“Stop,” he said again. “Kent and I will probably survive the apocalypse together. You didn’t mess anything up. As for how he’s doing, you need to figure that out on your own.”
I paced away from him, rubbing at my forehead. “I messed up so bad. I asked him to hide it even when he explained how much he hated it. Even after he told me about his ex-wife and her asking him to hide himself, I still did it. I was horrible.”
“We all make mistakes.”
“But what if he can’t forgive me. What if he doesn’t trust me to be happy with him for him.”
“You need to ask him that.”
“I don’t even know where to start.”
He winked. “I have an idea.”
31 Olivia
“Are you sure?” Oaklyn asked by my side.
Was I sure about attending Kent’s birthday bash? No.
But after my conversation with Daniel last week, I knew what I needed to do. A million things could go wrong. I could put myself out there with this crazy plan I’d concocted, and he could tell me it was too late. The me from months ago urged me to say fuck it and not bother anymore. His loss. But that shell of apathy cracked long ago under the care and ministrations—the love—from Kent. All that was left was an honest need to be with him despite how horrible it could go wrong. Despite that, I had very little control over the outcome. I could get hurt worse than I was already aching. I could break.
Despite all that fear, I knew it was worth it. I had to try. I had to put myself in his hands and hope he didn’t let me shatter.
And if everything failed, I had Oaklyn by my side, so if I began to crumble, she could hold me together long enough to get the hell out of there.
“Just hold my hand tonight and support me.”
She held out her hand, and I latched on, grateful for the support. “I’ve been here the whole time. You deserve this. Be Olivia Witt and take it.”
“Sir, yes, sir.”
She rolled her eyes and tugged us from the spot we’d been standing on the sidewalk staring up at the hotel I’d had some of my happiest moments in.
The lobby had soft lighting and people lingering with champagne glasses, some even swaying to the jazz playing in the background. I tried not to frantically look from side to side, searching for dark hair sprinkled with flecks of gray.
I was distracted from my search when Vivian greeted us just inside the restaurant where the party was in full swing.
“You made it.” She squeezed my hands and pulled me down for a quick hug.
“I wouldn’t miss another chance to come back and see you guys.”
“We definitely miss you.” She craned her neck, scanning the crowd before rolling her eyes and coming back to me. “Alexander is, of course, late. Something about a business call. He can’t even stop working long enough to celebrate another year.” She smiled and squeezed my hands one more time. “Well, girls, grab some champagne and enjoy the party. I need to go mingle and make sure the VIPs are taken care of.”
“Wait,” I called before she could go. “I—” I stuttered, but Oaklyn squeezed my hand and reminded me why I was there. “I was wondering if I could ask you a quick favor.”
“Of course. Anything,” she assured, smiling. I hope that smile stayed in place and didn’t transform to one of disgust.
“Okay, I guess I should probably start by explaining.” Her head tipped to the side, waiting for me to continue. Taking a deep breath, I word vomited everything on a single exhale. “I love Kent, and we were together before I screwed everything up, and now, I’m trying to get him back because I love him, and I need your help. Please,” I added for good measure. Maybe good manners would distract her from me admitting I loved her boss who’d kind of been my boss.
Her brows rising slowly was the only movement she made. “Alexander?”
I winced, biting my lip, and nodded.
“Okay,” she said slowly. She shook her head and laughed softly. “Okay,” she repeated, this time more firmly. “What do you need me to do?”
“Really? You don’t think less of me because I’m in love with the guy I was interning with who’s much older?”
Oaklyn scoffed, sick and tired of my doubts.
Vivian smiled softly, and I was sure it was the same look she’d used on her kids when she wanted to reassure them. “Olivia, you’re a grown woman. You can make your own decisions, and as long as you respect yourself in the process, who am I to judge how you make yourself happy.”
“Oh.” She made it sound so simple.
“Like I told my daughter, be with whoever you want or with, however many people you want. Just do it with respect, safety, and pride. And legal. That one’s important too,” she added, making me and Oaklyn laugh. “Now I know why Alexander has been so damn grumpy all week. So, tell me what you need so we can fix that.”