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Abby

"You look gorgeous! Are you going to see him tonight?" Melanie asks as she finishes putting my hair up. I'm watching as she clips up the front and the side letting long ringlets roll down my back. I wish I had the patience to do my hair like this. I just get frustrated with it and end up either pulling it all back or straightening it out. As long as there's no rain I'm usually okay. Melanie has much more patience with my hair and makeup. She helps me when I have these special events to do. It's not often but I don't want my hair looking like a birds nest or my makeup like a clown. She does this stuff much better than I do.

"See who?" I ask not really listening to her. My mind is going a million miles an hour with everything I need to get done.

"Seriously? Oliver Steel. Come on Abby he came in to the restaurant offered you a job... again. Why don't you see what his offer is at least? It might be worth it." She suggests.

"I'm not a celebrity assistant. I don't know the field." I tell her dismissing it. I don't want to know it either.

"I think he wants more than just an assistant, Abby." Melanie smiles at me. "You can't tell me he isn't at least a little fantasy worthy." I laugh, her and I both know Oliver is gorgeous.

"I have to go." I'm not answering. I had more than my share of fantasies about Oliver last night. I need to get him out of my head. I have to work.

I spent more money on this dress than I had budgeted for, but it was so beautiful and I went shopping with Melanie to get it. Which was my first mistake. She has no idea how to manage money. But the emerald green dress was perfect. The thick straps over my shoulders crossed over my back and dropped low to my waist. While the front had a deep V at the neckline, a fitted bodice with a slight flare skirt so I could actually walk. The silver shoes were Melanie's that she let me borrow and I wore simple rhinestone stud earrings. The front of my hair was pulled back while I went with the curls and let them roll down my back. Nothing outrageous, but I thought I looked at least nice enough to be around the millionaires for the evening. When I got to the event, Delilah however was all glitter and glam and put my dress to shame. I really did feel out of place. I'm not a red carpet kind of gal.

I was at the resort early for setup. I brought extra clothes with me since I had to work after the event and would be leaving straight from here to the bar. It's a busy day for me and it's the weekend. Monday is around the corner and I haven't gotten a day off again. I'm tired, but I'm learning to deal with it. I'm not dating, I don't want to date so instead of sitting home feeling alone I keep busy. I don't think about them. I've been burned enough times to know I'm not going out there again. It's just not worth being told I don't fit the mold of what I should be as a girlfriend. Three jobs has kept me out of that trouble for three years.

As I moved around the ballroom, I spoke to crew setting up the tables. Making sure all the table settings, centerpieces and assignments were done. Tables were assigned to guests and a check in table was set up outside the ballroom. The information table was set up far enough away to not interfere with the guests and the red carpet media that was setting up as well.

Delilah could be heard across the ballroom still griping about not getting to deliver Oliver's packet. She's not letting this go. I'm surprised she isn't putting us all through lie detector test yet. I'm sure it's coming. I shake my head and go to walk out. Rolling my eyes at her tandrum and hoping that I can escape.

"Abigail! Do you know who delivered to Mr. Steel yesterday? Delilah stomped her way over to me. Her hair sprayed to the point I don't think it will move all night. It reminds me of The Who's hairstyles from the Grinch. Her makeup is so heavy she really looks like a fake Barbie doll. God knows the dress is atrocious.

God help me, I really don't want to strangle her, but I might just because her high pitched voice grated my nerves.

"No idea, Delilah. I need to get to the information table, it's almost time. I'm sure you'll get a chance to see him tonight." I smile sweetly and speak softly as I really don't want anyone knowing our conversation.

"If it was you, I'll find out. I told you I wanted to do that delivery. If you took that from me..." Delilah began her warning squeezing my arm.

"I didn't, I have no interest in Mr. Steel or anyone else, Delilah. They're all yours." I yank my arm from her grasp and walk out to the main corridor. The red carpet is set up on one side and I move quickly away from it and towards the far exit. I'll be spending the evening out here, outside the event, away from the stars and celebrities, outside the excitement.  It's where I belong. Delilah made sure I wasn't inside during the event. I don't care. I don't want to be the center of attention, I'm not that kind of person. I don't want that life.

