I nod, agreeing. “I can get this,” I say, gesturing toward the empty glasses on our table. He’s had multiple martinis. I finished my margarita and switched to water a while ago.
He shakes his head. “It’s already on my tab. Don’t even worry about it.”
“Thank you.” I stand up, and so does he.
He smiles. “No. Thankyou,” he emphasizes. “It’s always a pleasure having drinks with a smart, beautiful woman.”
My ears burn. I feel this weird tingle come over my body, but it’s not the good kind of tingle. It’s this eerie, anxious sensation like I’ve misread a signal. I tell myself that he’s not hitting on me. Of course he’s not. A guy like him wouldn’t be going for a lowly bottom-of-the-totem-pole event planner like me, even if I do own my own business now. I’m not like Tina. My fashion choices don’t scream wealth and class like the women he probably likes.
We make it to the front door and step outside. The air is cool and damp.
“I’m this way,” he says, pointing over his shoulder with his thumb.
“I’m the other way,” I tell him. “It was great to see you again. I’m looking forward to our meeting next week.”
“I’ll text you the details,” he says.
I hold out my hand to shake his, but he pulls me in for another hug instead. This time, his arms wrap around me a little tighter than when he greeted me on our way in. He continues to hold onto me for a moment after I’ve let go. When he releases me, I take a step back, angling myself toward the parking lot.
“Have a good night, Priscilla,” he says.
“Goodnight.” I turn and hurry back to my car. As soon as I’m alone, I let out a breath. I pull out my phone to catch up on all of my messages.
Tina
This isn’t going to get in the way of my thing, right?
I thought I gave you enough money that you wouldn’t have to worry about working for anyone else until you’re done with me.
Please answer.
Priss…
You’re making me nervous. Just answer me.
Priscillaaaaaaa…
I almost hope that you’re lying and you are on a date… haha.
I’m just kidding.
Sorry. Rereading my texts now and I’m totally acting like a bridezilla, aren’t I? Ugh please smack me next time you see me.
Just not on the face, ok? I just got my lashes done.
Ryan doesn’t believe me that you’re with that guy for “business.” I think he’s texting Oliver.
Just warning you so you can get your story straight.
As I’m reading her texts, a new one comes in, this time from Oliver. And then a couple more come in before I even have the chance to answer.
Oliver
Are you on a date?
Not that it would matter if you were. Since I’m not really your boyfriend.
But if we’re doing this whole fake-dating thing then we probably shouldn’t be seen in public with other people, right?
