Page 18 of 21 Week Hiatus

As excited and nervous as I am, I'm struggling to keep my thoughts in order, dreading the thought of being surrounded by loved up couples or people kissing and flirting while my own heart is still in pieces.

“Savi.” Lost in thought, I am suddenly pulled back to reality when I hear my name being called and feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn to face Andre, his charming smile and mischievous green eyes meeting mine under the bright sun. “Sorry, you uh, seemed to be miles away. The head of security is here, and he would like to do a walk-through of the area with his team, also I got you an iced latte because you look like you could use it. It’s hazelnut mocha. Your favorite.” He adds holding out the cold brew to me. I look at the plastic cup of delicious coffee and raise a brow.

I pause, feeling a rush of confusion as I wonder how he knows my favorite drink. Wait, is it just my imagination or is he trying to flirt with me?

“Thank you, Andre.” I utter, smiling politely as I reach for the cup of iced coffee. I take a moment to study him. My eyes wander over his face, taking in his boyish features. Bright green eyes, his hair is a darkish blonde, about two shades darker than mine, but cut very short all over. He kind of resembles a young Channing Tatum back when he was starring in the movie, She’s the Man. Gosh, that was a great movie. That being said, Andre certainly is a treat to the eyes, it’s just a shame that he’s not really my type. Pre-Logan I would have found him attractive, but after being with Logan my tastes have… matured.

The mouth-watering scent of the coffee wafts across my nostrils, mixed with the subtlest hint of cologne and sweat from the day's work. “That’s very kind of you.”

With a wide grin, he responds in his laid-back drawl, “My pleasure, Boss.” His hands slide into his front pockets and his gaze blatantly travels from my head to my feet. I feel a twinge of discomfort but try tohide it as I nod back and awkwardly lift my cup in a half-salute before looking for an excuse to leave.

Smooth move, Savi. Geez Louise, you are his boss, you can just walk away.

“All righty, well, thanks again for the drink. I’m going to go and find the security team and you should get back to helping the girls unload those boxes.” Andre nods, licking his full, pink lips as I walk off. Even as walk away I can feel his gaze penetrating through my back. I need to remember to introduce him to Hannah, I think he’s more her type than he is mine. Actually, there’s no ‘I think’ about it, she would eat him up like a snack. I’m sure I can arrange an innocent little meet cute. Perhaps playing cupid will keep my mind occupied to not think about a certain six foot, sinfully gorgeous Dadd—ahem, I mean, man.

“Bitty, oh em gee everything looks so great!” Hannah scurries towards me with a huge grin on her face, effortlessly navigating through the crowded park. Her exuberant energy radiates as she approaches me.

I can tell by her drunken appearance that she's already having a great time. She throws herself at me in a bear hug, trapping my arms by my sides with her elbows. “Thanks Han,” I say, grinning and giving her a friendly pat on the back.

“I had no doubts, but seriously, you did an amazing job with putting everything together,” she gushes, stepping back from the hug to hold onto my shoulders and beam excitedly at me.

“Let's not tempt fate,” I warn Hannah playfully as I nervously wipe my clammy hands on my pants. Since this is an outdoor event in the park, I chose a smart yet casual outfit; a matching black and cream tropical print tie-front bandeau top and wide leg pants, paired with sandals. “The day is still young. I don’t want to jinx anything, but I can’t shake this feeling that something will go wrong.”

I let out a sigh as I chew on my lip, trying to calm my nerves. Hannah wraps her arm around me and leads me towards the food trucks. “Bitty, you need to relax a bit. Let’s get you a cocktail.”

“Han, I’m working. I can’t drink on the job.”

Hannah dismissively waves her hand in the air as she pulls me towards the cocktail stand. “Oh, tosh! Who says you can’t? Savi, you’re the boss now. There’s no uppity skank around to scold you for having a little fun. Besides one drink won't hurt. You deserve it after all the hard work you put into this.”

“Okay fine, one drink.” I relent as we reach the cocktail station.

“Hey handsome, one of your best cocktails for the boss lady.” Shaking my head, I can’t help but smile at her bravado.

“Hey, where’s Vee?” I ask Hannah when I notice my other friend is amiss. “She didn’t come?”

Hannah nods, sweeping her hair to one side and adjusting her large sunglasses. “Yeah, she's around here somewhere. You know Vee, she can strike up a conversation with anyone.” It would be surprising if Vee didn't know at least half of the guys at this festival. I’m absolutely not slut shaming my friend in any way, she just happens to have a wide and busy social circle. Honestly, sometimes I envy her confidence.

After three hours and one delectable cocktail, the festival is in full swing. The enticing aroma of various cuisines blends together in the air. The music is a lively blend of drums, horns, and strings, creating a symphony of joy. People's voices merge in laughter and singing along with the artists.

So far, I’m pleased there haven't been any major incidents aside from a few minor altercations that were quickly diffused by security.

“Savi, there you are.” Hannah and Vee come bouncing over to me where I’m standing by the stage observing and swaying along to an artist’s acoustic cover of Goo Goo Dolls ‘Iris’.

His voice is so mellow and soothing that I can feel my emotions slipping away from me as he sings so beautifully. When I hear my friendsvoice approaching, I quickly blink and discreetly brush away the tears that pool in my eyes before they reach me. “We’re going to the kissing booth, come on!” I look between them both in bemusement when they each grab a hand and start pulling me.

“Wait, what?”

I start to protest, but Vee shakes her head and cuts me off. “Nope, not listening. Legally you are required to take a break. Let one of your junior minions handle things for a bit and come take a load off and enjoy yourself with us.”

“Girl, I can't just take a break. I’mworking.” I object firmly, planting my feet in the ground, but my resistance is futile. They’re not taking no for an answer as they drag me in the direction of the kissing booth. “If you think I’m going up there and kissing a bunch of strangers you’ve both lost your minds.”

Hannah looks back at me grinning and I’m immediately not liking the mischievous glint in her eyes. “Savi, you’ve put together this whole thing for people to find love, but you’re hiding away backstage when you should be out there looking for your own love. What if your forever person is somewhere here, waiting to meet you?”

I roll my eyes in exasperation, “I highly doubt that, if my forever person were here then fate would have brought us together by now, right?” I say and hold my arms out as I look around the park as if searching for someone. “Do you see him anywhere? Cause I surely don’t.”

“Well, in that case you can consider the two of us fate’s little helpers, or your fairy Godmother, whichever one gets your tiny ass up and on that platform.” Vee voices with a shrug and Hannah agrees with an animated nod.

“Ooh, I like the sound of that.”

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