by Autumn Reed
I shouldn’t have been surprised by what he was saying, but on some level, I’d expected her to get over it...eventually. Was I prepared for her to literally never speak to me again?
On our way out of the restaurant, I couldn’t deny my feelings of melancholy. If my mother continued to shun me, my visits with my dad would probably become few and far between. I’d probably always have to fly him to my turf, or at least meet him on neutral territory. No more going “home” for Thanksgiving or Christmas. It was a depressing thought.
“I’m sorry for putting you and Chris in the middle of this.”
“Don’t worry about us.” Dad pulled me into a hug, and I relished the safety I felt there. “I’m proud of you, Emma. You’ve become a strong, independent, smart, and beautiful woman. No matter what happens with your mother, know that I will always love you.”
“I love you too, Dad.”
Chapter 16
“Greece!” Simone shrieked so loudly, I was pretty sure shoppers on the second level of the mall heard her. “That’s incredible. You must be ecstatic!”
“I am. I can hardly believe it.”
“Well, we are talking about the oh-so-generous Cole Reid and Shane Oliver. I wouldn’t have expected anything less from those two. Have I told you lately how lucky you are?”
“Only every time we talk.”
She sighed. “Seriously, what did you do in a past life to generate such amazing karma in this one? I need to take notes.”
“It’s not like it’s all been smooth sailing, as you well know. Since December, I’ve gained three boyfriends and lost one boyfriend and a mother. Not to mention the media attempts to publicly humiliate me. I doubt you want any of this karmic action.”
“So you’ve hit a few bumps in the road.”
“More like crater-sized potholes. Anyway, you have Miguel.” Or did she? Now that I thought about it, I hadn’t seen him at our graduation or the afterparty.
“Miguel who?” she asked innocently as she steered me into one of her favorite boutiques.
“You two broke up? When? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“It’s been over for a few weeks. And it’s not like we were together, together. We were having fun. That’s it.”
I watched her closely for signs of heartache, but she appeared completely serene. I had a feeling she’d be more distressed if the halter top she was eyeing wasn’t available in her size than by the end of her pseudo-relationship. “By your blasé attitude, I’m guessing it was your idea?”
“Yes, but don’t worry about Miguel. He’s too busy building up his construction company to be upset about little ol’ me.”
“Well, okay, then.”
“It’s all good, Em,” Simone said as she pinched my cheek. “You know I’m nowhere near ready to settle down.”
I shook my head but smiled. “I pity the man who finally catches your eye. He won’t know what hit him.”
She tossed her long, brown hair, looking more like an actress in a shampoo commercial than a psychology student. “Oh, I’m holding out for a titillating trio or maybe even a flirtatious foursome. There’s not a man alive who could handle me all by his lonesome.”
“Haven’t you learned anything from my experience? Juggling multiple boyfriends is not always as fun as it sounds.”
“I’m still holding out hope for you and the Ts. If it works out for you, it can work out for me!”
I took a seat outside her dressing room as she slipped inside to try on the halter top. “Sometimes, I think you’re too optimistic to be a psychologist. Shouldn’t you be more focused on realistic outcomes?”
“Don’t worry. I hear the graduate program excels at stripping students of their idealism.” She stepped out of her dressing room and struck a pose. “What do you think?”
I took in the slinky gold fabric and plunging neckline. “If you’re going for sizzling and seductive, I think you hit the nail on the head.”
“Excellent. I’m single and on the prowl, after all.” Once she was back in the dressing room, she asked, “Are you ready for your weekly update now?”
When Nicholas first left for Pasadena, I’d promised myself I wouldn’t search online for information about him and Alyssa or even mentions of my name. I’d lasted about three weeks before breaking down and begging Simone to tell me what I’d missed. Since then, she’d been doling out only the most pertinent news once a week.
Surprisingly, I’d come to anticipate the updates as much as I dreaded them. Hearing about Nicholas and seeing pictures of him—even with Alyssa sticking to him like a leech—was like a balm to my bruised heart. I didn’t understand it or even know that I wanted to.
“How about over lunch? I need comfort food to stomach more photos of my ex and his model-perfect fake girlfriend.” Assuming the relationship was still fake. By now, he could have decided his life would be easier, better, if he accepted the mate his mother handpicked for him.
“Grimaldi’s?” Simone asked.
“Where else?”
Once our favorite pesto-based pizza was delivered, I allowed Simone to give me the week’s rundown. It wasn’t that different from previous weeks. Nicholas had been on the road with James and Kat, attending every event with a smile on his face. Although I’d been mentioned in numerous articles in the last two months—several written by none other than Jason Hill—it seemed that most reporters were losing interest in me. As much as I hated to admit it, Nicholas’s plan appeared to be working. Now, most articles referencing his private life were focused on his relationship with Alyssa.
“And I saved the best for last,” Simone said, interrupting my thoughts. “Listen to this. It’s about a fundraiser Saturday night.”
Saturday...the same day as my graduation.
