Page 51 of See You Maybe

Behind Courtney, the bathroom door opened, and Olivia grabbed the distraction to duck into a stall and shut the door. It might have been cowardly, but she didn’t see any other option. The woman was crazy.

“You little bitch.” Courtney spit out, apparently finding a new target. Olivia peeked through the crack in the stall door and recognized the newcomer.

“Give it a rest, Courtney,” Cara said in a bored tone. “You know everyone can hear you in the hallway, right?”

Olivia felt her face heat.

Declan’s sister heard? Maybe I can hide in here for the rest of the night.

Courtney's face turned purple, and she opened her mouth to spew more venom at the young woman, but Cara simply ignored her and entered a stall.

Olivia leaned against the stall wall and buried her face in her hands.

This deal is cursed.

A hand slammed on the stall door, making it rattle, and Olivia jumped. “I hope you're not stupid enough to think he's actually interested in you. Chris loves me, and I fight for what’s mine.”

Heels clicked across the marble floor and then silence. Had she left? Just when Olivia thought it might be safe to emerge, she heard a muttered “Bitch.” Then the heels continued across the floor, and the door slammed.

Her legs shaking, Olivia exited the stall and washed her hands. Grabbing her drink, she took several large gulps. If ever there was a time to get numb.

“Are you okay?”

Cara’s reflection joined hers in the mirror.

Olivia forced a smile. “Yes, thank you.” She dried her hands and reached for her drink again. “I’m not flirting with Chris.” She wasn’t sure why she felt compelled to explain.

“I know.” Cara grimaced. “Courtney’s nuts. I’d say ignore her, but in reality, watch your back.”

Olivia choked on her drink.

“I know Declan is going to be pissed that I’m getting involved.” Cara made air quotes. “He can deal. You seem like a nice person.” Her eyes were serious when they met Olivia’s. “Chris and Courtney aren’t what they seem.”

Olivia tipped her glass up finishing the drink, hoping to buy time and think of an appropriate response. Chugging a cocktail probably wasn’t the best one.

“I'm just here for the party.”

Cara watched her with a small smile but held her hands up in surrender and moved to the door. Olivia wouldn’t deny she was curious about Declan’s younger sister. She remembered how much he cared for and felt responsible for his younger siblings.

Cara’s hand was on the door handle when she asked, “How do you know Declan?”

“We met last week about a potential deal to buy the company I work for.” Olivia was pleased her voice came out even.

“Hmm. It's just the two of you can’t keep your eyes off each other when you think no one else is looking.”

Olivia’s face flamed. Was she that obvious? Quickly followed by—Was Declan looking at her?

Her stomach rolled unpleasantly. Definitely shouldn’t have chugged that drink. “I think I’m probably watching everyone. A lot of networking opportunities,” she finished lamely.

Olivia picked up her clutch from the counter, and tucked it under her arm. “It was nice to meet you, but if you’ll excuse me, I don’t want to miss dessert.” Olivia took two steps forward, and the world tilted. She blinked as her hand caught the lip of the bathroom counter, and her vision wavered before Cara’s concerned face came back into focus.

“Are you all right?”

She nodded, but kept her mouth shut, feeling nauseous. On her way back to the table, Olivia mentally counted her drinks.

I only finished two drinks… but I’ve been stressed and haven’t eaten much.

By the time she made it to her seat, the world was fuzzy. Stuart was gone, and so was Richard. Courtney still sat next to Kyle, both of whom glared at her reappearance. At least she thought they were looking at her. Her brain felt like it was trudging through mud.

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