Chapter 13 #2
“I’m doing fan-freaking-tastic,” she said, taking a long sip from the bottle. “But why’d you turn the music down? This is a dance party.”
“I can see that,” he said. “But I was worried about you.”
“Worried about me?” Her gaze searched his before turning to look at me, her voice all tease now. “And were you worried about me, neighbor?”
“You’ve got Beyonce on repeat, and your blinds are closed, and you’re dancing around in a wedding dress.” Easton glanced over his shoulder to see the cupcakes covering her entire counter. “You’ve baked enough cupcakes to feed a small country. Yeah, it’s fair to say I’m worried.”
“You know how much I love Beyonce. And this new album is”—she paused to kiss her fingertips and flung her hand out before shouting—“chef’s freaking kisses!”
“What the fuck is chef’s kisses?” Easton said over his laughter. “Emmy, you didn’t go to work.”
“Easton.” She leaned closer to him, eyes wide. “You’ve missed work hundreds of times. I’ve never called in. Do I not get a pass just this once?”
“Yeah, you get a pass, girl. But I was worried about you.” He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her before pulling back. “You all right?”
“Yeah.” She moved to the couch and plopped down, a puddle of tulle and silk surrounding her.
She looked like a little girl sitting that way.
“Farah called this morning, and I don’t know…
I just felt sad after talking to her. So I put on my dress, because God knows I’ll probably never wear a wedding gown after this fiasco.
So I decided to day drink, bake, and dance. ” Her words were slurred but coherent.
“You decided to day drink?” He gaped at her with a wicked grin on his face. “You’ve shamed us our entire lives for day drinking. Said it was a waste of time.”
She turned to look at me and patted the seat next to her, and I moved to sit beside her.
“He’s referring to my brothers and my cousins.
They love to have a good time. And you know what?
I was wrong. Day drinking is underrated.
I’ve had a damn good day. I drank half a bottle of wine, two shots of whiskey, and this fancy bottle of champagne. ”
“That is a recipe for a nightmare hangover. Have I taught you nothing about mixing booze?” he asked, as he moved to the kitchen and poured himself a whiskey and handed me one, as well. “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”
I laughed and tipped my head back, letting the warm amber liquid move down my throat.
“Ahhh… thank you for joining the party,” she said, before hiccupping three times and then falling back in a fit of laughter.
“What happened with Farah?” Easton asked, sitting in the chair across from us. Emerson had the place looking like something straight out of a magazine. The chair and couch were white, with floral throw pillows and a large area rug.
There were flowers and photos and colorful paintings on the walls. It looked like she’d lived here for years and not weeks. But it didn’t surprise me.
This woman was different.
Special.
Her face hardened, and she set the bottle on the coffee table. “She said it meant nothing. It was a mistake.” Another slew of hiccups escaped. “A six-month mistake. Apparently, that’s how long they were sleeping together. And then she cried and said she missed me.”
I could see the struggle there. The betrayal and the hurt.
“They’re both assholes. They never deserved you. But I know it sucks. I get it, Emmy.” I could feel the empathy pouring from her brother. It was impossible not to see how much he loved her and how much her pain was felt by him. “What can I do for you?”
“That’s the thing, E. I’m not heartbroken, which is weird, right?
I dated him my entire adult life, and I’m not heartbroken.
I’m angry. I’m disappointed. But the truth is, I feel like I dodged a bullet, and not just because he’s a cheating pig, but because when I look back, I don’t think I was happy these last few years.
I think that’s probably why he strayed. Because we were both settling.
” She shrugged. “But I wish it would have ended differently. He shouldn’t have disrespected me.
” She paused, and no one said anything when she went on.
“Even so, I wish we could have all remained friends, you know? And Farah’s betrayal is just a punch to the gut. ”
Her hand rested beside mine on the couch, and my pinky finger stroked hers.
“Farah has been jealous of you our entire lives. We’ve all known it, seen it, but I hoped she’d outgrow it.
Do I think she regrets it now that everything has blown up in her face?
Hell yes. You were the best thing that ever happened to her, Emmy.
You were a loyal, true friend,” Easton said, and it was very clear how close these two were.
“Yeah. I know she needs a friend right now, but I can’t be that person for her.
” She shook her head, looking between her brother and me.
“And I feel bad because I’m happy about this new future of mine.
They both seem to be lost and desperate to repair things, and I’m ready to leave my past behind me, you know? ”
“I get that, and they’ll have to live with the mistakes they’ve made,” I said. “But you just keep doing your thing. Don’t let anyone clip your wings.”
“Fuck yeah. Spread those wings and fly, Emmy girl.”
A wide grin spread across her face. “I should have known that the marriage would be a bust when he wouldn’t agree to my one request at the reception.”
“What was it?” I asked.
“We were supposed to get married in Rosewood River on the water. I told him I’d seen a photo shoot where the bride and groom waited until the photos were done and the reception was over, and then they jumped into the water in their dress and tux and took the final photos.
I just thought it was a cute idea because we grew up on that river.
But Collin thought the idea was appalling. ”
“Pretentious prick,” Easton grumbled.
“So, who wants to go jump in the lake with me in this too fancy of a dress I’m wearing?” She waggled her brows.
Easton looked between us. “How about I order us dinner, and you take my sister out to the lake and make sure she doesn’t drown in all that fabric?”
“I’m down,” she said, turning to look at me. “What do you say, Heart?”
“Sure. If you want to swim in your wedding gown, who am I to tell you no?” I pushed to my feet.
“Burgers and wings good for everyone?” her brother asked.
She took one more swig from the bottle of champagne. “It’s a perfect way to end the day. I’m glad you’re here, E.”
He nodded, and then she set the bottle down and turned to me. “You ready?”
“Born ready, Sunny.”