Page 105 of Olivia's Only Pretending
“I hate to break this up, but I’ve got a party to continue,” Gabriel said.
“Okay, please bring him back to me in one piece,” I teased, realizing just how natural it felt stepping into this role in Victor’s life.
“Back to you?” Gabriel wiggled his brows. “Victor with a girlfriend. I’m liking this new development.”
The boys headed back inside to round up the rest of their group, and Lucy walked over to me.
“I was on the phone with Mom and Gracie. Mom was trying to figure out how to end things with the motorcycle guy,” shesaid. A group of giggly girls streamed out of the bar and filled the sidewalk. “What’d I miss?”
Thirty-Two
Itiptoed down my creaky staircase in the crisp November morning air. While I fumbled with my coffee maker, my phone rang. I blinked at the caller ID to find Lucy’s name on the screen.
“It’s barely six a.m.,” I answered through a big yawn. My coffee maker bubbled to life.
“I know, but I’m about to leave for work. The kindergarten day starts early,” she said. “Now, do you really think you have enough time after work to get ready for tonight?”
Tonight was the wedding rehearsal dinner. I was going as Victor’s date.As his real girlfriend. “I’m leaving work early, actually, so you can come straight over after work.”
“Which hair supplies do you want me to bring?”
“All of them,” I said. “I want to let the ponytail down and have flowy curls or something.”
Lucy squealed on the other end. “What are you wearing?”
“That red halter dress I got for the Henderson wedding last year.”
“Victor’s going to lose it,” Lucy said. And she wasn’t wrong. I looked really good in that dress. “Okay, so text me when you’re heading home from work.”
Victor rehearsed his speech with me again last night. I was ready for him to deliver the speech and see for himself how good it was and soak in how much it meant to Gabriel.
“Thanks, Lucy. I’m really excited to be on girlfriend duty,” I said, pouring myself a mug of steamy coffee. A couple of lectures and then I’d be back home getting ready for tonight.
Iwas about to walk out of my office and head to the first of my morning lectures when Gabby rushed through the door.
“Olivia! Your new class is the talk of the department,” she said, with her eyes bright.
I was standing by my desk, my tote already over my shoulder.
“You’ve had the most student interest in the shortest amount of time that the department has ever seen.”
I had heard about this. Dean Oates had already sent me an email congratulating me on the student excitement late last night. “I can’t wrap my mind around it, honestly.”
“I was here for an early class, and I’ve seen myself how it’s been the talk of the department all morning.All morning, Liv.”
A warm rush of pride filled my chest. “I don’t even know what to say. I’m thrilled the students are excited about it.”
“It’s not just the students. All of us are excited. I plan on attending.” Gabby crossed her arms, with her bracelets jingling.
“Come as often as you like,” I said. “You’re invited to all of my classes.”
“Do you know who has had a lot of questions about it?”
“Who?” A tight wrinkle formed between my eyebrows.
“Ryan.” She dropped her voice low. “He was asking me all these questions about you and the class. About Victor.”
I rubbed my forehead. “I’m sorry. That’s annoying.He’s annoying.”
