then Izzy.
Nina waves a hand. "Deal. But I think I'm gonna win this one."
Izzy claps her hands together. "Alright! Let's make it official. Who's betting on Kate staying with Alex?"
Leona raises her hand immediately. "Me. Alex is adorable, and she's not gonna throw away four years like that."
Nina shrugs. "I'm on Brian. It's only a matter of time before she gets bored. He's exactly the kind of guy who can keep her interested."
Izzy hesitates, biting her lip, then grins. "I'm with Nina. Brian's got that bad-boy energy. Kate loves it."
Leona groans, crossing her arms. "Fine. But when I win, Nina's singing on the bar. And Izzy, you'll be her backup dancer."
Nina laughs, tilting her head back. "Oh, that's cute. You actually think you're gonna win." She winks. "But fine. Name it. I'll do it."
Izzy snickers. "I can't wait to see this." She leans forward, chin on her hands. "So… how long do we give it? A year? Six months?"
Nina hums. "Nah. Three months."
"Three months?" Leona scoffs. "That's nothing! You sure you want to bet on something like that?"
Nina shrugs, still grinning. "I don't think it'll take that long. If she's gonna try something new, it'll happen soon. We all know she's been curious about Brian for a while."
Leona groans, rubbing her face. "God, you're so sure of yourself." She shakes her head. "Fine. Three months. But if Alex wins, Nina, you're singing 'My Heart Will Go On' in French. And Izzy, you're her backup dancer."