Interesting piece, isn't it? Ethan turned to find a man about his age, tall and polished in a tuxedo that probably costs more than the Jaguar. He had the kind of confident stance that came from never being told no. Sure, Ethan said non-committally. Marcus Wellington, the man extended his hand.
I don't think we've met. Ethan Cole. Ah, the mechanic. Marcus's smile didn't reach his eyes. Vivien mentioned you.
Something in his tone made Ethan's shoulders tense. Did she? We used to date, you know, Viven and I before she decided she preferred her work to actual relationships. Marcus took a sip of his drink. How long have you two been seeing each other?
Not long. Let me guess. She swooped in like some kind of corporate fairy godmother. Offered to save your failing business. And now here you are in a rented suit pretending you belong.
Ethan's grip tightened on his beer bottle. It's not rented. My apologies. Bought then. With her money, I'm assuming.
With money, I borrowed and will pay back. Of course. Marcus' smile widened. That's what she does. You know, finds broken things and tries to fix them.
Last year it was a nonprofit in Tacoma. Year before that, some artist in Portland. She gets bored eventually and moves on to the next project. I'm not a project, aren't you? Think about it.
Struggling mechanic, single father, shop on the verge of foreclosure. You're exactly the type of charity case that makes her feel better about having more money than cents. Heat crawled up Ethan's neck, but he kept his voice level. You sound like someone who got dumped and never got over it. Marcus's expression went cold.
I broke up with her. Sure you did, because she's incapable of caring about anything except her company. You think you're special? You think she actually sees you as anything other than a distraction from quarterly reports? Marcus leaned in slightly.
She'll get tired of playing mechanic's girlfriend, and when she does, you'll be exactly where you were before, except now you'll have debt to her on top of everything else. Ethan wanted to throw his beer in Marcus' smug face. Wanted to defend Viven, defend himself, defend whatever fragile thing they were building together. But part of him, the scared, practical part that had been whispering doubt since the beginning, wondered if Marcus was right. Thanks for the advice, he said tightly.
I'll keep it in mind. You do that. Marcus straightened his cufflinks. And when she inevitable moves on, don't say I didn't warn you. He walked away, disappearing into the crowd.
And Ethan stood alone by the melted metal sculpture, feeling like he'd been punched in the stomach. Because what if Marcus was right? What if this whole thing, the dates, the contract, the suit, was just Viven trying to fix something broken? What if he was exactly what Marcus said, a charity case that made her feel better about her wealth? There you are.
Ethan turned to find Viven approaching, looking relieved. I thought I'd lost you. Helen talks forever about absolutely nothing. Are you okay? You look pale.
I'm fine, just not used to this crowd. Yeah, there are a lot. She took his hand, her fingers warm against his. Come on, there's someone I want you to meet. The director of the children's hospital we're supporting tonight.