Page 614 of Manhattan Bossholes

She looked typically breathtaking, with the sunlight behind her giving her a warm glow. Felicity was wearing a short sleeve black cashmere t-shirt and a swingy, knee-length black skirt with sparkly gold accents, selected to be a perfect backdrop for the gold jewelry we were planning to integrate into the video.

“Please,” Lucy said, stepping closer to examine Felicity’s face. “She barely put anything on you! Just a little lipstick and shadow. I’d kill for your skin.”

“You look lovely,” I agreed, then glanced at Lucy. “Okay, are we ready to begin? Because this is taking much longer than we discussed.”

I didn’t like the feeling of my old life and my current one crashing together. Too many memories of Carolina were worming their way into my head, forcing me to remember all the moments we’d shared in the park. The proposal, yes—but other times, too. Like the time we’d rented a double bike and laughed so hard we’d crashed into a trash can. Or taking selfies on the John Lennon “Imagine” memorial. I half expected to see Carolina’s face among the crowd of people gathering to watch us.

It had me feeling more raw than I’d admit. Even though my relationship with Carolina was entirely in the past, being here had me remembering how it had felt, back when I’d been so in love. I’d been swept away by my feelings—back when I was too stupid to realize that was the last thing I should do.

“I think we’re almost there,” Lucy said, craning her neck to see what the crew was up to.

I’d reached my limit. “No, enough waiting around. We need to start now,” I answered. “Let’s go; I have real work to do back at the office.”

Felicity frowned at me but didn’t say anything.

“Oh, okay, sure,” Lucy said gently. “Um, hey, Frank? It’s time to get rolling.”

A few minutes later, we were situated on the bench with three different cameras pointed at us, not to mention the dozens of phones pointed our way from the gathered spectators. I was itchy from the forced cheer of the whole scenario, but I managed to paint on a smile.

“Remember,” Lucy said, “this is recorded, so if you make a mistake, we can try it again. No pressure.”

The camera operator pointed at Lucy to signal he was rolling, and it was as if a light turned on inside of her.

“Hey friends, can you believe I’m sitting next to the couple of the moment? Yeah, it’s your girl ‘Life with Lucy’ hanging out with none other than CamLicity!” She turned to us. “I’m totally starstruck, you guys!”

“It’s great to be here with you,” I said, following the script. I took Felicity’s hand, and she gave me a sweet smile. “I hear we’re going to be answering some questions from your followers today?”

“Yes, we are! People are dying to know all about you. And Felicity, you’re going to be modeling some Veritique bling for us!”

“I’m so excited about the chance to show off these gorgeous new pieces,” she beamed. “They’re all just stunning, and I know your followers are going to love them as much as I do.”

“Hold on, hold on, sorry to interrupt” the main camera operator’s voice rang out. “I can’t hear Cameron and Felicity. Something’s going on with their mics. Let’s take five and figure it out.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” I mumbled. I pulled the clip-on mic from my lapel and dropped it in his hand, then stormed away. I had to work hard to keep the anger from my face because people were still watching me.

“Hey,” Felicity called out. “Wait for me.”

I paused so she could catch up.

“What’s going on with you today?” she asked quietly. “You seem tense.”

I paused in the shade of a tree, taking advantage of the fact that there was no one around us.

“This is taking way too long,” I replied honestly, letting my frustration leak out. “I’m not enjoying it at all. This kind of attention is not my thing. You should know that by now.”

She reached out to run her hand down my arm. “I get it. I don’t love it either. But hey, we’re together. That’s fun, right?”

“Not in this setup,” I grumbled.

She faked a scowl. “I’m sorry, did you just say you’re not having fun with me?” Felicity squinted her eyes at me and shook her head exaggeratedly, like she couldn’t comprehend the thought of it. “I am the most fun, at all times and in all ways, Mr. O’Connor. And don’t you forget it.”

I chuckled. “Okay, okay, you are.”

“Thank you,” she said triumphantly. “Now give me a kiss to say you’re sorry.”

I leaned down to give her a quick peck on the mouth, but she circled her arms behind my neck and kissed me hard.

“That’s better,” she said, grinning at me.