As the sound down the hall increases, I know the stars are starting to arrive. I get to my table and take a seat. At least I'm off my feet and can relax for a bit. Usually it takes a while before anyone comes this way then it's because they are looking for the bathroom or the bar. My job tonight is easy, I'm outside the craziness since Delilah was determined to take center stage. I won't even get a thank you for the work I put in, she will get that acknowledgment. It's par for the course when you work with a spotlight queen. I don't mind. I don't do this for recognition, I do it for the cause. It means something to me. I want a cure, I want there to be help, resources available. The funds raised tonight will do so much good to the foundation. Who did what, has nothing to do with it. 

Oliver

I'm searching every inch of this place tonight for her. I stared at my ceiling all night last night trying to figure out how to get her to go out with me. I want her working for me and dating me. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do. Dylan and Mason are here to as well as the rest of my family and Avery is wandering about with us. I'm avoiding talking to much to her, I don't like the way things seem to be changing with her. Avery is tagging along at my side as if we were there together. I'm not liking this at all. My family definitely won't approve of my feelings.

My mother loves Avery. I brought Kate, my sister,with us. Dylan likes her hanging out with us, but I'm on display for my parents and it drives me crazy. We have to look like the perfect family when we're nothing close. My mother won't approve of any girl I've been interested in unless she comes from a certain background. My father is still pissed I refuse to have anything to do with the business. And poor Kate is stuck taking on the business because I won't. As soon as I see Dylan and Mason at the bar, I take Kate's arm and direct her over with Avery right behind us. We both need the escape from the endless arguing of our parents.

"Hey Olie! Ms Kate." Dylan smiles greeting us raising his glass of bourbon. I wish I could get a glass too. I desperately need one tonight.

"Any sign of your girl, yet?" Mason asks quietly. I shake my head as I keep looking around. She has to be here. Avery links her arm in mine and I frown. She is not my date. I didn't bring a date and I don't want a date. I slip my arm out and move to between my friends and get a glass of water.

"Let's walk, maybe she working another area." I tell them and we slowly work our way through the growing crowd.  Avery quickly becomes engrossed in conversation with Kate and I breath a bit of relief. I don't want her hanging on me.

These events are great fundraisers, but there's so many people here. It's a celebrity turn out and so many do give to help these charities. It's needed. I just don't like the crowd. Avery sees some of her friends and wanders. We push our way through the crowd, Dylan holding onto Kate as I'm sure he's filling her in on who we're looking for and why. My sister and Dylan have had a crush on each other for years, but neither one will make the first move. One day they're going to regret it.

"Mr Steel!" The high pitch voice from behind me yells and I knew it wasn't my girl, but I turned anyway. "Oliver, I'm so happy you could join us tonight. Don't you look handsome." She pawed down my arm and held on.... tight.

She was one of those women who thought if she hung out at enough of these things she'd land herself a millionaire. Not this one, honey. I'm not going to be landed by any woman, especially one after my money. Those I can spot a mile away.

Christ! Someone get the glittery oversized fairy off me. I look at the over made up glitter queen and try not to laugh at just how hard she's trying here. I've been rubbed up on plenty, but God, her boobs are about to get hard the way she rubbing on me. The sad thing is, I'm not even getting a wiggle from down below. She just does nothing for me. I give her a tight forced smile. "Thank you."

"I had been hoping to have been the one to drop off your packet yesterday so we could talk." Yeah, I bet you were. Thank you Abby for saving me!  "It seems someone grabbed your packet before I could. Do you know who it was that dropped it off?"

Oh no, I'm not falling for this. I've seen these types before. She's the type that would go after Abby. I'm not doing that to her. Not my girl. I've got enough to make up for here, I'm not adding this to my list of fuck ups. "You know, it was left with my butler. I couldn't tell you."

"Oh." She frowned at that.

Score one for me.  She looks around and I continue around the curve of the hall away slipping away from the red carpet to a quieter area of the hall. That's when I see the red haired beauty in the emerald dress off in the distance and I know it's Abby. I smack Dylan and nod with a huge grin on my face. He knows, so does Mason when he looks at my face. They hang back talking to Kate as I walk faster, working around people politely trying to say hello, but just to get past them. Just as I get her into full view I hear my mother's voice behind me.

