Half an hour later, Westley alerts me that there’s a food delivery for Aubrey. Her eyes flash to mine, shaking her head. “I didn’t order anything, did you?”
“No. Wes, where is it from?”
He shrugs, checking his device. “It appears to be a standard delivery. He has all of the right credentials, and Ned said it’s cleared. There’s a note accompanying it.”
“What does it say? It better not be from Chad,” Aubrey hisses. He hands it to her and she reads it aloud. “Since she won’t let me send her gifts, please make sure Livy eats more than almonds for lunch.” It takes less than three seconds before she scolds, “Olivia.”
“What? I may have mentioned to someone that I didn’t have plans for lunch.”
She folds her arms over her chest and sits back in her chair. “Someone? Could it be the samesomeonewho sent you coffee yesterday?”
“There are four platters of enchiladas, and a large portion of nachos,” Wes interjects. We both glance over to the doorway at him. “I’ll have someone confirm the delivery before anyone eats.”
As quickly as he came, he’s gone, and once his retreating footsteps are nonexistent, Aubrey whisper-shouts, “You talked to Isaac last night, didn’t you?”
“Yes, but it wasn’t like that. We only talked. That’s all.”
“Bull fucking shit. No wonder you’re smiling today. And you have a glow about you. Did you have phone sex? Please tell me you didn’t have phone sex. We have to see him in a few months, and I know damn well it’ll be written all over your face if you two bang it out when we’re in D.C. for the inauguration."
I bark a laugh. “Bang it out? Seriously? We’re just…friends.”
“Friends? Come on, Livy. You and Isaac were anything but friends. There’s no way in hell you can have a platonic relationship with him. In two months, you’re going to be sworn in. Do you really think getting involved with the Prime Minister of Canada is the best idea? That was rhetorical, by the way. There are so many people who are looking for an excuse to tear you down. This? This would tear you down, babe.” She reaches out her hand expectantly. “Let me see your phone.”
“Why?” I squeak.
Aubrey snatches it from my desk before I can stop her, but then hands it back to me. “Unlock it.”
“Okay, yes, fine. I admit it! There may have been some less thanfriendlyconversations last night. But it’s nothing. He’s probably just lonely and I’m ovulating. In a few days, he’ll forget all about me.”
“Not likely. Did you at least delete the messages?”
“No,” I admit, hating that I’ve been so careless.
Isaac and I discussed changing our names in each other’s phones, and I haven’t even done that. Unlocking it, there’s a new message from him, and my belly swoops at seeing his name.
Isaac
Did they travel well?
I bite my lip to hide my smile, but Aubrey sees right through it, scoffing, “Yeah. Just friends.”
10
Isaac
With mere hours left before we make the big announcement, my assistant pings me on the office messaging app.
Rhonda
Joyce has confirmed with all media, and we’re set to begin on time. James will be there to meet with you thirty minutes prior to go over everything.
Wonderful. Thank you, Rhonda.
Olivia probably won’t be watching, but I’ll be sure to send her a link once it’s posted online. I refuse to steal her thunder, even if we can’t officially announce her attendance yet. If it wasn’t for Livy, we wouldn’t be meeting here to address food insecurity on the international level. Perhaps it’s fate—or at least I like to think it is. The pieces have fallen into place a little too easily.
Another message appears from Rhonda.
Also, your mother called. She said you’re avoiding her and wants to ensure you’ll be there for Christmas. I assured her you’re just busy with an upcoming international event and would call her later today.
