Page 25 of Pretender

“That’s Linnea’s design. I didn’t work directly with her, but I’ve invested in the hotel, so I was close to the renovation project. Anyway, I was there one day she was doing a walk-through with her team, and there was nothing performative about what I saw. They were asking her questions, they discussed and threw ideas around with her, they laughed together. I watched them for a while, and they were hanging on her every word. I made a note of wanting to work with her myself, although I’ve not had the pleasure to yet.”

Elliott’s words bring up the image of him watching her and thinking about her. My chest tightens, and I flex my fingers before balling my hands into fists while Elliott touching Linnea plays out in my mind’s eye.

Venetia sighs loudly, bringing me back, and I shake my head.

What the fuck was that?

“Alright, boys, I hear you. Perhaps I’ll give her a chance.”

Rupert huffs. “Henry said she’s always just done what he told her to. How can you trust her without him?”

Fucking Henry, is he spreading shit about Linnea?

I grit my teeth at the sound of his name. The memories from Halloween are still fresh. The anger I felt towards him that night simmers in my gut and I bite down.

“Henry is a slippery snake, Venetia,” I say. “I’d not breathe in the same space as him, let alone allow his opinions any weight.”

“How’s that?”

“He’s a ruthless businessman who just took over half of his ex-wife’s company, left her in debt, and is clearly speaking poorly of her behind her back. I’d not trust anything he says.”

“But if he built the company, isn’t that his right?” Rupert asks.

“Linnea is the true talent behind LEAF Design, and I can confirm Elliott’s observations. She’s a great leader for her team. They always go above and beyond.”

“What about the group that left her?” Venetia interjects.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Henry paid them off, or promised something Linnea couldn’t give. Either way, it says more about his ruthlessness than her abilities.”

“If she’s in debt and struggling, why aren’t you lot helping her out?” Rupert asks, pointing at me and Elliott.

“She’ll want to succeed on her own, and I respect that,” I say.

In my side-vision, Elliott’s studying my face. He’s analysing me the way he always does, the hobby-psychologist or whatever. Wondering where I got my insights from, perhaps. I don’t need to share that I learned this from when Linnea turned me down earlier.

“Well, you’ve given me something to think about, although I’m not sure what to believe.”

I decide a change of topic is necessary, and announce it’s time for everyone to join us on the first floor for an exclusive first-look at the newly developed Elven forest.

Once we’ve given the small group the tour and let them test the AR glasses, we’re done with the pre-event, and Elliott, Sebastian, and I head to the staff rooms to get into costume for the main event. Elliott’s wide frame moves into my line of sight, and the image of him with Linnea—although entirely made up by my weird brain—kicks up something in me again.

“I didn’t know you worked with Linnea at Hotel Fabiano,” I say, that adrenaline rushing through me.

“It’s not a secret. And I didn’t work with her. Aiden, what’s the problem right now?”

“Ugh, who made you so fucking observant?” I wave a hand and clock the hurt expression on Elliott’s face at my irrational outburst. “Fuck… Sorry, man. I’m just … a bit off.”

Elliott puts a hand on my shoulder, and I stop walking. “It’s alright,” he says. “Whatever’s bothering you, I hope you’ll resolve it. She’s a lovely girl.”

“Yeah,” I say, and a tightness in my chest tells me how much I agree with that statement. Fuck.

“Ready to watch Mark start his next chapter on the red carpet?” Sebastian asks from my other side. “I never thought Mark would be the first one of the group to propose to someone.”

“Yeah, me neither,” I say, but I hear what Sebastian meant to say. Of the four of us, I was meant to be the first one, because I’ve always been the romantic. But I’m thrilled Mark is proposing to Rey, so I’m not sure why my stomach feels so heavy.

Instead of continuing the AR party and fantasy-themed celebration of Mark and Rey’s engagement, I find myself back in regular clothes outside Le Lounge.

It’s darker than usual tonight. The light above the black front door is out, so it’s even more inconspicuous.