"Oliver dear, where are you going? The reception is in the ballroom and you're expected on the red carpet. You need to make sure you are seen here as well as put on the right look for the cameras. We don't want another scandal, do we?" My mother in her silver gown and pearls strolls over with my father right behind her. Shit!

"Yeah, I know mother. I was just heading to the restroom first. I'll be right there." I turn around around and see the glare in her eyes. "I haven't had any alcohol and I'm not going anywhere else."

"We'll be waiting right inside for you. I expect you to not be long." She walks over and fixes my tie. "You should have asked Avery to be your date for the evening. It would have been expected that you come with someone. At least she's from a proper family."

"If I were dating someone, I would have brought her. Avery is my friends sister, mother, nothing more. Don't push that idea of her and I, it will never happen. I'll see you inside." I kiss my mother's cheek and head in what I assume would be the way to the restroom. My mother turns around and heads into the ballroom. Once she is out of view, I detour back to where I saw Abby. Her back is towards me and she's talking to an older lady and her elderly husband. A sweet couple I've seen at several of these events.

"Darling, you're always so kind to help us every time we see you. When are you going to find yourself a nice young man to sweep you off your feet?" The woman asks as she takes Abby's hand and pats it.

"That only happens in fairytales Mrs Wainwright. The only man I know like that is like that is Mr. Wainwright, and I think he's already taken." Abby winks at the old man, who is laughing jovially at Abby's flirting.

"If I was forty years younger, Abby dear, I would take you and the Mrs here as my own." He flirted with her back. I'm almost jealous of the dirty old man.

"You couldn't handle both of us, dear. You can barely handle me, I'm sure Abby is a bit wilder in the sack than your used to." His wife teases and all three were laughing.

"Mrs Wainwright, I'm surprised at you." Abby put her hands on her hips and shook her head although she was laughing. Her beautiful laugh was music down the hall. I couldn't help, but laugh with her. The old couple was certainly giving her a hard time. I walked up slowly.  I didn't want to interrupt she seemed very much in her element here. Now I wish I had asked her to be my date. The older gentleman saw me first and smiled.

"Good evening, Oliver! How are you, my boy?" Mr Wainwright greeted me as soon as he saw me.

"Are you trying to pick up on this beautiful lady Mr. Wainwright? Don't you know to share with those of us less fortunate who don't have a date tonight." I grin at Abby and I see her blush. She is absolutely stunning.

"And why didn't you ask our Abby tonight then, Oliver?" Mrs Wainwright questioned me.

"If I had been properly introduced to her, I would have." I laughed and took Abby's hand "Oliver Steel, my lady." And I kissed her hand.

Abby was still laughing and just looked at me. "Abby"  She said softly. It's all I got still. Damn it she's just not budging.

"There you go now, Oliver. Properly introduced. Have a lovely evening you two." Mrs. Wainwright smiled and waved as her husband helped her walk towards the ballroom. I looked over and winked at the older lady then back to Abby. If I get my way, I intend to have a lovely evening with her.

"How about a last name?" I ask her as she tries to pull her hand away. I'm not letting go though. For some reason this girl keeps slipping away from me. Not tonight, I'm getting her last name and I'm getting a number.

"Abigail! What are you doing pestering Mr. Steel?" The glitter fairy queen was back. Fuck! Leave me alone!

"I was helping the Wainwright's actually, Mr. Steel just walked up." Abby says softly but sternly.

"Then maybe you should let go of his hand. Really Abby how desperate do you have to be? I'm so sorry, Mr. Steel, can I help you?" She pushes her chest against my arm again. I step away and move closer to Abby. My hand rests on Abby's lower back and I feel her tense. This woman makes Abby nervous. Crap!

