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She giggled softly. I turned serious, speaking of.
“Look, I really need your help. With the wedding. It’s in two weeks so I know it’s short notice. But I’m desperate.” I pleaded. She stared back at me.
“I could never turn down a chance to build my portfolio. I’ll do it.”
“Thank you,” I could let out a breath of relief. I didn’t know how tense I was about it. “Gabriella is a real handful though. She will probably be the worst bride you ever work with.” I smirked, but her smile didn’t quite reach her ears.
“I can handle it, but…if I take the job we can’t do whatever we’re doing anymore. I was already so unprofessional this morning, I have to put my career first. So, no more, um…what we’ve done.”
I was disappointed, and in awe at the same time. I barely knew her, and I respected her. I didn’t know if I ever respected Vivian. But Emilia had earned it in seconds. It sucked, but I wouldn’t force her.
“I understand.”
Her smile was tight. I knew she didn’t want to do it. But she still did. She was strong, determined, even despite this morning—professional. She reminded me of myself. This project wouldn’t take forever. We could hold off until the wedding. At least, I think we could.
~
We went back to the floral shop and Gabriella met us there. She was nice in the beginning. Kindly introducing herself and what not. I hadn’t seen her in a while, so I did hug her, I wasn’t a total asshole.
“You look good, how are you?” I asked her. She was in her scrubs, so obviously busy with work. We went to a private room in the back. Emilia sat across from us, making it feel more like we were in fact engaged.
“Good, my fellowship is rough, but good. What about Vivian, did she finally sign?” My eyes flitted to Emilia, who looked on as I expected her to. In confusion.
“Yeah, she did. It’s over.” My voice was tight. It still got to me, what she did.
“I’m glad…so, Emilia. I have so many ideas.”
I sat back as Gabriella chattered away. Emilia took her through the catalog, but then took out blank paper instead and sketched stuff out. Gabriella changed everything three times. We were there for hours before she decided on a base design, not even the flowers yet.
I did warn her.
Chapter Twenty
Emilia
I wondered who Vivian was the entire meeting. I assumed a girlfriend, but since Gabrielle said sign, I leaned towards marriage.
He did say he was divorced, I just didn’t realize he meant that recently. Ouch.
Maybe that was the hurt he didn’t want to talk about. I couldn’t ask him about it. I already said we couldn’t do things anymore. We could be friends. I knew that would never go well. So, I pushed it aside and got to work.
Gabriella was a real…piece of work. She was excited to get married, though it seemed like she didn’t even want to because she changed everything. And then Tristan. He was such a tease. His knee kept brushing over mine, the table was so close his thigh touched mine too, and he made use of the advantage. My whole body was on fire the whole time.
I should have known he wouldn’t make it easy to resist him. I knew he wouldn’t force me, but his teasing was getting to be something I couldn’t handle. By the time we left, I was flushed, and I felt the familiar wetness between my legs.
He walked us out, and Gabriella took off in her flashy car.
“Told you she was a handful.” He smirked. I just shrugged.
I had forgotten he drove me here, so we walked backed to his car together. His hand wasn’t on my waist like last time, but we brushed together with every step.
“It’s okay. I suppose I should get used to it for weddings. At least she isn’t mean about it.” If she had been rude, I would have called her out on it. But she wasn’t. She is just very specific.
“Maybe. We could get some dinner on the way back.”
I arched a brow as I looked up at him, “Two meals in one day?” I asked.
“It’s just as friends. Promise.” I didn’t believe him, but then again, I didn’t believe myself either. I was hungry anyway.
