Chapter 44

“You know why it was you, of course.” Colby did a small kick, a glide, not within arm’s reach. Not quite meeting Jason’s eyes, either. “Not because you wanted it so much, though you clearly did. Not because of—of whatever chemistry we had, during that screen test, though that’s important too, obviously. But you saw that part of the character. The way Stephen loves people.”

“You did that on purpose,” Jason said. He did not see Charlie’s face; he’d forgotten to stare at every one of Colby’s movements as if one of them might drown. He let the water hold him up, let it surround him, and regarded Colby Kent’s slim shoulders under starlight and moonlight and pool-light. “You made me talk. Distractions. You know Stephen as well as I do.”

“Oh, I’d rather hope not. After all, you’re playing him.” Colby shrugged. “But the rest, yes, a bit. Sorry.”