Page 84 of On the Rocks

As we pulled up to the Glasshouse, the event space for tonight’s launch, I slipped my Masked Mixer mask over my head, settling it across my eyes. “How do I look?”

Aiden slipped his phone into his jacket, then reached out to adjust the mask. “Perfect. I’ll try to remember not to blow your cover tonight.”

I smirked. “Now that would get the fans talking.”

We exited the car, and Aiden offered me his arm. A pair of towering security guards escorted us into the venue.

I gaped at the space as we were let through a door. I’d seen pictures of the Glasshouse online, but tonight it had been totally transformed into a gorgeous lounge area featuring plush velvet seating, luxurious floral displays, and gold accents that reflected the warm lighting. The massive windows offered breathtaking panoramic views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline, the buildings glittering against the evening backdrop. The numerous outdoor terraces had been fitted with mini bar stations. And a huge Elixir branded step and repeat was ropedoff along the far wall where the guests entered. They paused for the press and photographers that crowded around, conducting interviews and taking photos. But the real showstopper was the large, mirrored bar set up in the center of the room where expert Elixir mixologists crafted signature cocktails and mocktails.

“This is incredible,” I said, reaching up to adjust my mask once more. I turned to Aiden when he didn’t respond, only to find him waving down a group of influencers. It looked like the same crowd that had gathered to watch me compete at Bottom of the Barrel.

“Suppose I should introduce you,” he said, adjusting his suit jacket.

I blinked hard, trying not to read too much into the way he’d said that, like it would be an inconvenience. I knew this was his least favorite part of his job—playing happy host. He already wore that same tight smile he’d had on that night at Bottom of the Barrel. It was obvious he was stressed.

For a moment, I thought he might offer me his arm, but he simply inclined his head across the room. “Shall we?”

He set off for the influencers, and I followed, having to rush to keep up. Part of me considered taking his hand. I thought my presence might comfort him, but an even bigger part of me worried he would yank his hand away in response. He was less than a foot from me, but the distance suddenly felt enormous. The warmth and sweetness from the limo had dissolved, replaced by what felt like indifference. I knew I was playing the Masked Mixer tonight, but when he looked back at me, he was all business, and I immediately missedmyAiden.

“Aiden Callihan!” a man said, interrupting us halfway across the floor. He was older, with a head of thick grey hair, and a smile I was sure had women calling him a silver fox.

Aiden cleared his throat. “Wilson,” he said, shaking his hand. “So glad you could make it.”

“Wouldn’t have missed it. Gotta keep up with the competition.” He winked.

Aiden chuckled politely.

“And who’s your friend?” Wilson asked.

Aiden stepped aside, holding his hand out for me to step forward, careful not to actually touch me. My gaze landed on his hand, which hovered just shy of my elbow. It was like he was worried he’d burst into flames if hedidtouch me. I didn’t know if he was being hands-off out of respect for the “secret identity” I had thanks to the mask, or if the mask was giving him an excuse to be distant. “This is the Masked Mixer, the brains behind the new Elixir Free line.”

“Lovely to meet you,” I said to Wilson.

“Wilson Manning owns Imperium Spirits,” Aiden explained.

I nodded, unsurprised. The man looked like he bathed in money.

“The superior spirits,” Wilson joked. “But if anyone’s going to give us a run for our money, it’s this guy.” He clapped Aiden jovially on the shoulder. “This young man is going places.”

“I’d argue he already has,” I said.

Wilson tipped one long finger in my direction, giving me a sharp smile. “I see why he’s brought you on board.”

“Excuse me,” Aiden said, gesturing to some people trying desperately to get his attention. “Duty calls. Good seeing you, Wilson. Let’s grab a drink later.” Henry nodded as Aiden was pulled away into another conversation. From the corner of my eye, I watched him greet more guests with handshakes and fake smiles while I stood with Wilson, making awkward small talk. The man was polite enough, but we struggled to find anything to talk about. He had no interest in brand deals or influencers or mocktails.

I might be the one wearing the mask right now, but it sure as hell wasn’t doing anything to hide the awkward blush that spread across my cheeks as the conversation stagnated. Wilson finally nodded to his empty glass, using it as an excuse to set off for the bar, leaving me standing there alone. I considered darting after Aiden, but the last thing I wanted to do was chase him around like a lost puppy.

“…get a picture?”

“Oh, sure!” I said, coming back to myself as a young woman stood at my side, her phone held up for a selfie.

She smiled, and I blew a kiss at the camera.

She immediately tagged the photo on Instagram.Rubbing shoulders with the Masked Mixer at the #ElixirFreeLaunch.

“Thank you so much,” she said. “I’m such a huge fan. Really loved the different takes you did on the Whiskey Sour recently.”

“Did you go for the Red Sun Sour or the Apricot Sour?”

---