"Raphael's opening!" I exclaimed, interrupting Clara's brainstorming session for our next public appearance. "It's perfect. It's a chance to support my friend and show a united front."

Clara paused, considering. "Raphael Treno? The up-and-coming chef I hear people raving about?" At my nod, she grinned, clapping her hands together. "Brilliant, Noreen. The press will be all over it."

Her excitement dimmed slightly as she eyed James and me, taking in the careful distance between us, the strained politeness that had become our new normal. "But if we're going to sell this, you two need to step up the PDA. The gossip rags have questioned your lack of affection since those reunion photos leaked. Everything is being scrutinised, all past photos, appearances..."

I felt my cheeks heat, and a prickle of discomfort ran down my spine. The thought of being more demonstrative with James sent my pulse skittering. Especially after the confusing tangle of emotions, the Reunion had stirred up in me, I didn't feel ready.

But I pasted on a smile, determined to power through. "We'll make it happen, right?" I glanced at James, hoping for a flicker of something.

If Clara noticed how James stiffened slightly under my gaze, she didn't comment. "Excellent. I'll make the arrangements. You two focus on bringing the heat."

✦﹒✦﹒✦

In the days before the opening, I felt uneasy. Things with James had been strained since the Reunion, and an awkward formality had replaced our easy banter. Even his snarky, teasing remarks were gone. He didn't feel like the same person, and frankly, neither did I. I felt more like an empty shell than a person.

When I got home from work the day of, Katherine was already at my place, a garment bag slung over her shoulder and a knowing glint in her eye. She had used the key I had given her ages ago.

"Ready to support our friend?"

I managed a weak grin, gladly accepting the glass of wine she pressed into my hand. "As I'll ever be. Though I might need the whole bottle to get through tonight."

Kat's brow furrowed, her usually effervescent demeanour sobering. "Hey, you've seemed...off since the Reunion. I didn't want to press, but if you need to talk..."

I sighed, sinking onto the couch and taking a fortifying sip of merlot. "Kat, seeing Elliot again brought up a lot of old feelings. Feelings I thought I'd dealt with. And now things with James are so awkward, and I have to pretend to be head over heels, and I'm just...I'm tired, Kat."

Katherine squeezed my hand, her expression sympathetic. Before she could respond, the front door opened, signalling James's arrival. He strode into the living room, devastatingly handsome in his charcoal-tailored suit, and I felt my body stand at attention at his sight.

His gaze landed on our clasped hands. Something unreadable flickered across his face before he schooled his features into a polite mask.

"Katherine," he greeted with a nod. "I didn't realise you'd be here."

Kat grinned, unfazed by his cold tone. "It's easier to tag along for the car ride! Besides, someone gotta keep you two on your toes!"

The corner of James's mouth twitched, a hint of his old humour peeking through. "In that case, I'd better stay on my guard."

Kat's smile widened, pleased at the crack in his icy facade.

The exchange eased some tension, and I relaxed minutely. Tonight wouldn't be a total disaster after all.

I ushered Kat to get dressed, and I followed suit. However, once I went to my closet, I stared blankly at the racks of designer dresses and tried to muster some enthusiasm for the evening ahead. I lost track of time. A knock at the door startled me from my apathy.

"Come in," I called distractedly, assuming Katherine was coming to help me get ready.

But it was James who stepped into the room. I felt my breath catch, my traitorous heart kicking up a notch at the sight of him.

"Almost ready?" he asked, his gaze skimming over my silk robe and the clothes strewn across the bed.

I shrugged, turning back to the closet to hide my flush. "Just trying to decide what to wear. I want to make the right impression tonight."

James was quiet for a moment. Then, to my surprise, he moved to stand beside me, his shoulder brushing mine as he surveyed the options.

"The red," he said decisively, reaching out to finger the delicate lace overlay of the gown. "You always look stunning in red."

I glanced at him, caught off guard by the compliment. It was the first genuinely lovely thing he'd said to me since the Reunion.

"Thank you," I murmured, lifting the dress from the rack. "I'll be ready in a few minutes."

James nodded, something unreadable flickering in his eyes as he stepped back. "We'll wait for you downstairs."

He left as quietly as he'd come, leaving me to struggle into the form-fitting gown with hands that shook slightly. It was just the nerves, I told myself.

When I descended the stairs, my mask was firmly in place - the serene, unruffled veneer of a woman in love. James met me at the bottom, offering his arm as he guided me towards the door. Katherine observed us with a concerned look.

✦﹒✦﹒✦

The paparazzi lined the entrance when we arrived at the restaurant, shooting flashes. Raphael was there to greet us, his smile wide even as his eyes sparked with nerves.

He embraced Katherine and me, pressing a kiss to each cheek. He said politely, "I cannot thank you enough for being here. The press turnout...it's beyond my wildest dreams."

I returned his smile, genuinely happy for my friend's success. "We wouldn't miss it for the world, Raph. And it's well deserved. I have no doubt tonight will be a smash."

