Page 45 of Miss Fortune

“Hello, I’m Ava. Caleb’s date.”

Chapter Twenty

Daisy

Caleb was here at the party. With a date. A stunning brunette who looked as though she’d just stepped out of a fashion magazine. Despite the lump in my throat, I forced a smile. “Nice to meet you. I’m Daisy.”

Her gaze bounced between us. “And how do you two know each other?”

I glanced toward Caleb for him to take the lead, but he seemed frozen. “We, um, work at the same firm.”

“Are you a lawyer too?”

“No, I’m an assistant.”

“That’s nice.” She glanced at her date, who remained fixated on me.

Down the hatch went the rest of my wine. I handed off the glass to a waiter passing by and wished for another to take the edge off.

Mercifully, Tory sensed my discomfort and stepped in. “I was telling Daisy earlier they make fantastic margaritas at the bar. We’re going to grab some. Anyone else want one?”

Ava shook her head. “I don’t do processed sugar, but thanks.”

I tried not to stare at the way her perfectly shaped, non-sugar-eating body leaned into Caleb, her arm wrapped around his like they were a couple. Like an attractive, hip, LA couple.

“A margarita sounds great,” I murmured, happy for Tory to lead me away.

But as I took a step toward escape, Caleb’s words halted me in my tracks. “Shouldn’t you limit your alcohol?”

Thank goodness for the darkness in the club. I was sure my entire face flushed red. He’d promised he wouldn’t treat me differently when I’d told him about my transplant, yet here he was flinging disapproving words at me. And in front of my friends and his date no less. I gritted my teeth.

“I don’t know what would give you that impression. Have fun tonight.”

I practically fled from the scene, taking a deep breath once Tory and I were on the other side of the floor at the bar. “Thanks for the save.”

Her concerned face focused on mine. “What was that about? The limiting your alcohol?”

My anger toward Caleb grew. I didn’t enjoy lying to my best friend, but this wasn’t the time to tell her the entire truth. I went with a modified version. “I once told him I was a lightweight, and I guess he’s concerned.”

Being with the owner’s girlfriend had its advantages. The bartender skipped over the other patrons and came directly to us. “What can I get you ladies?”

Tory ordered, “Two strawberry margaritas, extra sugar on the rim, please.”

I managed a giggle at her request for extra sugar. Processed sugar lovers unite.

She sighed. “I didn’t know he was on the guest list.”

“It’s not a big deal. Maybe I needed tonight to remind me he was serious about us only being friends.” Just because I’d sensed there might be a spark did not make it so. I needed to chalk tonight up as a gift. Now I knew exactly where things stood.

“What will you do about your Saturdays together?”

The million-dollar question. I enjoyed spending time with Caleb and having someone to cross items off my list with. “I’m not sure. Do you think he noticed my reaction? Was it obvious I was awkward and jealous?”

“I’d say his shocked reaction was more evident. He was too busy staring at you to remember he brought a date until she came back. First date, by the way. Not sure if that tidbit helps or not.”

It didn’t. It made me hopeful instead of resigned to the fact he didn’t see me as date material. Which was stupid. He’d invited another woman to a party. Case closed.

Tory accepted the drinks, handing one to me. “I’m sorry, my friend. If it’s any consolation, you look absolutely smoking tonight. He can’t seem to take his eyes off you either.”