Page 27 of Eternal Hoptimist

“Oooh, did you say you were bringing someone but planned to tell people they couldn’t make it? That’s clever. I should’ve thought about that. Can I have the unused drink tickets as payment for getting you moved away from the table with Pullman Development?”

“I was going to have to sit with Pullman? Jesus. If I had extra drink tickets, I’d give them all to you for that.”

“Then who used them? Because I know you don’t drink much at work eve—Oh. My. God.” Hector’s eyes grew comically wide. “You’ve been holding out on me, boss.”That tone meant trouble.

I followed his line of sight and spotted Ethan approaching.Shit. I’d been so busy juggling work and doing research for Ethan’s great-aunt that I’d completely forgotten to warn Hector.

“Well, well, well, I should scrap being your underpaid minion and get into the matchmaking business,” Hector whispered sharply.

“Don’t embarrass me. I beg you.”

Hector’s eyes narrowed. “I’ve been trying to get you to make a Hinge profile for over a year. You bring New Year’s Eve hottie to a work fundraiser, and you think I’m going to do anything to mess it up? Clearly, you don’t know me at all.” He leaned forward as the Petersons took the chairs across from us. “I’m going to lay on so much charm that the only thing you should be worried about is him proposing to you at the end of the night or dumping your ass for me.”

He stood and turned on a smile matching Ethan’s in enthusiasm. “Great to see you again.”A few people turned to watch the interaction.At least Hector acting familiar helps sell the whole thing.

Ethan reached the table, and they shook hands. I noticed how similar they were in stature and enthusiasm as they reconnected like old friends. Hector directed Ethan to sit between us and kept him company during lulls in the program while I paid attention to the Petersons. Ethan fit into my world seamlessly. He charmed people, knew when to listen, was attentive without being overbearing, and was there to support me in any way I needed. I kept reminding myself itwasn’treal.

I nearly reached for his hand under the table over a dozen times when he said something charming, made my clients laugh, or chatted with Hector while I was in conversation with my clients. I pressed my fingertips against my thigh to stop myself from doing it again.

I tried to pay attention and applaud when appropriate as members of the nonprofit talked about the impact the fundraiser would have on their environmental projects around the state. I even sat through one of the equity partners regurgitating website copy about how the firm cared about the community.

Once that wrapped up, they moved on to the live auction, but I needed a break. It’d been over two hours of pretending Ethan and I were in a happy relationship, and I’d bought it myself. I should excuse myself for a few minutes to collect my thoughts alone. Instead, I leaned over to whisper in Ethan’s ear. “Do you want to go to the roof? There’s a great view of the city.”

Ethan turned his head toward me, and our faces were centimeters apart. He swallowed. “Sure.” His breath fanned over my face.

After Ethan stood and began walking toward the doors,Hector grabbed my arm and tugged me down to whisper in my ear, “He’s amazing, and if you fuck this up, I’m going to wreak complete havoc on your calendar to a degree you’ll never recover from. I’m going to go bid on something in the silent auction, and you’re gonna pay for it as a thank you for having that drink sent to him on New Year’s Eve.”

I nodded and stifled a laugh.

A few minutes later, we reached the roof. There were two other couples, but the space was big enough to find privacy. Thankfully, the sky was clear enough to see lights across the Willamette River.

“You’re a saint for dealing with this tonight.”

Ethan faced me and leaned against the railing. “It’s easy. Everyone’s been nice, if not pretentious, but I expected it. Hector’s amazing.” His smile turned teasing. “Now that I’ve talked to him more, New Year’s Eve makes sense.”

I laughed. “He’s a handful. Damn good at his job too. I wish he’d go to law school because he’d be an amazing attorney.”

A comfortable silence fell between us as we took in the view.

“When I went to get you and your boss a drink, a couple equity partners’ spouses approached me. Is that the right term? I googled to try to understand the law firm partner thing,” Ethan said.

He googled stuff for me? Why is that so sweet?

“I felt like the new basketball spouse at the first game of the season.” He chuckled.

“What did they say?”

“Nothing malicious. A few questions about how we met, if things were serious, whether I would attend the anniversary gala with you.”

“So, the third degree? I swear some of the spouses would make better lawyers than their significant others.” I realized we hadn’t established a story about how we’d met. He must’ve seen the panic on my face because he hurried to speak.

“I basically told the truth. You sent me a drink in a bar, we got to chatting, and the rest is history.”

“Perfect.” One less lie to keep track of.

“I understand better why you’ve been stressed about this being single thing. I can even tell they’re viewing you differently.”

A chilly breeze whipped past us. I blew out a breath, rested my forearms on the railing, and studied the street below. “I’m in a game I never agreed to play.” I told Ethan about my coworker and the strip club incident. “I thought he would be a definite pick for partner this year, but the rumor mill says he’s out.”

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