* * *
“So, you’re the one who lured away my bestie with promises of coital bliss,” Josie said when I introduced her to Max.
“Guilty as charged. It’s good to meet you, Josie.”
“A pleasure, Max. Nice place you’ve got here.”
“Thanks. Are you the one I call when I need a little dirt on my new roommate?”
“Oh, yes. I’ve got plenty on her.”
“Hello. I’m standing right here, you two.”
The party was in full swing. Adrian had outdone himself. The house looked amazing, and the food smelled heavenly. Neither Max nor I had the time that week to take care of the planning, so Adrian jumped in and arranged everything down to the smallest detail.
“I’m gonna go over there and talk to Adrian while the two of you gossip about me,” I said and left Max and Josie to get to know each other.
Max and I invited our colleagues too. They were going to find out about us sooner or later anyway. There were one or two dirty looks from female hopefuls but overall, the news of our relationship was well-received.
“Angel, darling!” Adrian said when I sided up to him. “I knew you’d find yourself a gem,” he smirked. “What are the odds of the two of you working together, hey?”
I wasn’t going to tell Adrian that Max and I were screwing right under his nose at one of his premier events of the year.
“Small world, isn’t it?”
“Indeed. You’re glowing, my dear.”
“I’m happy. How’s your beau? Is he coming?”
“Yes, my Dan will be along soon enough. He was excited when I told him about you and Max.”
“Good. I’m looking forward to seeing Dan again. How have the two of you been?”
“Peachy, sweet girl, peachy. Oh, by the way, I don’t think I’ve told you. This is my last gig. Dan and I have a buyer for the business. We’re selling and then we’re planning on traveling for a few years.”
“What? That’s so exciting, Adrian.”
“Oh, I know. I can’t wait. One can only be in this profession for so long before you burn out. I knew my time was up when I nearly told a client to fuck off,” Adrian said with a wave of a perfectly manicured hand.
“Well, congrats.”
“Thank you, Angel. But remember. I’ll be a mere click away when you and your gorgeous Russian decide to tie the knot. I’d better cop an invite to the grand event.”
“Adrian, my dear, you’ll be first on my list of guests.”
Wedding bells. Who knew? Max could be the one. Of that, I was fairly sure.
16
MAX
“You look beautiful, Babe,” I said as I reached across to the passenger seat and rested my hand on Angel’s knee.
We were on our way to dinner with Inessa and Charlie and I could tell she was nervous. She did the cute thing where she was chewing on her lower lip.
“Thanks.”
“They’re going to love you.”