Page 86 of Pity Present
She answers, “This is my first singles’ event at the lodge, and I already have a reporter from a big news outlet here. In my book, that’s a win.”
“I can’t forgive him,” I tell her. “I won’t.”
“I don’t blame you. You’ve been hurt before and that doesn’t help. Having said that, are you sure this isn’t something you can’t overlook?”
“You’re a matchmaker, Trina,” I tell her. “Do you often suggest that people date liars?”
“I think this situation is a little bit different, Molly. Just try to keep your mind open.”
I shake my head forcefully. “No. There are some things you don’t compromise on, and this is one of them.” I stick my hand out to shake hers before saying, “I appreciate the job. I’ll send you a final list of ideas by the end of the week.”
I’m about to turn and walk away, but then I remember something. “My sister’s here. She wants her money back for my spot in this farce.”
But before Trina can respond, Ellen walks up to us. “Great event, Trina,” she tells our host. “Seriously, if I were in the market for a man, I might give something like this a try for myself.”
“Are you actually insane?” Yeah, I’m back to shouting. “You told me today you wanted your money back.”
Ellen sheepishly confesses, “I didn’t actually pay anything. Trina volunteered to host you when I was up here writing an article about the lodge.”
I’m surrounded by liars. “If you didn’t pay, then what are you doing up here, Ellen? You said you came to get your money back.”
“I wanted to meet Blake. I couldn’t believe that of all the men you were meeting, you were going to settle for a guy who made coffee for a living.”
“Well, I’m not settling for him, or anyone. In fact, at this moment, I’m pretty sure I’m never going to date again.”
Ellen and Trina both look at me like I’m the most tragic person in the world, and it’s seriously ticking me off. Women are supposed to have each other’s backs. We’re supposed to stand up for each other and fight for each other, not tell each other it’s okay for a man to lie to us.
And if nothing else, Blake is a liar and a fraud and that is not going to work for me.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
BLAKE
Tonight was a total flop. An absolute disaster. A complete catastrophe. I could go on, but I’m depressed enough as it is. I only stay in the ballroom for a few minutes after Molly leaves. I want to give her enough time to make a clean getaway. Yet staying here any longer makes me susceptible to the wrath of the crowd, and the villagers are starting to circle.
As I’m getting ready to go, Emberly approaches me. “I used to be a model. I’d love to cover fashion shows for the newspaper you work at.”
“Emberly,” I take a deep breath before continuing, “I have absolutely zero pull atChicago Wind. In fact, I’m fairly certain when my boss hears about tonight, I won’t even have a job.”
She reaches in her purse and pulls out a business card. Handing it to me, she asks, “Can you at least give this to your editor?”
People are so mercenary when it comes to pushing their own agendas. Yet, I suppose I sort of admire that. If you don’t look out for number one, who’s going to do it for you? Taking the card, I tell her, “I’ll do that.” Then I practically spring for the exit.
Once I’m in my room, I text Gillian.
Me
Have you secured the tickets yet?
She responds fifteen minutes later.
Vampira
I have them. And you can have them when you hand over your articles.
Me
I’ll be back in town tomorrow. I’ll give them to you then.
