Olivia managed to hold her smile in place, refusing to give Dylan the satisfaction of seeing her anxious, jealous, or fragile. She would not let him read her heartbreak.
For a second relief found her when she noticed Dylan arriving alone, no Laura in sight. But that relief died as quickly as it came, replaced by something uncomfortable in her stomach when Laura emerged from the corner of the washroom, her red signature lipstick in check.
Olivia exhaled sharply, collecting herself. Then she offered the audience a graceful bow before slipping down from the stage to return to her father's table, where Philip waited.
"Baby, I loved that joke of yours," her father beamed, sipping his sparkling water. "Remind me, what was it again?"
Olivia let out a small laugh, trying to ease the tension strangling her chest. "I said, feel free to drink and enjoy yourselves, but please, don't overdo it. First of all, I can't drive you home, and secondly, I most definitely cannot carry you home."
