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“It was a good interview,” I tell Jace when it’s over. “You’re really good in front of the camera.”
“Thank you. Practice makes perfect. I’ve been doing it for a long time.” Jace takes my legs and places them on his lap. He massages them and I let out a sigh as the tension leaves my body.
“Want to take this to the bedroom?” I ask him.
He grins. “Yes, ma’am.”
I laugh at his enthusiasm. To be honest, I’m looking forward to losing myself in that body of his. Make myself forget everything except that moment.
***
“You sure about this, Liv?” Chris asks me from the stove where he’s stirring a pan of soup. It’s the only job I’ve given him. Anything more complicated and he’ll ruin dinner. Chris cannot even cook an egg. He survives on takeout and eating at his parents’ home when he craves home-cooked meals. Sometimes he cajoles me into cooking dinner which I’m always happy to do.
“I have no choice,” I tell him returning to the kitchen to get more cutlery. “I’ve run out of excuses why he can’t meet the people I love.”
“And Marcus agreed to do this?” Chris asks in a dubious tone.
“I had to beg but yeah, he agreed. All you have to do is speak only when you’re spoken to. Or if you feel a need to talk, tell us about Maya.” Chris and the rockstar chic have been seeing a lot of each other. Almost every day judging from my communication with him.
He even gave me a couple of tickets for their concert tonight and though it’s a tight squeeze, Jace and I agreed to go. We’ll have dinner, spend some time with Marcus and Charlotte and then go to the concert which starts at nine. When I told Charlotte this, she sighed, “To be young.” I reminded her that Jace was older than her and Marcus and he was game to go out.
Chris grins. “She’s awesome, Liv and so real. She reminds me of you.”
I make a face. “That’s weird.”
“No, it’s not. You’re the realest person in my life, you know that. Maya is like that. She speaks her mind and she’s interested in important things. Like making music, giving back and just helping people. I’m glad you’re coming to the concert. You’ll love it.”
“Jace is coming too. After how special he made my birthday, I’m excited to do something nice for him. Something different. A rock concert is just the thing. Thanks, Chris.”
“You’re welcome,” he says. “Oh, and I have another piece of news. I’ll be their official photographer on their upcoming tour.”
“That’s wonderful,” I cry and leave what I’m doing to go and hug him. “Congratulations. Things are really working out for you, aren’t they?”
“They are. I wanted to go on tour with her but I didn’t want to feel like a groupie. But with a genuine official title, I can kill two birds with one stone. See where our relationship will go and work while seeing the country. I’m excited.”
“I’m excited for you too.” I’m glad that Chris is getting out of Chicago. It’ll do him good to widen his scope and this new relationship sounds promising. I really hope it works out. All these good things couldn’t be happening to a nicer person.
It’s fun catching up with Chris. Dinner is soon ready and we keep it warm in the microwave. I leave Chris watching the news while I take a quick shower and get ready for dinner. I’ve texted Marcus and Charlotte so much today that each told me in different words to lay off. There was even a threat of blocking my number.
It’s frightening to imagine all the things that could go wrong. Just one word and Jace and I could end tonight. I oscillate between relief that Jace is finally meeting Marcus, Charlotte, and Chris and sheer terror. Am I being foolish to believe that a whole evening can pass without anyone mentioning my real profession?
I’ve drummed into them what they cannot say in front of Jace. They can’t ask my opinion on matters of journalism or writing. They can’t talk about my colleagues at the magazine. They can’t ask what I’m working on. So many rules, they even made me dizzy. But it’s only for one evening. Two hours maximum. Oh and no more than two glasses of wine. Alcohol makes you loose-mouthed and careless.
I dress in a sexy short dress and pin my hair on the top of my head to get it out of the way. I finish getting ready and as I head back to the living room, the buzzer sounds.
“I’m sure that’s Marcus and Charlotte,” I tell Chris. “I told them to come early.”
“I’ll get it,” Chris says.
While they come up, I check on the food, making sure the oven is set very low. Marcus and Charlotte walk in quietly until they realize that Jace is not here yet. Then the noise starts. We hug each other noisily, Chris and Marcus bump fists and exchange guy hugs.
I serve them with a pre-dinner glass of wine.
“Can someone tell Olivia that this is a terrible idea,” Marcus says and sips his wine. “It’s not too late to call it off. Charlotte and I can sprint to our car before he comes.”
“It’s not a good idea but if we say very little, it’ll work,” Chris says. “I understand, Liv. You can’t keep lying to someone you’re dating.”
“Hey, it’ll be fine,” Charlotte says noticing my worry. “We’ll be on our best behavior. I promise.”
