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“I won’t say anything,” I promised, pleading with my eyes for her to believe me. Before the conversation could continue, I decided to change tack and lighten it up a little instead.

“Now,” I turned to face the room. “Speaking of gossip, there has to be some dirt on the people in this room. Anything particularly juicy you think I should know before I throw myself to the wolves?”

Both Annabelle and Aaliyah’s eyes lit up, their disagreement all but forgotten, and they launched into a Page-Six worthy report on the scandals that were currently taking place amongst our guests. I had no idea how they knew so much, and I didn’t dare ask either, but it was both comical and diverting all the same.

Once I’d been ‘schooled’ on who was having an affair with whom, and who’s latest bout with recreational drugs landed them in rehab, I took a turn around the room and made sure that everyone in attendance was enjoying themselves. I purposefully avoided approaching Caleb, keeping my eyes on him from a distance, and after grabbing another flute of champagne I decided to find my table.

Macy intercepted me, looking ravishing in a turquoise gown that complimented her fiery red hair, and flawless complexion, and smiled. “I’ve been looking for you. Do you think you can give this to Caleb?”

I took the folded up piece of paper from her outstretched hand. “Sure, what is it?”

“It’s his speech. Silly man left it in his office. I’d give it to him myself, but my husband is waiting to introduce me to someone.”

Just then, Macy was swept away by her husband, leaving me to find Caleb on my own. He wasn’t difficult to spot, and I found myself walking towards him on slightly shaky legs. He was talking to a tall, older gentleman, and the brunette on his arm all but sneered at me when I walked closer.

I cleared my throat, and three pairs of eyes snapped in my direction. The only pair I noticed though were the ones filled with shards of blue ice.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, Mr. Callahan, but -”

“I’m sorry dear, Mr. Callahan is a little busy. He’ll have to sign your little piece of paper later,” said the brunette, cutting me off mid-sentence.

Bitch.

She thought I was a groupie.

I met her disdainful glare with one of my own, a little tired of being made to feel less than. Between Jennifer and this bimbo, I was starting to get a little pissed.

“Sorry, dear,” I mimicked her tone, aware that Caleb’s brows had shot up in, was that amusement? “But I’m not looking for an autograph. This is Mr. Callahan’s speech for tonight.” My gaze traveled over to Caleb, and I couldn’t tell if he was displeased with how I’d spoken to his date or not. “Macy asked me to give this to you.”

He took it from my hand, ignoring the way his date harrumphed beside him, and I saw his lip twitch slightly. “Thank you, Ms. Kavanagh.”

I gave him a brisk nod, and then politely excused myself. I finally found my table, only to see that I was seated beside Caleb. With the place card in my hands, I moved to the opposite end of the table, and swopped my name for Jennifer’s.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

I froze.

Oh dear.

That voice. It rumbled, racing across the exposed skin of my neck, and back, leaving chills in its wake.

With a slow pivot, I faced Caleb and his impetuous grimace.

“Someone must have made a mistake with the seating arrangements,” I said. “They put me next to you.”

“You have a problem sitting next to me, Ms. Kavanagh?”

“I – I…um….” I stuttered, tripping over all the words that were on the very tip of my tongue. Somehow I doubted telling him I didn’t want to sit so close to him would bode well.

“No,” I finally managed.

I fell silent when Caleb’s eyes hardened, his lips drawn into a tight line. He made me uncomfortable. Intimidated me.

“You pissed my date off,” he murmured.

My lip curled in distaste, and then I reminded myself exactly whom I was talking to.

“You should find nicer dates.”

Well shit, so much for not saying the first thing that came to mind. Not that I could really help it. It was the first time we’d spoken since my disastrous morning a few days ago, and I had to admit I was caught a little off guard.

“I appreciate the advice,” Caleb buttoned up his suit jacket, and took a step backwards, “But considering you’re here alone, I don’t think you’re qualified to make such a suggestion.”

My jaw dropped, and I caught the smirk on his face as he spun around and headed towards the stage. Our encounters up until now had been awkward, and stilted at best, and I always ended up comparing it to my past memories. Unfortunately, I was starting to realize that the Caleb I knew, and the man with his back to me were no longer the same person.