Chapter 13

Harriet and Wyn slow-dance to karaoke, trading barbs about their roles and the near-kiss in the cellar. Their banter masks hurt; Harriet claims she’s “playing her part,” and Wyn bristles at how unlike their past this public straddling act is. The music’s sensuality intensifies their closeness, and they probe each other’s changes since the breakup.

Back at the table, Wyn pulls Harriet into his lap. Both escalate the show: Harriet threads her fingers through Wyn’s hair and leans into his neck; Wyn’s hand slides along her thigh, their arousal unmistakable. Sabrina suggests darts to defuse the tension, but Wyn refuses, signaling he won’t back down.

As the night winds down, Sabrina dominates darts, and Parth charms a bachelorette party while discussing gerrymandering. The group, bolstered by Fireball shots, exchanges business cards. Harriet, Wyn, and Cleo help ferry their tipsy friends to a cab while Parth plays the Twin Peaks theme.

Back at the cottage, caretaking gives way to intimacy-in-proximity: in the cab and hallway, Harriet and Wyn remain physically close. In their room, with the door closed, Wyn asks if they can stop punishing each other and be friends for the remaining days. Harriet, stung by the word but exhausted by anger, agrees to a truce.

Wyn steps back from the charged moment and offers Harriet the bed. The détente halts their dangerous game, acknowledging lingering feelings while setting boundaries for the immediate future.