Page 64 of Cocky Nerd
“Hello, it’s so good to finally meet you.” I hold out myhand.
“Nice to meet you, Olivia Montgomery.” His father is friendly, but I can tell there’s zero namerecognition.
Finally, there’s a flash of recognition in Mrs. Brandt’s eyes. “Montgomery?”
“Yes, she’s Monty’s sister. Nathan Montgomery’ssister.”
“Oh my goodness what a small world. You still live inCleveland?”
I open my mouth to answer but John answers forme.
“She lives in San Francisco. She’s with the Bay Area Ballet outthere.”
“Oh how nice. Ballet, how lovely and…nice.”
“Great turnout tonight, John,” his father says. “Oh—not your kind of turnout, ballerina!” Helaughs.
I laugh. That was actually prettyclever.
I take John’s hand. It is sweaty.What?!
“I think the photographers are waiting for us over there,” his mothersays.
“Right, let’s get to it. I am happy with the turnout,yes.”
“There are a few people we’re dying to meet,” his fathersays.
“Of course, just let me, uh, let me know andI’ll…”
I think, for the first time ever, the unflappable John Brandt is flapped. I’m not sure why he’s nervous. Is it because he’s introducing me to his parents? Is it because he’s introducing his parents to me? Is he still worried that I’ll flash myboobs?
We pose for pictures on the small red carpet, in front of a divider with the Encompass Foundation logo and the logos of various Cleveland businesses and schools that are partnering with Johntonight.
Calvin and Sofia are all too proud to announce to the photographers that they’re John’s parents. I understand why John isn’t mad at them. They are perfectly nice people and they probably aren’t even aware that they neglected him. Look how great he turned out (not the ballet kind of turnout), they must have done a great job parenting him. Only it was my parents who basically raisedthem.
I keep looking around for my brother, who had texted that he and his girlfriend will get here a littlelate.
When we are done posingfor pictures, and John’s parents are listing off the VIPs they want to be introduced to, I notice my dear old brother and a very pretty lady watching John and me from afar. I know immediately that Nathan had been observing us, because he has a thoughtful look on his face, and he is nodding to himself. He finally realizes I’m looking right at him and waves. I excuse myself from the Brandts and meet Nathan and his girlfriend half-way.
“Hi!” I reach my hand out to Katie. There is something about this lady that makes me want to be related to her. Dusting of freckles, tamed wavy hair, perfect little black dress, and what looks to be a permanent wry smile and knowing look. I can just tell she’s got my brother whipped in the best possible way. “You must be Katie. I’mOlivia.”
She pulls me in for a hug. “You’re even more gorgeous in person. I’ve been dying to meet you. Hi. I love yourshoes.”
“I love your nailpolish.”
“I have an extra one at the hotel, I’ll bring it for youtomorrow.”
“Oh my gosh you don’t have to dothat.”
“Oh look at you, a real ballerina, sopretty!”
“You’restunning.”
“Oh my God this bracelet is so pretty!” She holds up my arm and gawks at the diamondbracelet.
I smile, I can feel myself blushing. “Johnny gave it to me when we were in NewYork.”
Her jaw drops. “Stop it! You just started dating! It’s so pretty it’sstupid.”