"Actually, Abby is who I wanted to talk to. If you don't mind?" I watch the glitter queen glare at Abby as if she just stole her job. I see Abby look to the floor and refuse to look at me or her. The glitter queens eyes dart back and forth between us before she finally walks away in a huff. I turn to look at the beautiful woman next to me and try to get her undivided attention for a couple minutes. "You are absolutely gorgeous tonight, Abby. I have not been able to stop thinking about you since last night." Nothing. She's not talking or looking at me. Shit! She's really making me work for this. "Look I'm sorry, if I caused any problems at work for you. I didn't mean to, I just really want to see you again."

Abby nods and smiles softly not making eye contact with me. Damn, I want to see those eyes stare back at me. I want to see her staring up at me when she fall apart beneath me. I want to watch her fall as she cries out my name. Damn, I want her. "It's okay. Just if you come in again know you can't treat me like you know me, request me or demand to talk to me like you did. I'm just like everyone else that works there. I need my jobs Mr Steel."

"Please, call me Oliver. And I'd really like to take you out or meet you some time and talk about the job offer. Can I get your number?" I ask hoping she'll give in.

"You don't look in your contact list often do you?" She smiles then looks right into my eyes and I swear she can see right through me. Those eyes are so intriguing. I shake my head no and she laughs again holding her hand out. I swear I'm under her spell. I can't talk, I can't think, I can't even move. "Give me your phone." Immediately, I hand over my phone. Unlocked and open for her. When I do, she pulls up my contacts and right there, the first contact is her first name under the A's is Abby. No last name, but she gave me her number. Holy fuck! I've been going nuts over this girl and I had her number the whole time. "I can help if you get in a computer bind again. Although you could call your family."

"Oliver!!" I turn to see a very pissed off woman ready to rip me in two glaring at me in her in silver gown, hands on her hips, just like when I was a kid.

"Coming mother!" I yell back. I hold on to Abby's hand and give it a soft squeeze as I take my phone and tuck it away. "I'll be back in a bit. Don't leave." I tell Abby who only looks down and nods and walks back to her table. Damn it! My mother and her shitty timing. "I mean it, Abby. I'll chase you if you run." I call to her as I walk backwards watching her. I'm not wanting to take my eyes off her. I keep taking step after step backwards biting my lip as Abby looks up finally and smiles.

"You better get in there. It's about to start." She grins and waves for me to go. I got her number. I pull out my phone again and zoom in taking a beautiful shot of my girl without her knowing. That's my new screensaver. I'm gonna get a date with her now. I can't believe I've had her number this whole time. What a fucking idiot I've been. I didn't even think to look.

I walk into the ballroom and see Dylan and Mason at our table. I walk over joining them with a proud grin on my face. I got what I wanted, now I can call her whenever I want. Shit, I can text her during this thing and see if she responds. Dylan watches me as I sit down, raised his eyebrows at me waiting for me to tell him what happened. Mason nudges me finally.

"Well?" Mason asks. "You talk to her?"

I say nothing but pull out my phone and show them both the picture. Dylan's mouth dropped and Mason started rubbing his jaw. I know just what they're thinking, I was thinking it too. She's gorgeous.

"Damn, Oliver. She's hot. What's your mom gonna say though. She's not exactly a debutante." Mason whispers.

"I don't care. I'm not letting her get away." I look down at her picture and smile to myself. Sending her a quick text.

Boring in here, you should come in keep me company :)

I wait for her response. The host begins speaking and announces different presenters and I wait. And wait. Did she give me a wrong number?

Boring out here too, can't come in :(

What? She's a part of the foundation. Why can't she come in?

Why?

She doesn't respond. I'm starting to wonder if the evil glitter fairy went out to her. It wouldn't surprise me at all. The lady was all about putting Abby down. I didn't like it, but Abby seemed to handle her. She asked me to act like I don't know her. Bullshit! Not that I know her really, but I'm going to. I'm going to get to know her really well.

Abby? You ok?

I text her again. She's not answering me.

Abby I'm getting worried please answer me

It took twenty minutes before she responded.

Had to change - going to work- sorry

What?! Shit! I'm losing her again! No way not this time. I've got her number. I'm not letting her get away from me. Three fucking jobs? How does she keep them straight? I can't keep my schedule straight. She's got to be