With a fake smile on my face, I gave my cheeks another pinch and headed out the door. You got this, Olive. You can do this.
I wasn’t sure if that was true but tonight was one of our bi-monthly mixers and I needed to be on my A game. I couldn’t be a miss and help nervous men and women on their quest to find Mr. or Mrs. Right. So I kept a bright smile plastered on my face and stepped into the role of doting hostess, holding hands and offering words of encouragement to the nervous or shy candidates, and a steady hand to the overeager ones.
“Remember ladies and gentlemen, the most important thing is to have fun!” I smiled wide and gave a little clap, lifting my flute of apple cider high. “Love is in the air!”
“Good job,” Eva whispered from the corner of her mouth, an encouraging smile on her face. “It’s hardly noticeable that you’re on death’s door.”
“Gee thanks,” I muttered and shook my head. “You really know how to make a girl feel great.”
“The good news is that none of the candidates can tell. They’re far too worried about making a good first impression so relax. You got this, girl.”
Eva was right and I nodded, about to thank her when Sophie strolled over with hell in her eyes. “I’m going to kill him,” she growled, eyes still bouncing around the room in search of someone specific.
Eva barked out a laugh. “Let me guess. Stone left you hanging?”
She nodded angrily, still looking around as if he would magically pop up. “He said he would be here.”
I gave her a questioning look. “Did he? Or did he say nothing and you took his silence for agreement the way you always do?”
My question earned me a glare. “Is there a difference?”
“Obviously,” Eva muttered into her glass and shook her head.
“Is there a difference,” I asked, practically vibrating with anger. “Since we’re a man short now, I’d say yes Sophie, there is a damn difference!” My words shocked her. They shocked me too, but I was nauseous, annoyed and now a man short for my mixer. “Just…open your damn eyes. Please!” I squeezed my eyes shut against the stinging sensation of oncoming tears and exhaled deeply.
“I’m sorry Olive. Look, it’s no big deal, we’ll figure it out.” Sophie looked contrite and I felt bad for my outburst.
“It’s too late for that. Eva, can you just offer up some advice or tips to the odd person out each round?”
“Sure, but why me?”
“Because you’re already taken and no one can accuse of us taking the best candidate for ourselves. Bad practice, you know.” My lips twitched at her shocked but a little impressed tone.
“All right, fine.” Eva’s gray eyes went as wide as saucers and she took a big step backwards. “Uh-oh. Don’t look now but…oh hell. I’m outta here.” Before she left, Eva grabbed Sophie and rushed off.
“Olive.” Liam’s deep voice sounded right behind me and I bit back a string of curses that were on the top of my tongue and closed my eyes to fight off the red hot rage pulsing through me.
Why me, I asked the universe silently before I turned to face Liam, who looked good enough to eat in a light gray suit. “How can I help you Liam?”
He blinked, surprised by my tone as if somehow, I’d be happy to see him. “I was, uh, hoping we could talk.”
“I’m working,” I snapped. “You know how when you’re busy at work you don’t have time to deal with unimportant things? Things that don’t matter?”
“Ouch,” he said but the grin on his face said otherwise. “Still, Stone asked me to cover for him.” His tone was smug, self-satisfied like he’d won something.
“Perfect. Right this way.” I grabbed his arm and ignored the electricity that went from his forearm straight to my fingertips. That wasn’t important, what mattered was this mixer. “Sit here and move in a clockwise motion when the bell sounds. Be charming and be kind to our candidates, they believe in love and commitment.”
He sighed and raked a hand through his thick hair. “I came here to talk to you Olive. We have to talk.”
I yanked out of his grasp, my anger right at the surface and it required all of my willpower not to make a scene. “Oh, you mean now that you’re ready to talk? I don’t think so. Sit here and be charming or go away, those are your options. Excuse me.” I walked off quickly, practically shaking with fury. Why was he even here, anyway? Such a typical man, so much like Wyatt it made me sick to even think about it. Wanting the whole damn world to bend to his will, even when it was completely inappropriate and inconvenient.
I refused to let Liam throw me off my game, especially tonight. I had work to do and for the next two hours, that’s just what I did. I refilled glasses and offered as many tips and words of encouragement as I could. Anything to quiet the voices in my head, telling me to hear out Liam.