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“It’s fine.”
Trey returns to our table with our drinks. Before he can set mine down, I’m stealing it from his grip and taking a giant gulp. There’s a slight chance I’m going to need several of these to get through the night.
The entire time through dinner, I pick at my food. Eating a bite here and there. My mind on Ledger. Maybe I made a mistake about not asking him to come? I know I would have had a lot more fun with him here. By the time dessert arrives, I’m not even eating. I’m just pushing the dulce de leche cheesecake around on my plate while everyone talks amongst themselves. I’m listening enough to nod and smile at the appropriate times, but otherwise their conversation is like white noise.
Trey leans over. “I’m surprised you made it the entire meal.”
“What do you mean?” I whisper.
“Olivia, I know you. There hasn’t been a genuine smile on your face since we got here. I’m surprised you haven’t ditched this place to go find Ledger.”
“I won’t leave you here to fend for yourself.”
“Seriously, you don’t need to worry about me. I’ve already scored one potential deal. I’m going to work the crowd again after dinner to see what else I can get. By then, they’ll be a few scotches deep and might be more willing to write some checks. Go make up with Ledger.” He nudges my arm.
I narrow my eyes at him. “Why are you suddenly team Ledger?”
“Look, I don’t want to get into it here. We have a long and complicated relationship. I see how much you like him, and I want you to be happy.”
I give him a half smile. “He was pretty mad. What do I do if he was telling the truth and he’s really done?”
He drops his chin and looks me square in the eyes. “Where’s the don’t take no for an answer Olivia I’m used to? Make him hear you out and don’t take no for an answer.”
“Are you sure I should go see him?”
“Yes, unless you’re stalling because you want to stay here so we can try that kiss again.” The corner of his lips tip up into a smile.
A small laugh escapes me, and I shake my head. “Good try.”
“I take my shots when I can.” He shrugs. “Want me to give you a ride?”
“No, I’ll Uber. But also, do you have his address?”
“You don’t know where he lives?”
“No. We’ve always gone to my house or his shop.” He rattles off Ledger’s address, and I type it into my phone. “And if my mom comes looking for me, make something up?”
“Moms love me. I’ll come up with something good.”
“I’m kind of afraid of that. Thanks Trey.” Leaning over, I place a kiss on his cheek. Then I toss my napkin on my plate and push my chair out to stand. My gaze wanders around the room until I find my parents busy talking with another senator and his wife. Now’s my chance. I slink along the rear wall of the ballroom and once I know no one is watching, I’m out the front entrance.
I rush past the windows, ducking behind bushes to make sure I’m not caught. When the coast is clear, I pull out my phone from my purse and open the Uber app. I type in Ledger’s address, hoping he’s at home and not at the shop or, even worse, with someone else.
The Uber pulls up to the curb of the ballroom and I hop in. It’s a twenty-minute drive across town to Ledger’s house. My leg bounces on the floorboard of the Uber. I don’t know what his reaction will be when I show up unannounced. Maybe he is done with me, and this is just a sorry attempt for nothing. Every possible scenario flits through my mind. And each one makes me more and more anxious.
The Uber pulls up at the curb in front of his house. A light in the living room glows through the window. I pause a moment with my hand on the door handle. The driver turns around and asks, “Do you want me to wait?”
“No. That’s okay. Thank you.”
I get out and close the door behind me. Lifting the front of my dress, I climb the stairs that lead up to the front door, careful to avoid getting my heel stuck in one of the cracks in the cement. I blow out a breath. Here goes nothing. With my hand raised, I knock on the door. A few seconds pass and there’s no answer. So, I knock a little harder. My heartbeat pounds in my chest. What if he’s purposely ignoring me? What if he really done with me? My knock still goes unanswered, so I try one last time.
The door flies open, and a wide-eyed Ledger greets me. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m sorry. I should have never assumed you didn’t want to go. I should have asked you and let you make that decision instead of me making it for you. But also, you don’t get to walk away.”
“So, you left your party to tell me that?”
I nod. “I’m here to fight for this. Whatever this is.” I pause. My gaze scans his face. His expression gives nothing away. His indifference breaks my heart into tiny pieces, but I’m determined to not give up, so I try one last time. “Going with Trey meant nothing. We’re only friends. You’re the one I want to be with. I want you. And I hope you still want me too.”
