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Blair nods knowingly.“Yes, they will.”She knows I have my ways of dealing with this kind of thing.I wouldn’t be a good crisis manager if I didn’t.
My phone alerts me to another text and I want to throw it away, much like I wanted to at the wedding on Saturday.I don’t want to read one more email, text, or Instagram post today.
Kristen
Please tell me you’re still coming tonight.I just got my period and have no supplies!And neither does Ingrid.I’m hoping you can bring me something.
“Oh, shit!”I look at Blair.“I forgot I told Callan I’d drop by his parents’ place tonight to say hi to Bradford and Kristen who just got home from their honeymoon.”
I tap out a reply to Kristen.
Olivia
I’ll be there soon and I’ll bring you supplies.
Kristen
I love you even more now.
I smile at her text.I met Kristen last year when she was in the middle of the scandal that her marriage to Bradford caused, and I felt an instant connection with her.She’s got a vulnerability about her that I like.She puts her heart out in the world even when she’s trying so hard to guard it.I like people like that.
“Okay, I’ve gotta cancel on our tea date, I’m sorry.”Blair is my one and only friend who loves tea as much as I do and we’d planned to go back to my place and drink some while doing face masks.
She waves me off.“Don’t worry about me.I’m gonna go home and get Bob out.”
A memory crashes into me and I stare at her with wide eyes.“Holy shit, I think I told Callan about Ricardo when I was drunk.I think I detailed my Spanish fantasy for him.I really am never drinking whiskey again.”
She grins.“I hope you did.That would have been another wonderful gift for him.”
Ten minutes later, I’ve walked to Callan’s parents’ condo and spiraled all the way down into thoughts about the things I might have told him while I was drunk.I’m not a prude, even if by Blair’s standards I am, however I don’t tend to get into conversations about my sexual fantasies.My sex life is the one area of my life I don’t feel confident in and I feel awkward talking about it.
By the time I arrive at his parents’ home, I’m all up in my mortified feels and am glad that Callan isn’t the first person I see.I need a moment to shake off these feelings before I see him.
His mom, Ingrid, greets me when I step out of the elevator, and pulls me in close for a hug.“How are you, darling?And why haven’t I seen you for weeks?”
I adore Callan’s mother and often drop by to spend time with her, especially since my parents live in the same tower.She’s loved me like a daughter since the day her sons took me under their wings when I was eight and I think of her as my second mother.“I’ve been busy with work.I’ve only seen my parents once in the last few weeks too.You weren’t home the night I visited them.”
She gives me a gentle smile.“Your mom told me you’re busy helping Harper plan her wedding too.I imagine that’s taking up a lot of your time.”
Gage wanders over.“Harper’s getting married?”
“Yes, in six months, and she’s asked me to plan it because her mother wants the wedding to be held in New York rather than Paris.”
“I bet her mother does.”Gage is one of the most perceptive men I know.Most people think he’s a rich, self-absorbed asshole but I know that while he can be an asshole, he’s more attentive to others than most people.He notices everything about people and cares deeply for those he’s brought in close.He understands exactly why my aunt wants Harper to get married in New York.I imagine he’s also already put it together in his mind why I’ve said yes to being the wedding planner.
Callan and his family know my history with my cousins, but Gage is the one who was there on the day tragedy struck.My youngest cousin was killed in a hit and run while I was supposed to be looking after her, and Gage witnessed it all.I was ten, he was eleven, but he stepped into much older shoes that day when he helped me live through each harrowing second.And he’s never stopped watching over me, making sure I’m okay, because the guilt I’ve carried has been heavy.
Harper’s mother became a helicopter parent after her youngest daughter’s death and Gage knows this, which is why he’s looking at me with understanding right now.
Not wanting to talk about this too much, because I know Gage always wants to challenge me on the guilt I still feel, I smile brightly at Ingrid and say, “I love this new hair color!Did you end up changing to a new hairdresser?”
She touches her shiny brunette hair that now has summer highlights.“No, I stayed with George and I’m glad I did.I think he’s been going through something with his boyfriend the last six months and that’s why he was so distracted and misunderstood what I asked for each appointment.”She catches sight of Kristen coming our way.“Gage and I will leave you two girls.Can I get you a drink, Olivia?”
My headache reminds me that the last thing my body needs is alcohol.“No, I’m good thanks.”
Gage gives me one last glance ofthis conversation isn’t finishedbefore leaving with his mother.
I smile at Kristen as I take the period supplies out of my purse and hand them over.“I can’t wait to hear all about your honeymoon.”
