Malcolm
Hi Priscilla, it was nice running into you earlier. Sorry for getting back to you so late. I was wondering if you would want to meet up for drinks tomorrow to discuss some events I need help with. This is Malcolm, by the way.
“What did she say?” Oliver asks.
I look at him over my shoulder. “What? Oh. Nothing. It wasn’t her.”
He watches me. I wonder if he’s waiting for me to tell him who it is. It’s none of his business, so I don’t. I look back at my phone and read the message again, trying to decide how to respond. I send a text back.
Priscilla
Sure! Where and what time?
Malcolm
7PM @ H.M. Lounge
I raise an eyebrow. I’ve heard of H.M. Lounge before but I’ve never been there. All I know is that it’s a pretty exclusive upscale bar.
“Something interesting?” Oliver asks.
I look back up at him. “I think I’m about to get my second client.”
“Nice,” he says. “Who is it?”
“Malcolm Ridges from ANY-Time. He wants to meet up tomorrow to talk about working together.”
He’s quiet for a moment. I watch him, sensing that he’s not done talking about this. “I’m surprised he’s talking about work stuff this late at night.”
I shrug. “He’s the president of a charity. I’m sure he’s very busy. He probably works around the clock.”
“You’re probably right,” he says.
“He wants to meet up at H.M. Lounge.”
Oliver raises an eyebrow. “I’ve never been but I’ve heard it’s nice.”
“Nice probably means expensive. What do you think the protocol is here? Am I supposed to pay as the vendor trying to schmooze the client? Or does he pay since he invited me?”
“How about he pays since he got you fired from your job?”
I look up at Oliver, surprised. “Did I tell you that?”
He nods. “The other day after we got kicked out of the farmers market,” he reminds me. “You said he was your mortal enemy.”
I remember the conversation now. “Lifelong enemy,” I correct him.
I cringe. I wonder who else I told. I should probably learn to keep my mouth shut. I hope the news doesn’t make it too far outside of our friend group since it turns out it’s not true. I don’t want ANY-Time to be painted in a negative light because of me.
“I found out earlier that what my boss told me wasn’t true. It’s a long story, but I ran into Malcolm this morning and he cleared things up.”
Oliver nods slowly, pinching his lips together.
“What, you don’t believe me?” I ask.
“It just seems a little convenient. You happen to run into him this morning and he’s able to swoop in and be the hero instead of the villain you thought he was?”
I shrug. “I believe him. You would have too if you were there.”
