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Tomorrow night is Sunday and I do my weekly prep. "Sunday's aren't good for me, Max. Listen, I've wanted to talk to you anyway."
"What's wrong?" Max asks, concern etched in his voice. It's fake concern, Em. Don't fall for his bullshit. It'll only drag you in deeper and deeper.
"Nothing. It's just... I've been seeing someone and we've decided to take the relationship a step further by becoming exclusive. I'm sorry, but it's not going to work out."
I brace myself for the yelling, the rage, but instead, he simply says, "Okay. I hope everything works out. Goodbye, Emma."
I stand in shock, unable to form a response before I hear the click of the call ending. Okay, that's strange. He's never reacted so calmly.
A text flashes on my screen from Curt, asking if I'm okay. Fuck, I need to deal with him now. I sigh in frustration as I walk back to the restaurant. An uneasy feeling washes over me. Max doesn't ever end things that simply, and with the way he's been acting, I've a bad feeling this won't be the last of him.
Out of the corner of my eye, a bush rustles and I hear a whisper, "Shit!" I freeze and my eyes narrow as they try to adjust to the darkness. A flash of gold moves on the side of the bush and a glittery heel pops out. Hmmm, why do those shoes look so familiar?
I lean in over the bush, peering in when a loud screech hits my ear. Jumping back, my sister stands sheepishly, her clothes and hair full of grass.
"Melissa! What are you fucking doing here?" I spit. I grit my teeth. My mother. My mother must've put her up to this. Melissa isn't this conniving on her own.
"Emma? Is that you?" She moves around the bush as she brushes off the grass. "I had no idea you would be here tonight!"
I step back. "Really?" My nostrils flare. "You happen to be here when I'm on a date with Curt? Why were you hiding in a bush?"
Melissa's face flushes as her eyes dart away. Guilty. She's fucking guilty as hell. "Oh, oh. I wasn't hiding, Emma." She rolls her eyes and snaps, famous attitude suddenly back. "I came out here to make a phone call and I tripped on that damned bush. They really need a new landscaper; the whole place is overgrown." She waves her hand around, in an attempt to distract me.
I cross my arms, burying my hands underneath. No need for Melissa to comment on my nervous habits. My eyes narrow as I take in her perfect self. Perfect hair, perfect makeup, complete with perfect outfit. I chuckle to myself. She may show this perfect facade but underneath it all, she's fucked up. Jealous, bitter, nasty. Ready to dig her claws into anyone who gets in her way. "I'm not a teenager anymore, stupid and naive enough to fall for your tricks that mom makes you do. It's pathetic, honestly, that you even do what she tells you to." Melissa's face contorts, rage flashing in her blue eyes. My father and she have the blue eyes, while I take after my mom with her brown ones. I often was jealous of Melissa, growing up with her blonde hair and smooth complexion. Her body was toned and the boys flocked to her. But, life isn't always nice to those who aren't nice themselves.
I continue before she can interrupt. "This is a new low. For both of you. Spying on me? Did you get whatever information you needed?"
She shifts her feet and bites her lip. "I'm not here to spy on you. See?" She points behind my head and I turn. There's her SUV parked in the front row. Her husband Ben smiles as he rolls down his window. I spin back to Melissa, a grin plastered on her face. "Ben's waiting for me. I went to the bathroom while he got the car."
Hmm, what happened to the phone call?
"I thought you were making a phone call?" I snap.
"I was! When I walked out the door, I was on the phone. Dammit, does it really matter, Em? I'm leaving. Go back to your date. How's it going? He seems like a hot ticket."
I scowl. Here she is fishing for information. Play it off, sis. Like Mom taught you. Too bad, I'm not a fool anymore. "It's fine. Not that it's any of your business. Real classy, Melissa. What's next to add to your list? Setting up an online dating profile for me?"
Melissa freezes. "What? You know about it?"
I throw my hands up in the air and storm off. "I cannot believe you. A dating profile? Get out of my business already! I'm done with this shit!" I don't turn back before I enter the restaurant. I pause. I try to catch my breath. My family never quits. What don't they get? I'll find love and happiness on my own. So what if it's taking me longer than normal. Not everyone finds love easily.
I pace and I shake my hands. The waiting area is small and dark. I'm not ready to face Curt yet. My blood is boiling from my sister. The door opens and the air sparks. I feel him before I see him. I look up and there he is.
He smiles down at me, his face lit up. "Emma? Hey!"
"Hey, Knox." I look down, not able to meet his gaze. My fingers clasp together and I bite the inside of my cheek. Of course he shows up here. Out of all the restaurants in Providence.
"Are you here with someone?" He peers around the small space.
"Yeah, he's waiting inside. I should get back."
His mood changes, our connection broken. Disappointment radiates off him. "Maybe another time then." He steps close, bringing his face inches from mine. "See you soon, Emma."
I inhale his scent. My knees go weak, my body begging me to stay.
Ditch Curt and join Knox—you want to Em, you know you do. Heat rushes through me, the ache between my legs growing with need. I glance up and our eyes lock. We stare at each other, neither one moving. Kiss me. Please. Kiss me and make me lose control.
His face inches closer. Closer. A loud bang comes from behind him and we both jump back as if caught. "Oh sorry! I didn't mean to bang the door," calls a voice from behind Knox. He moves out of the way. A few people pass by. I lean against the wall, my breath wild.
