Emerald Eyes

by N. Michaels

  “I love it.” I smile.

  “Hey, Girls!” Julia calls us as she makes her way to our table.

  I get up to give her a hug.

  “Hey there lady, what took you so long to get here?” Milan asks.

  Julia sits down then scoots away, giving me some room to sit.

  “Traffic, sorry.” She smiles and there is a bright light in her eyes… she looks radiant.

  “I have to tell you girls something. But please, no shrieking.” Julia looks around us.

  We all agree and before Julia has a chance to say anything, Vera gasps and wide-eyed whispers, “You’re pregnant!”

  Six sets of eyes shift to Julia and her only reaction is a nervous giggle.

  “No. I am not pregnant. I am engaged.” Julia puts her left hand in the middle of the table.

  Vera squeals and jumps up and down her seat, Milan and I gasp and smile at her. Immediately, my arms circle her and I pull her into a tight embrace.

  “Congratulations, darling! You and Nick deserve this happiness.” I whisper and kiss her cheek.

  I wipe my teary eyes and call the waiter.

  Fuck saving, this needs to be celebrated.

  “Yes, are we ready to order?” Franco smiles.

  “Not yet. Please get us a bottle of champagne, we have a celebration going on.” I say.

  Milan takes Julia’s hand while Vera and her examine the ring.

  “Which one would you like, Miss?” Franco hands me a list of different champagne bottles.

  I scan the list and find the one I want.

  “This one, Salon 'Le Mesnil' Brut Blanc de Blancs 1996.” I say and Franco beams at me.

  “Right away, Miss.”

  “My turn!” I lilt and take Julia’s hand.

  I look at Julia’s ring and a wave of fresh happy tears stings my eyes. It’s perfect, just like their love. The cushion diamond is big but not distasteful, surrounded by smaller diamonds that also cover the band.

  “Julia, this is beautiful!” I hug her again.

  “How did Nick propose?” Vera asks with starry eyes.

  Julia laughs lightly then smiles at us. “He took me to that crappy diner in Queens, where we first met. Half way through my pancakes, he gets up and goes down on one knee. I almost choked on my food, I had a full mouth.” She giggles and we join her. “Anyway, he said, ‘Julia Case, you brought me to life when I didn’t know I was dead. You captured my heart when I didn’t know I had one and you bound my soul to yours when I thought I’d never find one. Will you make me yours for the rest of my life? Will you be my wife?’ And of course I was bawling and a quivering mess.” Julia wipes her eyes with her napkin. “But I managed to say yes.” She laughs.

  I look over at the girls, Milan has a sweet smile on her face and Vera is crying happily into her napkin.

  I look at Julia and see so much happiness in her eyes, so much excitement that she’s glowing with it. It envelops us entirely and we all beam back at her.

  “Damn, that Nick knows how to do it.” Milan wipes a stray tear.

  “Katya is dating her boss.” Vera mumbles, sniffling.

  “You’re what?” Julia turns to me, wide-eyed.

  “Umm… well… I’m dating Mr. Miller?” My eyes shoot to Milan for a moment.

  “How on earth did you get him to do that? This guy is one of the most untouchable men I know.” Julia looks at me like I just told her I could cure cancer.

  “I don’t know, I was just me, oh and I was flirting with him non-stop. Maybe that helped too.” I shrug and Milan bursts into laughter.

  Julia shakes her head lightly, “If anyone could tame him, that would be you.”

  I smile brightly, “I’ll take that as a compliment, and now let’s look over the menu, I am famished!”

  When Franco arrives with our champagne we place our orders. We lift our flutes full of bubbly and I begin the toast.

  “To Julia and Nick. The best couple I’ve ever known. May you always have each other and always have your ‘happily ever after’.”

  “Aaand, may you have lots of steamy sex and don’t become those boring married couples who have sex three times a month!” Milan adds, making Julia snicker and roll her eyes.

  “And, may you always make each other happy and have lots of cute babies.” Vera says with big smile.

  “Thank you, sweethearts. May all your wishes come true.” Julia looks at us with so much joy, my heart melts into a puddle. We clink our flutes and each of us takes a healthy sip.