“‘Nicholas Hayes, future brother-in-law of the candidate, showed up quite late and without an escort. When asked about the lovely Alyssa Rhodes, who has been seen on his arm at numerous events during the campaign, the young Mr. Hayes insinuated that their friendship was very close, indeed. This, after he was involved in a rather unique sex scandal a couple of months ago. So, who is Nicholas Hayes? A squeaky-clean member of one of Pasadena’s most influential families? Or a devilishly handsome bad boy in sheep’s clothing? James Lowell has to be praying for the former. The success of his campaign may depend on it.’” She waved her cell in triumph. “He referred to her as a friend—good news, right?”
I groaned and grabbed the phone out of Simone’s hand, re-reading the segment twice before returning the device. “Nic has to be pissed.” This was anything but good news. Even after going to such extreme lengths, he still hadn’t escaped the scandal.
“It’s only one article.”
“One article that could have far-reaching consequences.” I tore my crust with my teeth, attacking it like a vicious animal. “Next thing we know, he’ll be announcing his engagement to Alyssa just to get those rabid reporters off his back.”
Simone watched me like I’d lost my mind. “Okay, Em. Why don’t you put down the crust, and we can order you a nice, soothing glass of wine.”
“I...don’t...need...wine,” I said around more bites of pesto and gooey cheese. “Just let me eat in peace.”
“Okay. I’ll sit here quietly until it’s time to go to Nordstrom,” she said with fake politeness.
Nordstrom...gift card...clothes...shoes. The thought of shoes was enough to snap me out of it, and I put down my slice of pizza, only then realizing how stuffed I was.
“Better?” Simone asked.
“Marginally.”
She waved at the waiter to bring the check before turning back to me. “Look, I know this thing with Nicholas has been hard on you, but you need to figure out a game plan. The election is in two weeks, and then he’s coming home. What will you do then? Are you going to avoid the townhouse altogether? Talk to him? Attempt to co-exist without resolving anything?”
“Ugh, I don’t know, okay? His coming home doesn’t actually change anything. It
doesn’t change the fact that he’s spent the last two months pretending like I never existed.”
“I know, but I want you to think about something.” She gave me a sharp look, so I nodded. “Why are you still so upset about the idea of him publicly claiming Alyssa? If you were over him...if you were ready to completely throw in the towel...you wouldn’t be tearing into your food like you were raised by wolves.”
I huffed out a laugh but didn’t respond, mostly because I had no idea what to say. Nicholas had hurt me, was continuing to hurt me. But it hurt because I cared. And maybe that meant something.
“I propose we stop yapping like school girls and get this shopping spree started.”
Simone grinned. “Truer words were never spoken.”
Completely focused on the task of purchasing clothes for the office, I spent the next few hours trying on and selecting an array of slacks, dressy jeans, tops, and jackets. Though I was working within the confines of my gift card, I relished the ability to select higher quality pieces than I was used to without having to worry about every dollar spent.
When I’d purchased all the necessities, there was only ninety-eight dollars and change left on the card. I had intentionally left the shoe department for last, knowing I would spend too much there otherwise.
“Okay, Simone. One pair of shoes under one hundred dollars. Let’s go.”
“Challenge gladly accepted.”
I tried to be sensible and focus on relatively practical shoes, ones with a moderate heel that would be ideal for the office. But when I spotted a pair of turquoise peep-toe stilettos with subtle scallops on the sides, I threw practical out the window. Especially when I glimpsed the “sale” tag, putting them right in my price range.
Turning to Simone, I said, “Now is when a good friend would remind me that I’m here to buy work clothes.”
She rolled her eyes as she called the sales associate over to help us. “Please, I’m a great friend. And, as your bestie, it’s my job to remind you to treat yourself once in a while. This, Emma, is one of those times.”
“Okay, sold.”
“That was way too easy.”
I shrugged. “I have a thing for stilettos. I’ve accepted it.”
“I’m assuming we’re done?” Simone asked as we left the department store ten minutes later. “Because I’m not certain either one of us can carry another bag.”
Barely able to handle my heavy load, I moaned. “Yes, I’m exhausted.”
“Yeah, well, you bought five times as much as you normally would, even on a good day. Maybe even three times what I would on a good day.”
“You should probably take a mental snapshot, because I’m sure it’ll never happen again.”
She looked longingly at her crossbody bag resting on her hip. “If I could reach my phone without dropping everything, I’d take a real snapshot.”
We had almost made it to the exit when I stopped in my tracks. “Oh, no no no no no.”
“What?”
“I was supposed to pick out Chris’s graduation gift. I need to ship it tomorrow for it to arrive by this weekend.” Since I wasn’t attending the ceremony, I’d promised myself I would send him something amazing. And I hadn’t even come up with any ideas yet. I was a crappy sister.
“That’s what Amazon is for, Em. Free two-day shipping.”
I shook my head. “No way. I have to personally wrap the gift and sign the card.”
She sighed and headed toward an oversized bench. “Okay, let’s park it, then. What did you have in mind?”
“I don’t know. Something useful but fun.”
“Okaaay. He’ll be living in the dorm next year, so useful items include towels, bedding, coffee maker, backpack.”
“I like the coffee maker idea, but I’m not sure if the dorm allows it.”
