Chapter 2: Building Tension
Michael rubbed his hand against his tie, feeling the silk slide easily against his scratchy skin. Christ, he wasn't looking forward to the stuffiness of the affair this evening. The dull, predictable conversation that would circulate amongst the crowd, the separation from Olivia as she performed her role as dutiful wife, charming smile gracefully placed on her face. And the stiff gin and tonics that would start tasting more like water after watching her small civilized sips of cocktails. No, he wasn't looking forward to it at all.
Michael rubbed his hand against his tie, feeling the silk slide easily against his scratchy skin. Christ, he wasn't looking forward to the stuffiness of the affair this evening. The dull, predictable conversation that would circulate amongst the crowd, the separation from Olivia as she performed her role as dutiful wife, charming smile gracefully placed on her face. And the stiff gin and tonics that would start tasting more like water after watching her small civilized sips of cocktails. No, he wasn't looking forward to it at all.
The hall was bedecked with fairy lights, creating a sparkling canopy overhead. Olivia stood at the top of the staircase, casting her gaze over the party-goers milling about. The living room door had been flung wide, revealing the plush seating and inviting, warm atmosphere. Amplified music poured into the foyer, setting up a dangerous heartbeat of its own.
Olivia felt a combination of amusement and attraction, savoring the two words playing a merry-go-round in her mind: cocktail party.