Dangerously Mine

Sixteen

FIONA

It had been a week since I got those unnerving text messages. I had only told my neighbour because she had noticed I was more on edge when it came to Flavian. She brushed it off, saying some kids played pranks like that all the time.

Luna’s going-away party was today.

I had channelled most of my frustrations and worries this past week into throwing her an amazing party, and the best thing was that she had no idea. The cherry on top was that I wasn’t on a budget. Mr. Hale had instructed his assistant to make sure I had whatever I needed.

The party was going to be at a small bar just off the street from the office. I had set everything up already and would be leaving earlier than everyone else to make sure it was all in place.

I entered Mr. Hale’s office to let him know what time to get luna to the bar when he informed me that some clients would be at the party.

“i thought it would be great to have some clients over,” he said. “Just the bigger accounts.

Suddenly my hands felt clammy.

“That’s okay, thank goodness I went overboard with the food and snacks, so I’m sure a few more guests won’t hurt.”

I exited his office and went back to my desk. I didn’t know if I was ready to see him again but the thought excited and unnerved me at the same time.

“Hey, Fiona, Mr. Hale and a couple of the partners invited me to have drinks with them at a Bar tonight, to mark my last week” Luna said warmly. “Would you like to come?”

little did she know it was a full-blown party awaiting her.

“I’m sorry, Luna. I can’t get a sitter tonight, so I’ve got Flavian,” I lied.

“Oh, alright. maybe we can do something just us another time,” she smiled before returning to her desk.

A few moments later, I made an excuse and left early. I got home, showered, and changed into a halter-neck lavender dress, a gift from my grandma . Keeping my makeup simple with just mascara and lip gloss, I let my hair fall in waves around me then I sprayed some perfume and grabbed my coat.

When I got to the bar, everything was ready.

I had chosen black and silver balloons and ribbons for the decor, keeping it simple and classy. The bar was empty since Mr. Hale had insisted we reserve the space for the entire night. A large table held a diverse array of hors d’oeuvres, with a cake and champagne flutes beside them. The banner read: WE CHOOSE SEE YOU SOON, NOT GOODBYE, which I felt was more heartfelt.

Everything was ready.

I did some final touches as the rest of the office arrived one by one. Soon, only the celebrant and Mr. Hale were left. He texted me when his car pulled in, and we all stood scattered around the room waiting to yell, “Surprise!”

And surprised she was. she kept saying thank you and hugging everyone.

Soon enough, the party was in full swing. Several clients arrived but no sign of Flavian. I already convinced myself he wasn’t coming. I had just finished a karaoke game against one of the associates and went to grab another drink when I felt someone beside me.

“Didn’t peg you for a singer.”

Goosebumps rose all over my body, and I couldn’t tell if it was because I was tipsy, cold, or affected by his voice. Possibly all three.

“I didn’t think you’d be here,” I said, maybe a bit too cheerfully.

“I was held back at work, but I wouldn’t miss it.” Something about the way he said the last part while looking at me made me feel like he wasn’t talking about the party.

“I hope you like it. I planned it.”

“A party planner and a singer. Impressive.”

I laughed, then looked up into his piercing brown eyes and the room seemed to still. This man had caused one of the biggest scares of my life, yet somehow he had dug under my skin and stayed there.

God, I was too tipsy for this.

“I need air. I’ll be outside a minute.”

I managed to weave my way through the crowd and stepped outside. I leaned against the wall, trying to breathe. Thank God I brought my purse I took a huge drink from the bottle of water inside.

I was just getting my bearings when I heard footsteps.

“I said I’d be just a minute, I—”

“Looks like you need more than that.”

Goosebumps covered my skin again but not for the same reason. That was a voice I knew too well, one i hoped i'd never hear again.

I looked at him, and he seemed pleased that he had caught me off guard.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, hoping the rage came through.

He smirked. “I see you’ve still got that smart mouth.”

“What do you think? I’m here to see my two favourite people.”

At that moment, the door opened and Flavian stepped out. He immediately walked toward me.

“Is he bothering you?”

My tongue tied itself into knots because this had to be a fever dream. There was no way I was standing between the two men who had made such huge impacts on my life; one I might be falling for… and one I once fell for.

The father of my child.