“And that’s why we’re having this intervention,” Thatcher said, pinching the bridge of his nose. As if the situation was far more tiresome than he had expected. Holly couldn’t help but laugh. What did he think she would do? Leap for joy because the billionaire bachelor had picked her?
“Holly, we love you. But you’ve got to stop running away from opportunities. So we’re not going to let you run away from this one,” Josie said. “Emily is going to give you a call, and you’re going to pick up and talk to her. You’re forbidden from saying no.”
Holly frowned as she looked from Josie to Thatcher and took in their serious expressions. No. This was no joke. Before she could reply, her phone started vibrating on the floor.
“Ah. Perfect timing.”
Josie picked up the phone and handed it to Holly.
“I’m in the bath!”
The excuse didn’t work. Josie rolled her eyes and answered the call, then handed Holly the phone. Holly’s blood turned cold as she raised it to her ear.
“Hello,” she said faintly.
“Holly Barratt? This is Emily Stewart here.” Holly’s heart didn’t know what to do. It half sank but also quickened.
“Hi there.”
“Holly, against my better judgement, I am calling you to ask if you will go on a date with William Harrington.”
Holly glanced at Thatcher and Josie who stared at her as if daring her to say no. She sighed.
No more running, Holly.
“I’d love to,” she forced out.
“Great. How about Saturday?”
“Sure.”
“A car will come to collect you. Oh, just so we’re clear. Portions of your date will be recorded and may be aired on national TV. I’ll have my assistant send you some paperwork that must be signed and returned ASAP.”
Holly clamped her teeth together.
“Great,” she said.
“Right. Well, enjoy your date and I’ll speak to you again with Mr. Harrington’s feedback.”
Holly hung up the phone and looked at her friends incredulously.
“Did you hear that? I’ll be given feedback! Like it’s going to be a job interview.”
Josie and Thatcher ignored Holly and gave each other a high-five.
“I’m proud of you,” Thatcher said, rising to his feet. “Now my job is done. I’ll leave you to enjoy your bath.” He waved and marched out. Meanwhile, Josie shook her head, and her dark hair swished across her face.
“I can’t believe you’re going on a date with a billionaire,” she said with a giggle. Holly gave a fake laugh in return.
“Yeah. Sure. It’s great,” she lied. Josie picked up on her false tone and turned serious again.
“Promise me you won’t back out. I am living vicariously through your glamorous life, you know. Don’t let me down.”
Holly splashed her and smirked.
“Get out,” she said through a chuckle.
“Fine. Fine. But if you stay in that bath any longer, you’ll turn into a shrivelled-up prune!” she shouted back as she left the bathroom.
Holly slid under the bubbles and immersed herself in lukewarm water to hide her squeal. Despite the odd set up and her misgivings, the thought of going on a date with William had her heart racing.
Chapter Eight
Saturday arrived, and Holly stood in the living area, with Thatcher and Josie sitting on the couch singing her praises.
“You’ve got nothing to worry about. You look drop dead gorgeous in that denim dress,” Josie said, her hands clasped and a look of pride on her face. Thatcher nodded along, cradling a mug of steaming coffee in his hands.
“The black ankle boots were a nice touch Josie,” he said with approval. Josie flicked her hair back and sat up prim and proper.
“I know. And Thatcher, I love what you did with her hair, those loose curls are dreamy.”
“Working with models for the past decade… I may have picked up a thing or two,” Thatcher said with a bashful grin. Holly smiled to herself as she watched her two best friends talk to each other as if she was invisible. It was refreshing to see them getting along. Ordinarily, the two of them bickered about everything. She wondered if they had made a secret pact.
“Are you two finished? The car will be here any minute.” She rolled her eyes and feigned annoyance. But part of her was heartened by the lengths her friends had taken to get her ready for the big date.
“Just let me take a quick picture,” Thatcher said, putting his mug down on the coffee table and lifting his camera.
“Hey, haven’t you heard of a coaster?” Josie leapt to her feet and picked the mug up. She shot a look at Thatcher, who ignored her and started snapping away. Holly smirked at the exchange.
Josie tiptoed to the window and gasped.
“There’s a limousine waiting outside––and a camera crew just got out!” She hopped from foot to foot with an excited scream.
“Calm down. You’re making Holly nervous,” Thatcher said, ruffling his red hair.
“I’m not nervous,” Holly said blankly. Thatcher ignored her and fiddled with his camera instead. Josie handed Holly her purse.
“Do you want me to walk out with you?” she asked in a breathy voice, eyes shining. Holly shook her head and pulled her in for a hug.
“Thanks for your help. I’ll see you later,” she said.
Holly was jittery as she walked out of her apartment but did her best to remain cool and collected as she approached a group of men that were standing on the sidewalk, looking at her.
“Ms. Barratt. I’m Mr. Fisher. I’m here to take you to your date,” the driver held out his hand and gestured to the open car door.
“Thanks,” Holly said, trying to ignore the cameras.
She did her very best to slide into the car without having a wardrobe malfunction and successfully fastened her seatbelt without making a fool of herself.
Well. That’s a start.
The car pulled up outside Central park and Holly’s stomach flipped over itself. The door opened, and Holly took the driver’s gloved hand and climbed out. She shielded
