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He was a good-looking man, she supposed, in that utterly unmemorable way men had for Olivia. Tall. Hair. Arms. Legs. A man.
“Why on earth bother with men, if you’d already found women?” Olivia blurted. She couldn’t stop the words. Olivia’s professional life depended on her grasping all kinds of perspectives and grey areas. But this? Utterly beyond her comprehension. And the instant incredulous thought was out of her mouth before any professionalism filtered it.
For the company of those stories. For the characters, their lives, and other people who loved them. It made the world feel more hospitable and provided a cosy corner to recover when life turned antagonistic. Because there were people out there, all watching those films with Olivia, and it built a safe place for a while.
“Besides,” Olivia added. “After a day of work, I’m not keen on meeting new people.” Kate lifted her chin in question. “Or anyone, if you must know.” Kate laughed. She’d kind of guessed this about Olivia already. “Is it the fear of finding them disappointing?” she asked. Olivia pondered a moment. “More the actuality.” Kate laughed louder at her lawyer’s bluntness. “So, you find people disappointing in general?” Olivia inhaled. “Yes, immensely.”
“People watch that film to laugh at it.” “But they still watch it.” “You are not that desperate for approval.” “Bloody am.” Emma laughed, then sighed. “Aren’t we all.”
She opened her eyes and forced her mind into gear. Olivia had to be perfect and attentive at a work event. She was in no position to behave unprofessionally, no matter how informal everyone else believed the evening. Not with who she was, and where she wanted to be. Richard might get away with too many drinks, but not her.
Liz glared. “You,” she pointed, “do not have to be perfect.” She didn’t blink. “Do you hear me? You do not have to be flawless.” Olivia, slow with swirling thoughts, took a moment to register. “I've made a mistake though.”
“I’m very sorry, but do you have a few minutes?” “Of course, I can delay if it’s high priority.” No, it wasn’t. And she wasn’t going to pull seniority and make him stay. “It’s more important from a personal perspective,” she said, aware that her voice faltered. “Rather than top priority for the firm.” He hesitated, confused a moment, before he looked at her and softened. “Then I can definitely spare you time.”
“I understand needing quiet and alone time. But would you like to do quiet here?” Silence waited for Olivia to respond, then, “I don’t have many evenings free. This is the last for another two weeks, and I really want to see you.” That reached into her chest and pulled hard. “We don’t have to do anything,” Kate whispered. “You can lie on a sofa or go straight to bed. I will do everything to make you comfortable. I have missed you all day.”
Because despite all your high standards, you make me laugh and you’re always in my corner.”
