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I think by ‘friends and family’ she means she’ll pay for it.
I look to Chloe.
She shakes her head knowingly. “More like the Emma Warner layaway plan.”
Having met her only an hour ago, she’s unbelievably easy to talk to and I love her quirkiness and quick wit. She’s an assistant book editor at St. Clair Press and just returned from her honeymoon in Tuscany. A few weeks ago, she married Emma’s cousin, Barrett St. Clair, the CEO of media titan St. Clair Media.
Emma filled me in on Chloe and Barrett’s back story. How they didn’t like each other, well it was mostly Chloe disliking Barrett’s grumpy, workaholic persona, but during a fake dating scheme to help Barrett with a business deal, they fell in love.
“I’m not letting you buy me this dress.” I march back inside the dressing room.
“You’re just like your brother. So practical and conservative with money. He never lets me buy him anything.” Emma pouts outside the dressing room.
I slide the side zipper down and pull the sleeves of the dress down my arms, then step out of it. Emma’s right about Griffin. He’s always wanted to make his own way, never wanting to take charity or help from anyone. I guess I’m the same way.
It turns out while she enjoys a few luxuries here and there, Emma doesn’t care about being with someone who has money. And while she had seed money from her parents, she made her bridal gown business a success on her own.
I admire her that way, and someday would love to start my own business. Right now, I plan to soak in all the knowledge from the staff at Marion Adler Events.
I change back into my t-shirt dress, throw on my jean jacket and grab my purse.
“Thanks for humoring me,” Emma says, downing her champagne before grabbing her shopping bag. “At least now I know what to get you for your birthday.”
“It’s in six months.”
“Ooh, your half-birthday?” She smiles conspiratorially.
Chloe stands and threads her arm through mine. “You know she doesn’t really need a reason, right?”
I smile watching Emma take the dress I told her not to buy me and mention something to the sales associate. Emma is the sweetest person, always wanting to do things for others. I’m grateful that Griffin found her because after all the sacrifices he’s made, he deserves to have someone in his life who wants to take care of him as much as he wants to take care of her.
“Should we get lunch?” Emma asks.
Chloe’s face lights. “Felice 56 is just around the corner. They have the best fettuccine Bolognese.”
“Yes, please. That sounds amazing,” I say. I’m glad that whatever stomach bug had plagued me this week seems to be gone and now I’m ready to eat my weight in pasta.
“How was your run this morning?” Emma asks as we exit onto Fifth Avenue. “You were gone a long time.”
“Oh, yeah. I kind of got turned around and had to double back.”
And detour to Hunter’s apartment for sex. Oopsie.
“I’m not really a runner. I know Griffin doesn’t love that you are running alone. Maybe you could join a club or something to find a partner?”
I smile at how Griffin’s protectiveness of me has rubbed off on Emma. I probably shouldn’t tell her that not only did I find a running partner this morning, but a fuck buddy as well. No, that probably wouldn’t go over well.
“I’m no help with the running partner thing, but if you ever want to play tennis or racquetball, I’d love to take you to the club,” Chloe offers.
“I’ve never played before, but that could be fun. I’m always up for trying new things,” I tell her as we make the turn onto Fifty-Sixth Street.
“When I first started, I didn’t have any skills, but I’m definitely improving. I almost beat Barrett the other day.” Chloe beams, then her cheeks color and her eyes light up. “Our matches have gotten pretty intense. We always have to go straight home after if you know what I mean.”
“I know what you mean and I don’t really want to hear that about Barrett.” Emma scrunches her nose. “He may be my cousin, but he’s practically a brother to me.”
I have to laugh. “So, then you’ll understand my alarm when I walk in to find you and Griffin,mybrother, fooling around on the couch.”
Emma looks sheepish. “I guess that’s fair.”
