CHAPTER THIRTY
EMILY
“W eird,” Lexi says, leaning over my shoulder as we both stare at the enormous bunch of red roses and bottle of green sludge.
Juice.
But I call it sludge, as the sender well knows.
I fight my smile, trying not to read anything into it as I open the card.
Happy birthday, sexy. S xx
Tears prickle my eyes as I stupidly open the juice and take a sip.
“God it’s horrible.” I laugh as a tear slips down my face.
I miss Sebastian so much it hurts.
“I need to meet this stupid man. He clearly still likes you.” Lexi frowns, jutting out her hip.
Likes?
Is that all? If he liked me, he might have reached out to apologize and make amends.
There was more. Or so I thought.
For over a week I’ve been fighting my feelings, wondering if what we shared, albeit for only a few days, was real.
I felt like Sebastian’s fiancée.
I could imagine being his wife.
I could see myself living in his home, sleeping in our bed, kissing his green-sludge-coated lips as he left for work each day.
His silence, day after day, a reminder that I was living in la-la land. It was fake. I did a job. Nothing more.
Now he sends me roses?
I’m both happy and angry at him.
Inviting Mason and the other guys to my birthday drinks was a bad idea, but damn Lexi fancies Mason, so I couldn’t exactly stop her when she extended the invite.
“Sure?” Mason asked, glancing my way as we said farewell after the interview.
“Of course. It’s nothing formal, just some drinks, then we’ll hit the clubs.”
“Then great, I’ll round up the guys.”
We shared a glance, one where we were both saying different things. Mason saying I won’t invite Sebastian. Me asking if he might want to come.
I don’t know what these flowers mean.
Or the kiss.
Or calling me sexy.
Goddamn him. I’m going to psychoanalyze every damn letter all day long.
No. I won’t.
He’s had a week to reach out and hasn’t. That’s all I need to know. He probably had his new PA send this.
“Drink your green shit and let’s get to our nail appointment,” Lexi says and pulls on a pair of long black boots.
After putting the roses in a vase, I change into a sundress and add a leather jacket, then slip on a pair of ballet flats.
Ten minutes later, we’re downstairs and hailing a cab. Sans the juice.
All day I fight the urge to message Sebastian and thank him for my gift.
Connecting again would be a slippery slope.
Our attraction is strong, and he’s very dominant.
I can’t say no to him, so after figuring he probably just wants to start sleeping together again, I decide to just enjoy the flowers—not the sludge—and keep working on forgetting him.
As if I ever will.
At least I’m not alone now. Lexi is staying in New York after accepting the job. We’ve agreed she will pay reduced rent while sleeping on the sofa, giving me time to find another job.
I can probably stay in the country for another six weeks and have money for a plane ticket home.
To my parents’ house.
Where my father lives.
I’m motivated.
Mom phoned early this morning to wish me a happy birthday, and Dad didn’t let the opportunity slip.
“Heard the guy you worked for had a kerfuffle at his event last week,” Dad said. “What was that about?”
“No idea,” I muttered.
“If he goes under, you’ll lose your job. You know what they say, last ones on board are the first off the ship.”
Well, that ship had sailed, so fuck you, Dad.
“Then I’ll find something else.” I snapped.
“Jobs aren’t that easy to find Emily. You need to grow up. You’re twenty-six now.”
“Roger,” Mom growled at him. “It’s her birthday, can you please give her a break?”
“Thanks Mom.”
“Christ. You’re part of the damn problem, Maureen. She needs to toughen up and learn there are consequences.” Dad started up.
“Yeah, well, so do you. I will divorce you as quickly as you can say football if you don’t stop picking on our daughter.”
Lexi and I stared at one another, our mouths gaping. I’d put the phone on speaker because she knows what he’s like.
“Have a good day, darling. I’ll call you on the weekend. Have fun tonight.”
“Thanks Mom. Um, bye Dad.”
“Yup,” he grumbled.
I really don’t want to go home.
Glancing out the window of the cab, I chew the side of my mouth. I have to prove I can make it here. After all, if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere.
Isn’t that what they say?
“T WO GLASSES OF your best vodka,” Lexi says to the bartender.
“Coming right up. Are we celebrating tonight, ladies?” He glances down her top.
She’s always been so much sexier than me.
Then again, Lexi encouraged me to buy a black cocktail dress today, which is significantly shorter than I normally wear—and tighter.
“It’s my birthday.”
“Happy birthday. Do I need to ask for your ID?” I realize he has a southern accent which is hot as sin.
I blush. “Sure.”
He winks at us, then turns to get our drinks.
“God this place is full of gorgeous men. I’m going to be pregnant by Thanksgiving.” Lexi laughs.
“You better not be!” I shoot her a warning look.
She spins around, laughing further, and peruses the bar. It’s our first venue of the evening. We made a list of all the clubs we wanted to hit, and I have no idea how we are going to stay on schedule.
Not long later, Mason, Colt, and Zander arrive, and Lexi has made friends with at least five other people. Our group grows and by the time Drew arrives, the music is loud, and I’ve got a nice glow on.
“Happy birthday Emily.” Mason lifts his glass of champagne.
He bought about a dozen bottles of Cristal, and it’s been flowing like water. I have a fair idea what it cost, and while I know he’s not going to starve next week, it’s still very kind of him.
Everyone lifts their glasses and begin singing “Happy Birthday.” I do a little dance and accept all the kisses on my cheek, and smile as I sip my champagne. It’s been a great start to the night, but sadness hangs like a gray cloud above my head as I take in all the guys’ faces.
One of them is missing.
Sebastian.
“Twenty-six, your best year yet.” Lexi spins around, then turns to Mason and runs a long-painted nail down his arm. “Now, can we dance before you officially become my boss?”
He clears his throat, the dark sparkle I saw the other day returning. “Are those the rules we’re setting?”
Colt curses, shaking his head.
“Do humans get dumber as we age or is it just our friends?” Zander squints as he watches Lexi and Mason move into the dance area. “No offense, Emily.”
“None taken. I know what we did was stupid.”
Mason’s hand is on Lexi’s ass, and as I roll my eyes and glance at Colt, I find him staring at me with wide eyes.
I know.
Even before I look over my shoulder, I know.
He’s here.
Sebastian is here.