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“Hey, you made it,” he said, reaching to clasp Olin around the back in one of those one armed bro hugs. He stepped back and flashed Meegan a smile that she knew helped him get away with all manner of financial crimes. “Is this the beautiful date you mentioned?”
“Meegan Whelan, this is Michael Bradbury and his wife Kayla.”
“Nice to meet you, Meegan,” Kayla said with a friendly smile.
“Likewise. I’m a big fan.”
Kayla lightly slapped Michael on his arm. “See, this is why I come to these things. I have fans.” She scrunched her nose up at Meegan.
“My friend is fifty months pregnant and I got her enough stuff from Love&Baby to last the kid’s first year at least.”
“Oh, well, thank you for the support. If you give me her information, I’ll send her our newborn basket.”
“She’d love that. Thank you!”
“Meegan, I hope you don’t mind if I steal your date for a moment,” Michael said before turning to Olin. “Kyle Ackland is here and we both need to talk to him.”
“Will you be okay?” Olin asked. Meegan nodded and gave his side a little pat.
“Oh, I’m gonna ask her all kinds of questions about you, young man,” Kayla said to Olin.
“I have nothing to hide. We’ll be back.”
Meegan snorted as they walked away. She did have a bunch of questions to ask Kayla, like how she had gotten into apparel, but before she could get the words out, another woman Meegan recognized instantly walked up to Kayla’s side. She flipped her long, dark curly hair over her shoulder, shaking off whatever had her in such a hurry.
“It’s an eighteen mile walk to the nearest bathroom, so keep that in mind.”
“I will,” Kayla laughed. “This is my business partner and bestie, Daniella Martinez. And this is Meegan Whalen. Meegan?—”
“I know. I—I’m Duke’s cousin.” Meegan regretted opening her dumb mouth the second the color seemed to drain out of Daniella’s honey brown face. Shit. They hadn’t met formally, but she’d have known Daniella anywhere. For two years, pictures of her and Duke were all over the tabloids and his private Instagram. To hear him tell it, Daniella was the love of his life and the one who got away.
Kayla, though, seemed delighted by this news. “Is that how you and Olin know each other?”
“Kinda. It’s a whole thing. My friend’s husband is in Duke’s band ’cause I introduced them and then Duke introduced her to Olin who was then introduced to me.”
“Not confusing at all,” Kayla laughed.
“Damn, you’re here with Olin?” Daniella asked and even though this was all an elaborate ruse, the pit in Meegan’s stomach dropped down another floor.
“Oh, are you and him—” Olin hadn’t mentioned her, but she’d heard amazing things about Daniella. If she had the hots for Olin too… but Daniella quickly shook her head.
“No, no. He always comes to these things alone, so I figured I’d have someone to talk to for a bit when these two sneak off to make out in a dark corner somewhere.”
“Excuse me, we make out right out in the open where everyone can see,” Kayla replied.
“Oh, that’s good to hear,” Meegan laughed. “I was hoping to keep Olin for myself. Also, my whole family is still hoping you and Duke will get back together.”
Daniella let out a deep breath, a light smiling touching her face.
“Oh no, I stepped in it. Didn’t I?”
She waved Meegan off. “No, you’re fine.”
“I have been wanting her to get back together with him since forever. And I’m just her best friend who knows her better than anyone. How could I possibly know they are meant for each other?” Kayla teased, but it was clear to Meegan they’d had this conversation about a Duke and Daniella reunion tour more than a few times.
“Can I ask why you guys broke up? Since I’m all in your business already, anyway. He never told me.”
“It was me. I don’t know if you understand how famous your cousin is.”
