Chapter 5
CHAPTER FIVE
Emma
I snuck into the washroom at Durie’s before I took a seat at a table in the corner.
As I was rushing out of Case’s apartment, I tossed my makeup bag into a clutch that I packed in my suitcase. With the addition of a couple of hair elastics, my wallet, and the keys that Drake gave me, I was set.
I applied a touch of makeup before I twisted my hair into a messy bun. The lighting in the bar’s washroom wasn’t ideal, but I look presentable.
I’ve already been mistaken for an eighteen-year-old once tonight. I don’t want a repeat with the server.
I grin at her as she approaches me.
“What can I get for you?” she asks with a bright smile.
I go for a repeat of what I had the night Drake brought me here. “A lemon drop martini, please.”
“My favorite.” Her blue eyes widen. “You have excellent taste, Emma.”
Furrowing my brow, I lean back in my seat. I haven’t handed over my credit card yet, so how does she know my name?
Smiling, she rests a hand on my tense shoulder. “You’re Emma, aren’t you? Drake Owens is your brother?”
Stuck on a stalled breath, I nod. “I am.”
“We met when you were here with him last year.” Her hand drops to her side. “He talks about you sometimes when he stops in for a beer.”
I study her face. Her eyes are blue. Her hair is a dark shade of blonde. She’s pretty. She’s exactly my brother’s type.
“I’m Kendall, by the way.”
“It’s good to meet you again,” I say with a soft laugh. “Does my brother come in often?”
I’m hoping small talk will bury the subject of our first meeting. I rarely forget a face. It’s part of my job to match faces with names.
“When he wants a beer, he shows up.” She shrugs. “I have a feeling that once he gets back from his trip, he won’t be popping in as often.”
Even this woman knew that Drake was headed out of New York City.
Maybe she can fill in the gaps that Case was unwilling or unable to.
Just as I’m about to interrogate her, a man at the next table calls out her name and what sounds like a complicated drink order.
“I’ll grab your martini.” She slaps a dark blue cocktail napkin on the table in front of me. “I’ll put it on Drake’s tab.”
“That’s not necessary.” I reach for my clutch. “I can pay for my drink.”
With a shake of her head, she huffs out a laugh. “Not according to your brother. All friends and family of Drake Owens drink on his dime. Those are his exact words.”
That sounds like Drake. He’s generous to a fault.
“I’ll be right back.” She turns to walk away. “Oh, and can you do me a favor?”
I sense that she’s about to ask me to put in a good word for her with my brother.
He’s good-looking and fun. It wouldn’t be the first time someone asked me to set them up with him.
One of my friends back in Seattle wanted a dinner date with Drake when she visited Manhattan last year.
I asked him if he’d indulge her request, but he shot it down.
I nod even though I know that Drake would have already asked her out if he was interested.
“When you talk to Drake, can you offer my congratulations?”
Before I can ask what for, Kendall blurts out the answer. “I admit I never thought he was the marrying type, but he proved all of us doubters wrong with this elopement.”
Confused, I stare at her.
“I may feel a little envy about the whole thing. I mean, who wouldn’t? What’s more romantic than getting married in a castle in Ireland?”
I don’t respond to her question as she walks away. I don’t try to talk at all.
I’m speechless.
Three martinis later, I wonder if I’ll be able to get out of the chair I’ve been sitting in for the last two-and-a-half hours.
I’ve spent all of this time thinking about my brother and his wedding.
His wedding.
Drake is getting married, and I had no idea. My parents didn’t either. I know that because I called them mid-way through my first martini to tell them that I’d arrived in Manhattan safe and sound.
They didn’t ask for an update, but I wanted to hear their voices. My mom talked about the pot roast she’s planning to cook for dinner tomorrow. My dad was focused on one of the used cars he sold today.
It was obvious that they didn’t know anything about Drake flying to Ireland to marry a mystery woman.
I had no idea that he had a girlfriend and the next time I see him, he’ll have a wife.
Hanging my head, I shut my eyes.
There’s nothing I want more than for the people I care about to be happy. I’m thrilled that Drake found someone he loves enough to marry, but the sting of disappointment I feel is undeniable.
I always thought we’d be there for each other on the monumental days of our lives.
“Did you give me a fake number?”
I glance up at the sound of that voice because I recognize it. I may have only heard it briefly, but the tone has a rough edge that is unmistakable.
“Case?”
“Emma.” He gives me a curt nod. “I’ve sent you a few text messages.”
I shrug. “I haven’t checked my phone.”
It’s the truth. After I talked to my parents, I silenced my phone and shoved it into my clutch. I didn’t expect Drake to get in touch, but I didn’t want to risk answering his call in the mood I’m in.
I need time to process everything that’s happened today before I talk to my brother.
Glancing around the almost empty bar, Case crosses his arms. “How many of those have you had?”
How is that his concern? He’s the one who sent me here so he could get down to business. That would be the business of quickies.
It’s a shame.
If he took his time, he might not look so wound up.
His jaw is clenched, and his brow is furrowed. He seems tenser than when I left his apartment.
“A couple,” I answer semi-honestly. I haven’t finished the third martini, so technically I’ve had two-and-a-half.
“It’s time to call it a night.” He slides a credit card out of his pocket and waves it at Kendall.
“Put that away,” I say with a shake of my head. “My brother paid for my drinks.”
His hand drops. “Your brother?”
“You know him.” I laugh softly. “Brown hair, glasses, and the world’s best secret-keeper.”
Expecting at least a smile from him, I scrunch my nose as he stares at me.
“Speaking of secrets, earlier you said you have a surprise for Drake. What is it?” I ask to lighten the mood. “I promise I won’t say a word to him.”
His expression doesn’t change at all. “Let’s get you upstairs, Emma.”
I swallow the rest of the martini because why would I waste a perfectly made drink? Pushing back from the table, I level my gaze on Case. “Fine. Don’t tell me about the surprise, but can you at least tell me if you knew he was getting married?”
Reaching for my arm, he exhales. “Who told you?”
“She did.” I point to where Kendall is standing next to a customer. “She knew. Don’t tell me that you didn’t know.”
He wraps his fingers around my forearm. “Drake would kill me if he knew I let you get drunk your first night in the city.”
“I’m not drunk.” I let out a stuttered laugh. “You think I’m drunk?”
I might be drunk. I’m probably drunk. I haven’t eaten anything since I left Seattle this morning, so yes, I am officially drunk.
“Come with me, Emma.” He tugs on my arm. “I’ll get you to bed.”
I don’t argue because sleep sounds good. Tomorrow everything will be better.