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“The invitation,” she chirps, mirroring my frown. “I just got it yesterday.”
My mind goes blank.
“And the plus one was nice, too. I know it’ll probably be people mostly from the company, especially since it’s also a charity event, but still. I’ve just started seeing someone seriously, and—”
She blushes as she rambles on about being grateful to be able to bring a friend to my engagement celebration. It’s all white noise to me as I try to make sense of the situation. I definitely did not plan an engagement party.
“Of course.” I give her a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. “I’m really looking forward to it, too. I’m happy you’ll be able to join us.”
Us.
Someone has some serious explaining to do.
Liza thanks me again, backing away with a wave, and then returns to her waiting friends. I turn back toward the area where my car is parked, blind to everyone and everything around me.
As soon as the bags are tossed in the back, I slip into the driver’s side and pull my phone out.
Why am I hearing about an engagement party?I text Jenson with no soft opening. If this is going where I think it’s going, he doesn’t deserve one.
Sorry—been busy. Meant to tell you. It makes sense, though, doesn’t it?
Maybe, I can admit. But still.
I need details,I type furiously.When is this happening? Where? And what’s with the charity aspect?
Those three little dots appear, then disappear. Appear again.
Disappear.
I’m holding my breath, heart straining.
He sends a link.
Clicking on it brings me to the spotlight section ofThe Boston Globe. Right on the front page is a photo of Jenson and I walking down the street together, probably one of the days we grabbed lunch quickly.
Boston’s bachelor CEO will be ringing wedding bells soon, an opening line reads.Jenson Sharpe, CEO of Dupont Analytics, will be hosting a combined engagement party and charity event on Friday, August 16th…
I stare in shock at the article. It’s a few paragraphs long, detailing the venue, the cause, and a snippet of our back story.
Mr. Sharpe and Melanie Atkinson met as children. Despite going their separate ways after high school, love found the pair again…
It isn’t love I’m feeling right now. It’s murder, or something close to it.
This better be a joke.
I jab the “send” button and wait. Somewhere in the parking garage, a car alarm goes off, upping my anxiety.
It’s not. It’s part of the game, Mel. Has to be done.
One week. One week until my engagement party, and he gave me absolutely no warning.
Then it hits me.
Where else is this announced?
Everywhere, comes his quick reply. He must be picking up on how pissed off I am right now.We have investors up and down the East Coast, and Roy offered to include the announcement with the rest of the press.
Everywhere. That means…
