“Is that how the story starts?” Jenny chided. “I didn’t think so.Spill.”
I crossed my arms and leaned a hip against Jenny’s desk. “As you may have figured out, Bill and I are getting a divorce.” I gestured over my shoulder. “And I’m dating David.”
“Getout,” Jenny said as Serena balked, “Shut up!”
“Well, which is it?” I teased. Finally, I allowed my smile to break through.
Jenny squealed, “How did this happen?”
I scratched my forehead. “It’s a long story.”
“He’s the most beautiful man in Chicago,” Serena gushed.
“Who is?” I heard and turned my head. Lisa had appeared in the doorway.
“Liv’s boyfriend,” Serena said.
“Uh, Bill?” she asked.
“No,” Jenny said, rolling her eyes. “She’s getting a divorce. We’re talking about herboyfriend.”
Lisa looked at me. “And that would be . . .?”
I raised my chin. “You remember David Dylan?”
Her mouth fell open. “From ‘Most Eligible’?”
I nodded.
“Yeah fucking right . . . David Dylan andyou?” Her back went rod-straight as she looked over my shoulder. “I mean—”
Just for that comment, I decided to brag. “Yep,” I said loudly. “David Dylan andme.Meand, as Serena said, the hottest guy in Chicago. But, believe it or not, he’s also incredibly sweet, romantic, thoughtful, and just . . .” I sighed happily. “Just, like, so seriously amazing.”
“Go on,” came a deep voice behind me, followed by an amused chuckle.
Oh my God. I paled and turned around slowly. David stood at the door, taking in the scene. Jenny and Serena gasped. Lisa snickered. And David grinned—huge. “Jerry took your pen.” He held it out. “Asked me to return it.”
“Oh. Of course.” I smoothed my hand down my front and tried to play it cool as I walked to him and took the pen. It had to be theabsolutemostridiculousreasoneverto get caught gushing about your boyfriend. I mumbled a “thanks” and turned, but he grabbed my arm and spun me around into his body.
He held me there to plant a sweet kiss on my lips. “You, Olivia Germaine, are the one who’s seriously amazing,” he said loudly enough for everyone to hear, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. “And I love you.”
The two wilting sighs behind me harmonized with my own. David released me, but not before shooting Lisa an especially chilling glance that made evenmystomach drop. I watched David return through the doors to where Jerry held the elevator for him. Hands in his pockets, David winked at me as the elevator doors closed.
When I turned back, all three women seemed on the verge of exploding.
“Helovesyou?” Jenny exclaimed. “You are so goddamn lucky.”
“I am,” I agreed.
“You aren’t lucky, Liv. You deserve it,” Serena said as if it were obvious. “He’s the one who’s lucky.”
I searched her face and found only sincerity. “Thank you, Serena. That’s really sweet.”
She smiled, and we giggled conspiratorially when we noticed Lisa had slunk away.
* * *
In the foyer of the apartment, as David and I waited for the elevator, his eyes scanned my pink, shimmering, long-sleeved shift dress with lace overlay. “Should I be worried about this Mack?” he joked.
