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“Thanks. I don’t like to get dressed up, but I think I look alright.”
“Better than alright. Good thing you have a date. Though, now I’m worried I’m gonna have to fight some people and I don’t have Xeni as back up.”
“Yeah, it sucks she couldn’t make it. I think her dad’s birthday was more important.”
“Yeah, I guess.” She playfully rolled her eyes and then flashed Olin another smile. She went on as the elevator reached the lobby. “I can’t believe you got Ted Henderson to do my hair.”
“I have no idea who he is. I just told Brianna to get the best person available.” Olin motioned for her to step out ahead of him as he held the doors for two older women and a teenage girl to enter the elevator.
When he caught up with Meegan, she reached over and took his hand. Their fingers intertwined, she looked up at him and quietly said, “It’s good to let everyone who sees us tonight know we’re together. If only to show off how good I look.”
“I agree.” Olin released her hand for just a moment to adjust his grasp, then they walked out of the hotel, very much together.
* * *
They hadn’t even reached the opera house yet and Meegan was still in shock. She’d dressed up plenty of times, but she’d never gotten the VIP treatment like this. She tried to settle into the backseat of the SUV, careful not to mush her hair against the headrest. She had to make an entrance.
“I can’t believe Ted was available,” she told Olin, still a little starstruck. “He used to be on my favorite makeover show and now he’s A-listers only. And me. He told me he’s going on Naoma’s world tour next month.”
“I do know who she is. Ted did a great job.” Olin said. Meegan winked back at him and felt like she’d really accomplished something when he squeezed her hand back. The drive was quick and whoever was in charge of directing traffic and guests was really on it. Meegan and her handsome date were making their way into the outdoor venue before she knew it. She took in the scene as they walked up the stairs from the street to the large open plaza between the opera house, the Forum and the Ahmanson theater. She took in the lights, decorative heat lamps, strategically placed bar set ups and decorative table arrangements around the plaza.
An older man in a white shirt and black jacket greeted them with a program. Olin handed it to Meegan. “Welcome folks. Please enjoy some refreshments. The evening officially begins on the hour.”
They both thanked him and continued further into the plaza.
“We should have come up with a signal for the night. You know, for people you want to avoid?” Meegan said as they made their way over to the closest bar. She ordered a splash of rosé and Olin ordered some water.
“I’ll scream really loud and run in the other direction,” Olin said.
“Good plan.”
“I know one woman I don’t care for will be here, for sure. Otherwise, we just need to be seen.”
“This is so ridiculous and I love it. Thank you for asking me to be a part of this.”
“It’s my pleasure.” Olin tipped the bartender and then guided her further into the venue. He did that thing again where he slid his hand along the small of her back. She knew he’d been out of the dating scene for a while, so she had to wonder if he knew how hot the small gesture was. How sexy it made her feel. Or maybe she really needed to start dating again. Either way, it was working for her and her side of this not real relationship.
“There is someone I want to introduce you to.”
“Is it the Mayor? Because I definitely didn’t vote for him.” Meegan took a sip of her drink, nodding toward the man in question who was holding court at a table near the center of it all.
“No, that guy fucking sucks.” That made Meegan laugh “I heard the organizers of this event are already trying to stop him from giving the proceeds directly to the cops.”
“The proceeds for a city-wide children’s art program?”
Olin offered her a slight shrug. “I didn’t vote for him either. Over here.” Meegan followed him in the direction of a mostly empty table. Next to it, stood a tall white man with long, salt and pepper hair and an impressive beard with a beautiful, plus size Black woman who looked much younger. Meegan stopped Olin with a hand on his arm when she realized who they were heading toward.
“Wait, that's Michael and Kayla Bradbury?”
“Yes. Michael’s my friend. I want to introduce you to him. And Kayla.”
“I don’t think you understand. I love them. They are my Meghan and Harry. I was obsessed with their wedding photos.” Michael Bradbury, aka one of the hottest men on Earth, had his hands in a few tech things, including like every dating app in existence, which made him very very rich and then he bought the Miami Flames. He had appeared on the scene with this gorgeous Black woman and the internet was all over it, in good and bad ways. Meegan was Team Kayla all the way. Since they’d walked down the aisle, Kayla had started three different lifestyle brands, including an apparel line for queer parents and gender-neutral baby and toddler clothes. The campaigns she did with her own twins were too fucking cute for words.
She knew Duke was close with them both. He’d performed at their wedding, but it’s not like he'd have any reason or the occasion to introduce them to his extended family. Thank god for fake dating schemes.
“If you want to keep walking, we can talk to them.”
Meegan let out a slow breath. “I’ll be cool. I promise. Please introduce me.” They only made it a few more feet before Kayla clearly spotted Olin. She smiled and waved. Michael turned around and added his own nod of recognition.
