His mom cleared her throat, and I blushed, turning back with an apologetic smile.
“I’m so sorry. This wasn’t exactly how I pictured meeting his family,” I said, a truth hidden within the lie.
“Oh, honey, I get it,” she said quickly, waving her hand between us. “Since my son forgot his manners tonight, my name is Karina. I’ll make a note of that allergy for when you guys come.”
“Come?” I echoed, curiosity getting the best of me. “Remind me, where exactly are we spending Christmas?”
“Despite the fact that my son seems glued to this city, this isn’t where he grew up. We’re actually from Pine Ridge. It’s a small town about an hour south of here, near the mountains.”
“I’m not familiar with it, but it sounds lovely,” I said quickly.
“Oh, just you wait. I can’t wait to show you around town.” Her smile was so hopeful I couldn’t say a word to break her heart. That was her son’s job. “So, tell me about yourself, Aspen.”
“I’m not too exciting,” I said, shifting uncomfortably. Talking about myself was not my strong suit. Of course, she wasn’t having any of that.
“I think you’re plenty interesting,” she countered. “Let’s start with your job.”
She was likely choosing something easy, but if there was anything my family had taught me, it was that my achievements were never quite enough. Here she was, the mother of the CEO of the biggest lifestyle magazine around, and I was simply one of his employees. Not even an important enough one to get an invite to this Christmas Party. It was obvious only for management and above.
“My degree is in journalism,” I said. “I’m currently with theHome and Hearthsection ofPack & Co. Magazine.”
“That means my son is your boss,” she clarified, biting back a laugh. “That sounds like something out of a movie or something. Is that what you wanted to do, or are you working your way up?”
“Honestly, I’d love to do something that required a bit more passion behind it. There’s not much passion to be found in trending color palettes and influential designs.”
“Oh,” she said, clearly surprised by my candor.
Part of me knew I should probably shut the hell up, especially since I was talking to my boss’s mom, but, apparently, I’d left my filter back on that balcony.
“Don’t get me wrong,” I added quickly. “I love my job. Working forPack & Co.is incredible, they really do take care of their employees and make it feel like one big family. But I’ve always wanted to work more with people, covering big stories, chasing leads. I love the mystery of it all. I’d love to cover current issues or influential people versus just where they live.”
Karina was smiling from ear to ear now.
“Sounds like my son has met a good match. You’re nothing like the other omegas he brought around in his younger years. Not that he’s brought anyone home in a long time... but I guess you explain why, huh?” she added with a wink, just as Cole returned.
He handed her a glass of white wine, then turned to me, offering a drink with swirling red liquid.
Before I could ask, he reassured me. “Don’t worry, no cherries. I triple-checked. The only thing in there is cranberries and winter spices. Apparently, it’s one of their most popular.”
“Thank you,” I said, oddly touched by the fact that he’d made sure I wouldn’t have an allergic reaction.
I took a sip and hummed happily. At least the drink was potent enough to chase away the wild fucking day I was having. I knew at some point reality would crash back in or they’d try tocome find me, but for now it felt like I was in an entirely different world. A parallel life I wasn’t sure I wanted to return from.
“You know,” Karina said. “Your fiancée and I were just getting to know each other. Why didn’t you tell me she worked for you? Isn’t that a bit of a conflict of interest?”
“Oh, like you care,” he said, chuckling softly before sitting beside me.
We were so close now our thighs were touching, and it took everything in me not to react. I wasn’t used to casual touches, and somehow, I’d gone from runaway bride to fake fiancée in a matter of minutes.
With that thought, I tipped my glass back and downed the entire drink.
Cole watched me, no judgment, but definite concern in his eyes.
He didn’t need to worry about me. I’d be fine, especially once I figured out how to get myself out of this godforsaken venue.
For the first time in a long time, I wished my life were different, that I had a family, or a best friend to help me get out of this mess.
The closest people I had were probably across the hall, looking for me.