He ushered us inside to our table, the epitome of a gracious host. As we settled in, James's hand found mine atop the tablecloth, his fingers lacing through mine. I glanced at him, surprised, but he merely leaned in close.

"Just giving the people what they want," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear.

I suppressed a quiver, aware of the dozens of lenses outside trained on our every move. Right, it was a show of devotion. But beneath the polished exterior, I could feel the stiffness in James's posture.

"Looking cosy, you two," Kat teased, her tone light but her gaze assessing.

I managed a smile and replied in a hushed voice. "Just playing our parts, Kat. You know how it is."

She hummed, unconvinced, but let the subject drop as the first course arrived.

The meal was exquisite, a testament to Raphael's skill and creativity in the kitchen. As the wine flowed and the conversation turned to lighter topics, I felt myself begin to relax, the knots of tension in my shoulders loosening bit by bit.

James, too, seemed to unwind, his laughter coming a bit easier, his smiles a bit more genuine. But still, there was a guardedness to him, a restraint in his interactions with me that felt like a stark contrast to the easy affection of before.

As the evening wore on and the opening wound down, Kat stood, clapping her hands to get our attention.

"Alright, folks! The night's still young. Who's up for an after-party at my place?"

There was a chorus of enthusiastic agreement, and soon, we were all piling into cars and headed for Kat's loft.

By the time we arrived, the party was in full swing, and the space was packed with Raphael's friends and our circle. Kat, ever the hostess, had gone all out, with a full bar, platters of food, and even a photo booth set up in the corner.

"What are we, teenagers?" I chuckled, shaking my head at the array of silly props.

Kat just grinned, pressing a drink into my hand. "You're never too old for a little fun, Nor. Loosen up, live a little!"

I rolled my eyes but accepted the drink, letting her drag me into the fray. It felt like forever since I could last loosen up to be myself. The Reunion was supposed to be that day when I reconnected with my old, genuine self. But it turned out to be a far more heavy affair than anticipated.

As the night wore on and the drinks kept coming, I found myself easing up, getting swept up in the festive atmosphere but never wholly. James and I circulated, mingling with the other guests but always seeming to orbit back to each other.

There were moments, fleeting touches and lingering glances when it felt almost like before - that easy, flirtatious energy that had always sparked between us. But then one of us would catch ourselves, remembering the unresolved hurt and confusion, and the moment would pass, leaving an awkward stillness in its wake.

During one of these lulls, I found myself on Kat's balcony, seeking a moment of quiet away from the party. I leaned against the railing, staring out at the city lights, lost in thought.

I was so absorbed in my head that I didn't hear the door slide open or realise I wasn't alone until James spoke.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

I started, turning to find him watching me, his expression unreadable in the dim light.

"James! I didn't hear you come out."

He shrugged, moving to lean on the railing beside me. "Thought you might need a refill," he said by way of greeting, offering me a glass.

I accepted it with a small smile. "Thanks. It was getting a bit stuffy in there."

We sipped silently for a minute, the muffled sound of music and laughter filtering out from inside.

"James," I started, at the exact moment he said, "Noreen, I-"

We both broke off, chuckling awkwardly. "You go first," James offered.

I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. "I just wanted to say... I'm sorry. For how I messed things up during the Reunion."

He was quiet for a moment, considering. "It has been... challenging," he agreed. "I acted like a jerk, so I am sorry for that. I was too focused on managing our image. That party brought up things I thought I'd put to rest."

I glanced at him, surprised by the admission. "Like what?"

He hesitated, seeming to debate with himself. "Like... regret. For choices, I made a long time ago. People I hurt, chances I didn't take." He shook his head. "I meant to say: we all have our ghosts, Noreen."

"That's true," I said softly. "I didn't know you were also fighting your own invisible battles. " She sighed, "You always look so sure of yourself, radiating confidence, so composed. It's difficult to see you as someone who might be struggling." I turned to him, "Sorry. I guess I forgot you're human, too."

Something flickered in his eyes, a flash of vulnerability quickly masked. "Thanks..."

He reached out, giving my hand a quick squeeze before letting go. "And for what it's worth... I know I haven't been the easiest person to be around lately, always trying to push your buttons."

I managed a small smile. "Well, it's fair to assume we both have flaws."

He smiled back, easing some of the tension between us. "How about from here on out? We try to be more honest with each other? A bit more... open. I can't promise I'll always get it right, but I can try."

I felt some of that ice in my chest melt. "I'd like that."

James tilted his head back toward the party. "What do you say we head back in? I think Kat was looking for you earlier."

I nodded, "Yeah, okay. I should probably let Kat drag me into more crazy games."

James's hand brushed against mine as we moved towards the door, the contact fleeting but deliberate. "Save me a dance later?" he asked, his voice low and warm.

I felt a flutter in my chest. "I think I can manage that."

And with that, we stepped back into the party, the distance between us a little less daunting than before.