Page 84 of Operation Annulment
“Well, it’s official. This Christmas party is going down as the worst in company history.”
“I gotta take a little time. A little time to think things over…”A male voice croons.
I turn toward the stage and feel the breath leave my lungs in a pained gasp.
It’s not Foreigner, and I have officially crossed the threshold into Hell.
Nicole is standing, open-mouthed, and transfixed by the man on stage. I tap her on the arm. “Are you seeing the same thing I’m seeing? Is that Nate?”
She doesn’t even look at me. “Yes, that would be your husband belting out an eighties love ballad in front of everyone you work with.”
I laugh weakly. “Good. I was afraid that I was hallucinating again.”
Nate hits the chorus, and to my surprise, several people begin cheering. He’s good—like he took voice lessons. And he looks amazing in that tuxedo—I’m suddenly having trouble remembering why I decided to file for divorce.
Damn you, Nate Davis.
“Did you know that he could sing like that?” Nicole fans herself with her hand before grabbing a glass of champagne from a passing tray.
I shake my head, feeling feverish again for the first time in days. This time, it has nothing to do with pneumonia and everything to do with him.
Why is he here?
Several women in the crowd begin echoing his words—as if they’re an actual cover band.
“Kate, I think we have a little problem—he’s three sheets to the wind.” Nicole points to where Nate is beginning to sway unsteadily on his feet.
We move toward the stage as he belts the song’s last few words. Once he spots me in the crowd, he gives me a lopsided grin, and my heart turns over.
“Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for my wife, Tequila Shot Katy.” He points down at me, and several colleagues gasp in surprise. I can hear the whispers starting from somewhere behind me.
My face floods with heat, and I shake my head. “Stop.”
Please stop talking and get off that stage.
His tongue slips out and licks along his lower lip. “Katy, Katy, Katy—this is so us.” He sways into a speaker, nearly knocking it off the stage.
Nicole steps around me and up onto the stage. “Why don’t we get you two somewhere to talk privately.” She tries to pry the microphone from his hands, but he brings it back to his mouth.
“I’d like to talk privately if you know what I mean. Mic drop.” Nate lowers his eyebrows suggestively before letting the microphone hit the stage.
People begin clapping, and one yells, “You can do it!”
Nicole leads him down the stairs toward me just as my date returns.
“Jesus Christ, I just stepped outside to take a call. When did he get here?”
I cringe. “He showed up about the time that you left.”
Jeremy places a hand on my arm, and Nate narrows his eyes. “Who invited the leprechaun?”
Nicole closes her eyes and purses her lips, trying to keep from laughing.
“He’s my date. I can’t do this right now.”
Nate stops me with his arm. “You agreed to talk to me.”
I shake my head. “I did not. Nicole suggested it, and I said nothing in return. Why are you here right now?” My voice cracks, and I have to channel my frustration to avoid crying.
