Page 19 of Emergency Exit
“That is a really nice thing to say. Thank you.”
“Well, youaremy girlfriend,” said Ash, taking her hand. “If you don’t get at least one compliment per day, I’m probably not doing it right.”
Harper immediately tried to calculate what Cooper’s compliment rate was. One per week? Maybe. Ash’s standards for fake dating were higher than hers for a real boyfriend. She probably ought to reevaluate her boyfriend criteria.
The party wasn’t as awkward as she had feared it would be. Ash kept them moving so she didn’t have time to get nervous before he took them to a whole new group. It also helped that everyone seemed happy to see Ash. She could see why—he was outgoing and had a way of making people feel included.
“This is working great,” he said when they paused. “I never remember anyone’s name, and having you here makes them introduce themselves all over again.”
“What happens if I meet them again and I can’t remember their name.”
“Just say you think Ash told you the wrong name last time. Most people who go to these things are very understanding about re-introducing themselves. I’m pretty sure I’ve met the last guy at least four times and I’ve already forgotten his name. Again.”
“Scott.”
“Scott! I should remember that. I know at least six.”
They meandered through the party a bit more, but Harper Ash was getting impatient, which made the party less fun. Abruptly, Ash grabbed her hand and pulled her close. She liked the feeling of his body against hers. For a moment, she thought he was about to say something romantic.
“OK, I just realized that I didn’t eat lunch, and I’m kind of spazzing,” whispered Ash. “I don’t suppose you could grab me some snacks while I talk to this guy?”
His romantic message was a snack request. Harper swallowed her disappointment. This was what she had signed up for—to be his low-maintenance, big-help date. And at least he was being polite, unlike Cooper. He had just demanded that she carry his wallet, keys, and snacks in her purse.
“No problem,” Harper said and headed for the line of tables against the wall. Neatly draped with black linens, they held a variety of hors d’oeuvres. She had just taken a plate when shesaw Stephanie Richland standing a few steps away, glaring at her. Harper didn’t know how she was supposed to behave. Was Harper allowed to pretend not to recognize her? Was she supposed to say hello?
Stephanie was wearing a restrained gray dress, and was talking to a gentleman in a flamboyant flamingo-print shirt under a black suit jacket. Harper decided that interrupting their conversation would be rude and focused on finding snacks that would suit Ash.
“Apparently, she’s Ash’s new paramour.”
Harper didn’t have any trouble hearing the note of derision and she decided to take a politely firm approach. She turned around and smiled.
“I’m sorry. I think the word you were looking for wasgirlfriend.”
“Well, you did say that at my husband’s birthday. Rather loudly. How did Ash meet someone like you anyway?”
“In an elevator on the way to a party,” said Harper, gritting her teeth.
“Amusing. Tommy, what do you think?”
“I don’t know. I wasn’t in that elevator,” said Tommy. He attempted to take a drink but found only ice in his glass. “I should get a refill,” he muttered.
“Why, Tommy! Don’t tell meyouhaven’t met Ash’s girlfriend either?” asked Stephanie, reaching out and pulling Tommy back. “I thought you and Ash were friends.”
Harper realized the buffet line was moving and took a forced step, trying to keep track of the plate and the conversation.
“We’re friends,” said Tommy, sounding annoyed. He looked near sixty and had a crisply coiffed hairstyle and pink leather loafers. “I don’t keep him in my pocket.”
“Oh,” said a familiar voice and Harper turned to see Colin Kwayana, a few paces away, making his way along the food tableas well. “Harper’s great. Tommy, you’ll love her. Harper meet Tommy Dean. Tommy meet Harper Smoak.”
“Well, I’m loving the green dress,” said Tommy with a smile, and Harper smiled back nervously. “But then I like anyone who doesn’t dress like a coastal grandma these days.”
Harper laughed. “I like the aesthetic but always mess it up and add color.”
“You know you can get a stylist, don’t you?” asked Stephanie.
“Not everyone has to dress like the boring elite,” said Tommy icily.
“Well, not everyone works in the theater like you,” said Stephanie. “I’m not sure Ash needs the Jolly Green Giant on his arm.”
