Page 16 of Ice Ice Maybe
I tried to gather my bearings, but because the universe had a wicked sense of humor, the bathroom door swung open. Mr. Dalton stepped inside, his eyes growing wider by the second as he took in the scene: Mitch straddling me on the floor.
“What in the name of Caesar’s ghost is going on in here?” he demanded, his voice a mix of shock and exasperation.
I looked up at Mr. Dalton, still dazed, but croaked out, “Apparently, Mitch has been harboring a secret crush on me. I tried to let him down gently since I’m spoken for, but he would not take no for an answer. Unrequited love can be so awkward.”
Mitch grunted right on cue. “This isn’t what it looks like.” He crawled off me and straightened out his tie.
Mr. Dalton pinched the bridge of his nose, looking like a man who’d rather be anywhere else. “Explain yourselves.”
“I was using the facilities,” I said as I got back to my feet and motioned to the urinals. “Not sure what Mitch was up to, though. Bathroom buddy system, maybe?”
Mitch jabbed a finger in my direction as his nostrils flared. “This guy needs to shut his pie hole. I don’t like his attitude.”
Mr. Dalton sighed. “Obviously, you two don’t exactly see eye-to-eye, and I doubt there is anything I can do to change that. But let me make one thing crystal clear: if either of you does anything stupid, including laying a finger on the other person, you’ll find yourselves unemployed. I’ve got too many important things on my plate at the moment, and this is the last thing I need to worry about. Got it?”
I nodded, while Mitch grunted something else that might have been an agreement.
“Now, let’s get back and finish our dinner before my steak gets cold,” Mr. Dalton added.
Mitch snarled at me and then walked out the door. I was just about to follow right behind him, but didn’t get far.
“Nolan? I’d like a word with you,” Mr. Dalton said.
Surprised, I stopped and turned around. “Yes?”
Mr. Dalton’s eyes narrowed. “You’re getting awfully handsy with my daughter. I saw a very disturbing video of you two kissing, and you looked a little too comfortable with your performance. If you think this is your chance to get lucky, you are playing with fire. Remember, she’s my pride and joy, and I will do whatever it takes to protect her. Do I make myself clear?”
I fought the urge to squirm under his scrutiny. “Sir, I don’t know what video you’re talking about, but I’m only carrying out the favor you requested of me. You wanted me to date her, and that’s what I’m doing. And for the record, Zena was the one who asked me to kiss her.”
“She confirmed that,” he conceded, his tone still icy.
“You also told me to follow her lead,” I said, treading carefully. “I believe your exact words were, ‘If she tells you to jump, ask how high.’”
Mr. Dalton nodded. “I said that as well, but I don’t want you to get any ideas, Nolan. This is all pretend, nothing more. You and Zena, you’re from different worlds.”
I felt a flash of indignation. “Because I drive a Zamboni instead of a Ferrari?”
“Now, don’t go twisting my words?—”
“With all due respect, sir,” I interrupted, “I may not have a fortune, but I have integrity. Isn’t that what you’re banking on for this entire scheme? The last thing on my mind is actually wanting tohook-upwith Zena or take advantage of the situation. I will not do anything that would jeopardize my job, and right now, my only goal is to help you get to the finals and win it all. After that, I’ll happily return to my peaceful and ordinary life.”
A beat of silence passed between us.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Dalton’s expression softened. “Good.” He clapped me on the back with enough force to almost make me slip again. “Let’s get back to dinner. And Nolan?”
“Yes, sir?” I said.
“You’ve got more spine than I gave you credit for. Just don’t let it go to your head. Mitch Redding takes no prisoners, even with my threat, so watch your back.”
I nodded. “I understand, sir.”
As we headed back to the table, I couldn’t help but think this fake relationship was one heck of a balancing act between Zena, Mitch, and Mr. Dalton. I sat back down in my chair and forced a smile at the others before taking a bite of my shrimp linguine, like nothing ever happened in the bathroom. Zena was silent, but kept glancing at me as I chewed.
Finally, she leaned closer and whispered, “Are you okay? Did he touch you?”
“We could not keep our hands off each other,” I joked, although it was not far from the truth, considering the compromising position we ended up in. “But seriously, it’s nothing you need to worry about. I’m fine.”
Zena glanced across the table, then whispered, “Mitch’s left eye is twitching. And when Mitch has the twitch, he’s not ahappy camper, which means he’s going to find any way possible to channel that anger.”
