He squinted, his gaze following the other guests as they made their way to the dance floor. A burst of laughter drifted past, followed by the pop of a cork.
“You’re not dazzled, which makes a pleasant change.”
I thought of Sveta’s hand on Liam’s arm. The way she’d leaned in. The confidence of it.
I picked up my drink again and took a slow sip.
“I can see why he likes you,” he said lightly. “You’re grounded. Different from his usual type.”
I didn’t want to think of Liam’susual type. The thought made me feel sick.
“I don’t think we know each other well enough for you to be assessing me,” I said.
He laughed. “Fair enough, Andrea. Occupational hazard.”
“Right.”
“Pattern recognition,” he continued, as if I’d asked. “Iwork in finance. We spend an inordinate amount of time predicting behavior.”
“Fascinating.”
“Oh, it’s corrosive.” He grinned. “But useful.”
I took another sip, wishing the alcohol would hurry up and do something decisive.
His dark hair hadn’t moved all evening, not a strand out of place despite the heat and the crowd. He angled his knees in my direction, tilting his head toward mine.
“I’ve known Liam a long time,” he said. “Long enough to know which part he shows people.”
I’d felt this coming, like a pressure change before a storm. I kept my expression neutral, my eyes on the dancers. “Have you?”
A drink was pushed across the bar. Toby took a sip without saying thank you.Entitledprick.
“Yes. On and off. For years, actually.”
“Nice for you.”
“He’s very good at first impressions.”
“I’m sure.”
“No. I mean it. He’s charismatic. Convincing.” He picked off the garnish—a slice of fresh peach—and ate it. “Makes you feel as though you’re seeing the full picture.”
“And you’re suggesting that isn’t the case.”
“I’m suggesting,” he said, “that people fill in the gaps with Liam Roth. Especially people who want to believe the best.”
The music swelled, and the tempo increased. From the dance floor, the crowd cheered.
“You’re clever,” he continued. “I noticed that earlier. You ask the right questions.”
“Thank you for your appraisal.”
He laughed again. “It’s only good manners. You deserve to know who you’re standing next to.”
“I think I do, thank you.”
A lie. I didn’t want to hear what he had to say.
