Page 45 of Love in Focus

Everyone turns to me. Luckily, I prepared my own pitch. After properly introducing myself, I jump into it and wrap up by saying, “Everyone loves love, whether they’d like to admit it to themselves or not. And since we’re all a bit nosy, we get curious about other people and how they live their lives. So, I strongly believe this topic of modern love, as well as Celeste’s beautiful cover, will catch people’s attention and appeal to a broad demographic of people in the city and beyond.”

The representatives look impressed with our pitch, and afterward, as Evelyn leads us away, she says, “Excellent job, you two. Now, please do enjoy the rest of the party. And do check out the chocolate fountain when you have the chance. Happy New Year!”

She winks and gives my shoulder an encouraging squeeze before gliding away.

After a brief detour at the chocolate fountain—which is worthallthe hype—we grab some drinks from the bar and head to the dance floor. But before we’re able to fully enjoy ourselves, we come face-to-face with James and Daphne.

James’s face is stony and deceptively calm, so I wouldn’t think he was upset if I didn’t know him well. But since I do, I know this is hisimmense rageface, which I’d thankfully only seen a few times in the last seven years.

Daphne stays a few steps behind him, looking between the three of us with raised eyebrows.

“Gemma,” James says, bringing my attention back to him. “Happy New Year.”

“Hi, James,” I reply. “Happy New Year to you, too. Celeste, this is James. James, this is Celeste.”

Daphne doesn’t make any move to introduce herself, and honestly, I can’t blame her. I wouldn’t say anything, either, if I were in her super-awkward position.

At the sound of Celeste’s name, James winces, like he was hoping it wasn’t her and I confirmed his worst nightmare. While he and I dated, we did talk about each other’s exes, so her name must have rung a bell. He turns his bodytoward me like he’s trying to exclude Celeste from the conversation. “Is she… a friend?” he asks.

There’s a twinge of desperation in his eyes, like hewishesCeleste and I were just friends.

I can’t believe he has the gall to hope that Celeste and I are “just friends,” even after I told him I was bringing a date. Since we’re surrounded by our coworkers, I try to figure out how to tell him “fuck off” in a civil way. But before I can, Celeste wraps an arm around my waist.

“We’re together,” she says. “So, much more than friends.”

Together?

Even though I know Celeste is putting up a front for my sake, hearing her say those wordsin front of Jamessends a thrill down my spine.

James coughs and shifts in obvious discomfort.

“Well, good luck, then,” he says. He has the nerve to look a bit hurt.How do you like the taste of your own medicine?

I stare him down until he finally breaks eye contact to turn back to Daphne. “Come on, let’s say hi to more people.”

Celeste’s lips slide into a mischievous grin as they leave.

When they’re out of earshot, she lets go of me and asks, “Well? How’d I do? Not bad right?”

I laugh. “You’re loving this.”

“I am,” she admits. “He’ssucha prick.”

And then finally,finally, we’re enjoying ourselves, having so much fun drinking and dancing that I lose track oftime. Even so, I’m shocked when the DJ stops the music to announce, “All right, folks, we’re approaching the last fifteen minutes of the year. Grab a flute of champagne and your special someone before it’s too late!”

“It’s almost midnight already?” My words come out slurred, and I’m barely standing up straight on my own two feet. Imayhave drunk a bit too much, but so has almost everyone else in the room. “Wow, that bartender mixes some very strong drinks.”

“He does,” Celeste agrees, picking up two champagne flutes from one of the waiters. “But also, you’re a lightweight. I think you only had two or three?”

“Do you not feel it?”

“Kinda. I could drink a lot more, butoneof us has to make sure we get home safely.”

Even though I’m pretty far gone, I’m sober enough to feel bad that Celeste has to be the responsible one atmyoffice party.

“Noooo,” I say. “Have fun! We’re not even driving afterward.”

“It’s fine. Besides, who says I’m not having fun? Watching you trying to dance in this state is the best entertainment I’ve had all week.”

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