Finn and his dad have matching eyes, but little else in the way of similarities. Well, they’re both tall too. Richard, has blond hair and a rounded face. His chin is nothing like Finn’s square jaw. We exchange pleasant greetings and the boys continue to talk about how the renovations have gone for the building.
The conversation between them gives me time to survey the area. This room is fairly generic. It doesn’t match the restored grandeur of the lobby. White walls meet a tough beige carpet produced for heavy use. The main outstanding feature is the tall windows, which line the walls and look out to the street on all four sides. To my right the view looks to the bay and I bet the people who end up living in this building will have a spectacular view regardless of which way their apartment faces.
“Any chance we can get to the top floor tonight and see your new space?” The question from Finn’s father brings me from my perusal of the room. It's a question I want to hear the answer to as well. I hadn’t considered I might be able to see Finn’s new place, but now I want to desperately.
Finn glances in my direction. It’s quick, but I definitely don’t miss it. “Sorry, not tonight. The workmen still have it locked up. It should be done soon though. My deadline is coming.” His words sound grim rather than excited. Maybe Finn is as upset to leave our little hallway as I am to see him go?
I can’t hear it, but Finn’s phone goes off again. It’s one of those weird sensation you get when you can almost feel the vibrations from an area. Or maybe we're all too tuned into our phones, and we’ve developed another sense. Either way I’m not surprised when Finn reaches into his pocket and retrieves it for the third time tonight.
His face falls into a scowl as he reads the message, but this time it looks as if he types out a reply and he doesn’t return the device to his pocket. The seat next to me moves back and draws my attention from whatever plagues my date.
“Ah, Trey,” Finn greets his friend and company CEO from across the table as Trey takes his seat. “I have to run and take care of an issue, but I'll be right back, okay? Stay here and talk with Trey. I’ll bring you back a drink,” he promises me.
I do not want to be left with Trey. “I’ll go with you.” I silently plead with my eyes and pray he’ll say yes.
With barely a passing glance Finn denies my request. “No, don’t move from this seat.” His words are a bit harsh and his hands rest on my shoulders as if he's willing me to not move from the area. His eyes move to Trey. “Make sure she stays here, okay?” The boys share a silent look and then Finn and his dad are up and moving away from me to the other side of the room. They part after a few feet with a few pats on the back and Finn heads to the right side of the room.
Trey, in a classic suit with bow tie grins and waves from two seats down. Between us a striking redhead in a full length sleeveless black dress smiles in my direction. “Aspen, how nice to see you here.” Trey leans closer from his chair, but I can’t decide if his words are sincere or not. “This is Mari, my date for the evening. Mari, this is Aspen. She’s here with Finn."
Mari’s eyes widen and her head flies back to Trey with a question she doesn’t verbalize.
“Yes, I know.” Trey answers her unspoken question. He doesn’t do it rudely, but I’m still irritated by the fact everyone seems to be in on some issue I’m oblivious to.
“Are you making a speech tonight, Trey?” I ask to keep the conversation going. I’ve forgiven him for his shitty introduction of fake asking me out, but I get the feeling Trey isn’t satisfied with me being with Finn. Each time his eyes cast over me, I feel defective.
“Yes. Finn refused to speak, but he did, how shall we say, guide me in what my topics should focus on tonight.” It’s the oddest answer I've ever heard, even from Trey, and the underlying cut to his words reinforces my belief that Trey is not my biggest fan.
Mari sees my discomfort at his harsh answer and she gives him a pointed look. Trey sighs. “Sorry, Aspen. We’re all nervous tonight for different reasons. I didn’t mean to be an ass. It’s not your fault.”
“It’s okay.” I let him off the hook but don’t make eye contact. I don’t want to advertise the sheen of my eyes from tears that threaten to spill over. Between Finn’s weird behavior and Trey’s frosty reception, I'm off kilter. “I’m going to go see what’s taking Finn so long.”
I stand and Trey copies me. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Finn wanted you to stay here. Maybe I should walk you.”
I will myself to remember my manners and rather than yell there is no way I’d be alone with him I’m gracious in my refusal. “Thank you for the offer, but stay enjoy your date. I’m sure you’ll give a great speech. Good luck.”
I leave my gift bag on the table and walk the opposite direction from the stage. Finn said he would pick me up a drink so I head toward the bar area we passed on our way in.
It doesn’t take me long to spot Finn. He leans with an elbow placed on the dark wood bar that matches his receptionist desk out front. My steps increase in speed. I need to wrap my arm in Finn’s and remind myself I’m here to support him even if his boss is an asshole. There are less than five feet between me and the bar when I notice Finn is faced toward someone in conversation. I stop. A blonde with long flowing hair and boobs that threaten to spill out of her short baby blue dress at any moment leans toward him.
Finn mimics her movements decreasing the distance between them. From this angle I can’t see his face, but by the way their heads move, they are in a back and forth conversation. I begin to walk to him again, curiosity getting the best of me. When I’ve closed half the distance, Finn turns and his body jerks as his eyes meet mine. He grimaces and I immediately regret my decision to seek him out. But I’m too close to pretend I didn’t see him now.
His smile is back in place by the time he’s swiveled to face his companion again. I stand next to him and am relieved when Finn is quick to wrap an arm around my back. His fingertips bite into my side as if he’s latched on with no plans to let go. The woman with her bright red lips and over plucked eyebrows notices the move as well.
Finn looks at me, but it takes me a few moments to realize his words are directed to the Barbie in front of us. “As you can see, I need to get back to Aspen. Have a good night, and tell your date I said hello.” Finn pushes me a tad but is stopped before I can make any real movement.
“Really, Finnegan? You’re not going to introduce us. That’s rude, even for you.”
Finn stiffens at my side, but blondie sticks her hand out anyway. “Aspen, correct? Finn has told me so much about you. I’m Britney.” Her smile doubles in size when she notices my flinch at her name.
I return the hand shake, but secretively I’m still reeling in her words. Finn has talked to her about me? This blonde primped out big-boobed-Barbie is Britney? Finn’s ex-girlfriend, Britney. The one who tore out his heart? The only girl he's ever loved? She’s gorgeous, and not in that fake plastic way. If I’m honest, she has a natural beauty. Of course, I can’t admit how her cheek bones give her a regal appearance and her lips have the kind of plump I’ve always wished for. No, I have to hate her, not for her beauty, but because of her connection with Finn. My Finn. My Finn that used to be hers.
Finn directs me to my seat at our table next to Mari, but I don’t greet anyone. Still too stunned for polite conversation. Finn has no problem launching into questions for Trey.
“Why the hell is Britney here?” His voice carries across the table. “And why couldn’t you keep Aspen here for five minutes like I asked?” I’ve never seen Finn this angry. His clenched hand shakes on the table as he scowls at Trey. If I could sink in my seat any further I would. I might not like Trey much, but neither of us deserve to be scolded like children.
Trey doesn’t meet Finn’s eyes when he answers. “She came with Dr. Matthers as a date. I had no idea.” Trey places his napkin on his lap but lifts his head to finish. “I didn’t realize Aspen needed a babysitter at her boyfriend’s event. As for Britney, you know I would never have invited her, Finn. In your anger, over a self-created situation, don’t forget you know me.” He locks eyes with Finn and the two stare one another down for a few seconds.
Everything from Trey’s mouth tonight seems to be in code. His comments about me sting, but there has to be more to this Britney story. I’m not sure I want to know it all. They say ignorance is bliss for a reason, right?
