Page 42 of The P Arrangement

“Nah, I’m just messing with Preston,” he said, and I was almost disappointed. “He’s clearly having to hold back from beating my ass.”

Preston didn’t look amused. “I’m fine.”

“But you two seem to still be friends, even after the divorce?” Theo asked.

Preston and I exchanged looks.

“Yes,” I answered, hoping he thought the same.

Theo rapped his knuckles on the table. “On that note, I think it’s time to get a drink.”

I perked up at this. “I didn’t know there was alcohol.”

“Yeah. They’re going to do a speech soon—I can sense it—so I want to be back before it starts.” He pointed at us. “You two want anything?”

“Are you paying?” Preston asked.

Theo grinned. “Sure. It’s an open bar.”

“I’ll take a white wine, please.”

“Beer for me,” Preston said.

“Just like at school,” Theo said and left.

“He’s interesting,” I said.

“Yeah, I suppose.” Preston shuffled closer to me and put his hand on my hip. “He’s a player though, Delaney. He’ll break your heart.”

“He’llbreak my heart?”But not you?The man who already had.

“Yeah.”

Preston obviously wasn’t picking up on my real meaning, and now wasn’t the time to get into our past.

“Don’t worry about me. I’m not going to go on a date with him or anything.”

“I can tell you think he’s attractive.”

“So? I came here with you.”

He squeezed my side and growled in my ear, “Yeah, you did. I hope you don’t forget that.”

Theo came back soon with our drinks, and he was right about the organizers giving a speech. When it was finished, Theo flirted with me a little more but moved on to talk to more people while Preston and I did the same. I connected with a couple of attorneys I’d met at previous conferences, and we had fun, catching up.

The night was coming to an end, and I went to find Preston. He was with Theo again, and I was pretty sure he didn’t want us to leave together in case his old classmate thought it was strange.

“I came to say good night,” I told the two men.

“Good night?” Theo asked. “It’s barely nine.”

“We have a full day tomorrow, and I want to take notes of others’ presentations before Saturday.”

Theo tilted his head. “What’s Saturday for you?”

“I’m giving a presentation. My first.”

Theo whistled.

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