“True.” Simone tapped her finger on her chin. “How about something techie? Bluetooth speaker?”
“He got one for Christmas.” I thought about dorm life, cringing at the memory of how challenging it had been to actually get any studying done. My mind focused on that problem, and... “I got it! Noise-canceling headphones.”
She grinned. “Practical and fun—perfect.”
“Maybe you should stay here with the bags, and I’ll run to the electronics store.”
“Only if you run.”
I ended up buying the most expensive pair of headphones in the store, even though they were significantly beyond my intended budget. I wasn’t trying to buy Chris’s love; I knew he would have been happy with anything I sent him. But I couldn’t help feeling guilty about missing his graduation, and I wanted to give him something that would ensure he knew I cared. Something that would make him happy.
When we made it back to my apartment, Simone helped carry my purchases up to my apartment and then stayed to hang out. Remembering my promise to send Ashley pics of my new clothes, I made outfits of all the pieces and had Simone take photos of me in them.
“I think my favorite combo is the charcoal pants with the navy and pink tweed jacket,” Simone said once we’d cycled through everything.
I considered the jacket as I carefully hung it in my closet. “Me too. It looks professional but still stylish. Especially with the rose gold necklace you talked me into buying.”
“Simone knows best,” she replied smugly. “And on that note, why don’t you move in with me?”
I dropped the top I was holding and spun around to stare at her. The question was so out of the blue, I couldn’t seem to form a response.
Simone wasn’t deterred by my silence. “My roommate is moving out this weekend, and your lease is up next month, so the timing is perfect. And you know we’d have a blast living together.”
Finally finding my voice, I said, “I thought you were looking forward to living alone? You spent an entire lunch describing how you were going to turn the second bedroom into an office-slash-dressing room, complete with an antique vanity and custom built-ins for your books and shoes.”
“Yeah, but that’s when I thought you would be moving in with the Ts after graduation.”
I looked at her in shock. “Where did that come from? I’ve never even mentioned it was a possibility.”
“You didn’t have to. That’s clearly where your relationship is...was headed.” She plopped down on my bed. “It was never casual with those three, and I have no doubt that if this stupid campaign hadn’t screwed everything up, your belongings would already be merged with theirs.”
“Well, I’m sorry to tell you that not once has merging of any kind been discussed.”
“So, what are you going to do?” She glanced around my old, tiny apartment. “You can’t stay here for another year.”
“It’s not so bad, and it fits my budget.” Unfortunately, Snow couldn’t move in with me, since dogs weren’t allowed at my complex. Not that I wanted to separate her from Ace after they’d become such good pals, anyway. “I can’t afford to live with you.”
Simone lived in a swanky condo her father bought when she started at UNLV. She once mentioned how much her roommate paid in rent, and I’d almost swallowed my tongue—it was more than double the cost of my dinky apartment. And even with my new job, I couldn’t justify spending that much.
She waved her hand, unconcerned. “Just give me what you pay here, and we’ll call it even. I wouldn’t charge you at all, but I know you’d never go along with that.”
She was right about that much, at least. “I don’t know, Simone. I don’t want to take advantage of you.”
“You won’t be. Promise.” She held her hands up in a gesture of pleading. “Come on. It’s closer to your work, gated, and exponentially nicer. Not to mention, I’m included in the deal,” she added with a grin. “How can you turn that down?”
I laughed. “Indeed.” Although I wanted to resist, all of her points were valid, and I only had a few days to give notice if I was going to move out of my apartment. I would just have to ignore the longing I felt when thinking about
living with Shane and Cole instead. They hadn’t offered, and I could never ask, especially since Nicholas was set to return home in a couple of weeks.
“Okay, let’s do it!”
Simone hopped up and hugged me. “Yay! I knew I’d be able to talk you into it.”
“You are persuasive.”
“So...now that we’re roomies, you have to tell me all about your exploits in the bedroom with the Provocative Pair. It’s part of the roommate code.”
“Is that so?”
She nodded enthusiastically.
“Amazing I’ve never heard of that provision.”
“Gotta read the fine print, Emma dear.”
I returned to putting away my clothes. “Well, we’re not officially roommates until I move in, so you’ll have to leave my sex life to your imagination for a while longer.”
“Fine. Just remember—I’ll hold you to that fine print.”
“I’m sure you will.”
Chapter 17
The moment I stepped into Chelsea’s office the next morning, I realized something I hadn’t before—I would be spending eight hours a day surrounded by Nicholas freaking Hayes. He was in the perfect color of bluish-gray paint and the reclaimed hardwood floors. He was in the tasteful furniture and exposed brick and beams. He was even in the light fixtures that brought a modern twist to classic styling.
He was everywhere.
I’d been in the office only once since it was completed, and now I wondered how I didn’t realize it then. Although I’d thought about what an amazing job Nicholas had done, I’d been too focused on my project and the final interview with Chelsea to contemplate how it would feel to work in this space that practically bled Nicholas. It would be incredible if it wasn’t so damn painful.
“Emma, I’m so glad you’re here!” Chelsea said as she met me at the door. “You look great.”
