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“Oliver! I told you, it’s no big deal,” I lie. “Besides, I should thank you because when you didn’t show up, I actually…” I make a fist and chew on my thumb. “I met someone.”
His brows shoot up, sky high. “Really? Who?”
“No.” I stare at him and point a finger in the air. “It’s your turn to spill. What have you been up to?”
He shakes his head and licks his lips, a frustrated tone coursing through him. “Fine. Tight-lipped. I get it. Anyway, Soph, Iamsorry. Something came up. It was sort of a private family thing. And by the time things were taken care of, I don’t know…I didn’t know how to bring it up.”
“So you texted me some pictures of your food the next day.” I nod, but I’m wondering about his family emergency. I hope everyone’s okay.
“Yeah, I guess I did. That was a jerk move.”
“Will you stop? I’ve told you it’s okay. It’s time we quit that, anyway.”
The car starts to slow, and he doesn’t answer. Instead, he whips his head around. “Do you think it’s safe to pull over now? We could walk around the park.”
“I should probably get back to Scott. I’m sure Violet’s wondering where I went.” I want to walk around the park with him, but I just can’t. And having to get back to my job is only one of the many reasons.
“But if the guy’s still there…I say we wait. Better safe than sorry.”
I nod. “True. One time around the park.”
We get out of his car into May’s brilliant sun and quickly fall into the same stride as we traipse in the grass, which has grown long with all the rain we had the month before.
I tell him the story of when a couple got engaged outside of Scott last month after having an epic argument that I heard only bits and pieces of. He tosses his head back in a laugh, and I’m reminded of how much I like having that effect on him.
I see a car parked next to his as we round the corner. The park is small. It’s Longdale—of course it’s small. We’ve nearly reached it when someone gets out of the car, and I gasp. “No!” I stop abruptly.
Oliver gives me a questioning look before trailing my gaze. “He followed us here? How? I’m usually so good at losing a tail. Henry’s taught me a thing or two.”
Henry is his brother. And, fine, I’ll admit he’s one of the Tate boys I used to have feelings for, for like ten seconds. He’s all quiet and mysterious and people gossip about him possibly being a government spy.
We slow our steps as we approach the last man I wanted to see. Well, almost the last man I wanted to see.
Oliver leans in. “You’ve got this, Soph. It’s best to tell him no now and get it over with.” He practically whispers it in my ear, and my shoulder and upper arm break out in goosebumps at the feel of his breath on my skin. “Just give me a signal and I’ll step in if you need back up, okay?”
I say okay and my throat dries up. I’ve disliked this man ever since I met him months ago, but I’m unprepared for the rush of disdain that comes up when I see him leaning against his car, his arms crossed over his chest.
“Sophie, I tried to track you down at the library,” Mr. Wallis says, scratching his stubbly chin.
“I was out back—sweeping.”
Sorry to the honesty gods. I’ll make a burnt sacrifice to you later.
Mr. Wallis moves away from his car and glances at Oliver before looking back at me. “I’m glad I caught you. I’ve been trying to call and email you. And my secretary emailed you, too.”
“Right. I meant to get in touch with you. It’s been so busy at work.”Sorry again to the honesty gods.
Mr. Wallis clearly doesn’t believe that. “Well, this needs to be pinned down. There’s a lot to do.” He grins widely. “And I think you’ll be honored to know that the council decided, overwhelmingly, to give you the opportunity to be our chairperson for Longdale Days this year.” He unlocks his phone, and types. “I can send you the agenda, but the calendar’s mostly filled out and decided on. You’ll just put it on the city’s tab at the grocery store and whatnot, so you wouldn’t have to pay for anything out of pocket.”
Oliver slides his arm around me, his hand resting on my shoulder. Mr. Wallis looks up from his phone and reddens, but continues speaking to me. “I was telling Troy it’s time to have you two over for dinner again. Longdale Days isn’t the only thing that needs to get planned out.” He beams. “We’ve got a wedding to plan, too.”
Oliver’s grip tightens on my upper arm.
Wedding? Oh no. No no no.
“Mr. Wallis, there’s been a mistake. I never agreed to chair Longdale Days. You’ll need to find someone else.” Even though my heart is whacking against my ribcage, my voice is strong and clear.
“But Troy said you’d love to do it. And everyone thinks you’d do a great job. Now, it’s decided. I’ll send you the calendar and some old mockups for advertising, although if you want to create brand new ones, be my guest.”
