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“Okay. But if you need me to set you up, just say the word. Also, remember Monday we have to meet with the caterers to finalize the menu.”
“Yeah, I’ll be there right when I’m finished with work.”
I guzzle down another swig of wine.
* * *
Monday morning, I arrive at my desk to a massive bouquet of white Asiatic lilies, yellow roses, blue delphiniums, and purple monte casinos. I stick my nose to the blooms and inhale their sweet floral scent. For a moment, my heart leaps out of my chest until I find the card and pull it out to see they’re from Trey. It’s not that I’m disappointed they’re from Trey and he’s apologizing. I just wish someone else would have sent them. Like a certain bad boy who I haven’t heard from since the voicemail he left after the incident at his parents’. Pulling out my phone, I send a quick message to Trey thanking him for the flowers but I’m still mad at him. Throughout the day, my phone pings with messages and each time I’m disappointed they’re not from Ledger but instead from Trey telling me how sorry he is. Which also included several selfies of himself with captions that say how sad he is that I’m mad at him. He even had lunch delivered from my favorite Japanese restaurant along with a gift certificate for a day at the spa. By the end of the workday, I think Trey spent more time groveling instead of working so I put him out of his misery and tell him while I’m still hurt, I do accept his apology. But the thing that hurts the most is I didn’t receive a single message or a missed call from Ledger.
After work, I pull into the parking lot of 218 Market. They’re known for their local cuisines with a modern twist. As I walk through the double wood doors, I’m greeted by the hostess and let her know I’m meeting with the caterers. With how many times I’ve been here, I’m surprised they don’t know me by name. She leads me into the dining room. The warm glow of the evening sun shines in through a one hundred and eighty degree half circle window wall that overlooks Lake Superior. Immediately, I spot my mom sitting next to Tatum. She’s very animatedly telling them what she expects for this event. This is nothing new. She always strives for perfection, not only for her events, but for her children as well.
When I reach the table, my mom directs her attention to me. “Olivia. Finally, you’re here. I was wondering if you were going to show up or if it would have been another flat tire incident. Hurry, take a seat. You’ve missed so much already.”
Tatum slides over in the high back leather booth. I press a button on my phone and the time illuminates the screen. “I’m only five minutes late. Plus, I was at work, and I can’t predict what the traffic’s going to be like.”
She rolls her eyes before going back to dictating to the caterers how she wants the food displayed.
Once I’m seated, Tatum leans in and whispers, “I would have faked the flat. This meeting is brutal. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen tears well up in this poor woman’s eyes at least five times now.”
“So, Mom’s in a mood. Great. That means she’ll be on my case as soon as this is over,” I whisper back.
Tatum flashes me a sympathetic smile. She knows exactly how Mom is and if I didn’t have her with me for these meetings, I’m sure I would have to find more clever ways than a flat tire to get out of them.
As soon as the meeting is over, and the catering manager takes her ten-page packet of notes, front and back, with her, all attention turns to me.
“Olivia, have you found a date yet?” When I don’t respond she continues, “I’ll call Dr. Reinhart and see if his son is available. It’s last minute, so I hope another woman hasn’t snatched him up yet.”
She digs in her purse for her phone, but I stop her with a hand on the table. “That’s okay, Mom. I have a date.” The lie curdles in my stomach. She pauses, her gaze meets mine, and all I can do is nod. Great. Now, I have to find a date. And right now, there’s only one guy who comes to mind.
FOURTEEN
FML
Olivia
Once the meeting is over, I jump in my SUV with only one destination in my mind. I didn’t want to resort to this, but I don’t know what else to do. Pulling into his driveway, I park in front of the closed garage. In a few quick steps I’m up the sidewalk and knocking on his door.
Trey’s frame fills the doorway, wearing jeans and a t-shirt, with his signature dazzling smile on full display. “Olivia? What are you doing here?”
“A couple things.” I point a finger at him. “First, never call me sloppy seconds or trash ever again. In fact, never call any woman that.”
“I’m sorry. No, you’re right.” He holds up three fingers tightly together. “I’ll never use those words again.”
“Good.” My shoulders drop in relief. “Because second, I need your help.”
“Anything. What do you need?” He leans his forearm on the doorjamb.
“I need a date for a charity event.”
He drops his arm and crosses them over his chest. “And you’re asking me? Don’t you have a boyfriend for those kinds of things?”
I blow out a heavy breath. “I don’t know what’s going on with Ledger right now. Plus, I can’t see him wanting to go to this kind of event.”
“Did you decide this, or did he?”
“You know what? Never mind. Forget I asked.” I twist around to leave, but he grips my wrist, stopping me.
“If you need a date, I’ll do it. Tell me when and where.” He gives me a half smile.
