Gretchen didn’t care about Dani—she just wanted to turn me off of David in a very unsubtle way.
“I agree completely,” David said. “She will make someone very happy.”
“Someone else?” Gretchen ventured.
“Someone else,” he agreed.
I fingered a piece of my hair and bit my lip to keep from sticking out my tongue at Gretchen.
“I have yet to make the breakup official, though,” David continued, “so I’d appreciate your discretion.”
“Scout’s honor,” Gretchen said, holding up three fingers. “So then where’s your date tonight?”
I gave her an exasperated look for her nosiness.
“If you’ll excuse me, this is Maria now,” he said, pulling out his phone as it chimed.
When he stepped away, I pinched Gretchen. “What are you—” I stopped to glance at Greg, who took a hint and made himself scarce. “What are youdoing?” I asked her.
“This is for your protection, Liv. I told you already, David is bad news. I don’t know why you’re still consorting with him.”
“We’re friends,” I said defensively.
“He can’t even stick with one girl for more than a few dates.”
“I don’t care who he sticks with,” I retorted. “It’s none of my business.”
“Then stop eye-fucking him, and get it together. Anyone can see that you’re ready to jump each other’s bones.”
I gasped and covered my mouth. “I am doing no such thing.”
“He doesn’t look very happy with Maria at the moment,” she observed over my shoulder. I turned and noticed his drawn features as he held the phone to his ear. He stood rigidly with one arm crossed over his chest as he appeared to be listening.
“Come on,” Gretchen said, nodding toward the restroom. “I have to break the seal.”
“I’m good,” I replied with a smug smile. I picked a quiet spot amongst the velvety cushions to people-watch and wait for Gretchen. I wasn’t alone long, though, for an attractive blond man suddenly loomed over me.
“May I?” he asked, motioning to the space next to me.
“Sure,” I said, scooting aside.
“Are you part of the PR team?”
“No, just a guest. You?”
“We handle the advertising for this place. Steve,” he said, offering his hand.
“Olivia.”
“So, Olivia, what do you do?”
I told him, and he smiled genially, remarking on how much he’d enjoyed an article the magazine had just published. He was good-looking, I noticed as he spoke. I fleetingly thought that I should introduce him to Gretchen before remembering that she was no longer available. He laughed at one of my comments and touched my knee.
“She’s with me,” a voice rumbled above us.
Steve and I glanced up at the same moment, my eyes taking a little longer to travel up David’s towering body.
“I’m sorry,” Steve said, making a show of getting up and added, “Just being friendly.”