  “Mmm…. This is so good.” Milan licks her lips and Vera shakes her head.

  “You’re making me believe you have a problem with alcohol.” Vera scolds.

  “Oh please, I only drink when we go out.” Milan rolls her eyes.

  “Which is almost every night, Milan. Try to cut back please.” Vera asks with a soft voice and I give Milan my best scrutinizing stare.

  “Fine. Ok, I will… geez. And you, put your kryptonite eyes away.” she looks at me.

  “Just looking out for you, Milan. None of us wants to be the one to wash vomit off your hair.” I shrug and they all start laughing in unison.

  As we indulged in the delicious dishes that we ordered, our conversation focuses mainly on Julia’s vision for her wedding. We’re all chosen to be her bridesmaids and her oldest friend, Cherri, will be her maid of honor.

  “Please tell me we can choose our dresses.” Milan says.

  “Of course and no color will be picked, so whatever you girls want.” Julia smiles.

  “Oh thank you God! I love you, woman.” Milan clinks her champagne flute with Julia’s.

  “Vera, how’s Aiden treating you?” I ask then place a piece of that heavenly Black Cod into my mouth.

  Vera smiles shyly and her cheeks turn pink, “He’s great. He treats me like a princess.” She looks at each of us.

  “Last night he took me to the Met and we stayed there till closing time. We were just walking around and holding hands.” She inhales softly.

  “I’m glad to hear that, because if he wasn’t treating you right, he’d have to answer to all of us.” I look at Milan and Julia and they nod in agreement.

  “That’s right, babygirl. We’ve got your back.” Milan winks at Vera.

  My clutch vibrates behind my back, pulling my attention to it. I take my phone out and find that Eric has sent me a text message:

  Hello my sexy kitten, I hope you’re having fun with the girls. I miss you like an addict misses his drug. You are my drug. Keep Friday free of plans, I got a surprise for you. ;)

  My heartbeat quickens and I bite my lower lip to contain the grin that is spreading on my lips. Quickly, I text him back:

  I miss you too, tiger. What are you planning?

  “Is that, Mr. sex on legs?” Milan asks.

  I look up from my phone and smile. “Yep. He’s telling me to keep my Friday clear, that he has a surprise for me.”

  “That is so romantic.” Vera smiles.

  “Probably going to tie you up and screw you to oblivion.” Milan smirks.

  I lift an eyebrow at Milan. “No, this is different. I wonder what he is up to.” I smile.

  While my mind works over all the possibilities of what Eric might have planned for me, Milan frowns and mutters something about, ‘you always told me everything’ but I can’t focus on the rest because my phone buzzes again so I look down, finding another text:

  If I tell you, it wouldn’t be a surprise. I know you’re a curious little kitty but you’ll just have to wait. Tiger out.

  I smile and text him back:

  You got it. Can’t wait till Friday… xoxo

  I put my phone back and return to my fun dinner. During desert, Julia called Nick to pick her up and we decided to join her. I wasn’t sure if Nick felt like playing chauffeur, but he couldn’t say no to Julia. We split the bill and thank Franco for his superb service, then head downstairs full and happy.

  “Katherine.” A rich voice calls me from the bar downstairs.<
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  I turn around and in the sea of people, I find Patrick sitting on a stool, holding a tumble with what looks like whiskey inside.

  “It’s that guy!” Vera whispers harshly.

  I do have a few questions for Mr. Green. What he told me a few days ago about needing luck and Eric being ‘that’ type of guy has been bothering me, and no matter how much I’ve tried to push it back and ignore it, it’s been festering in my mind like some sort of a plague.

  “Go ahead without me girls. I forgot I needed to ask him something.” I smile tightly.

  “Ooh, and the plot thickens.” Milan smirks.

  “There is nothing going on I swear, it just about work. I’ll get a cab and once I’m home, I’ll text you all. Ok?” I’m hoping they will leave without a fight.

  “Are you sure?” Julia looks down at her phone. “Nick is outside.” She looks up at me.

  “Oh my God, you girls are exaggerating a bit. I need to ask him a question, not hook-up with him. Bye!” I say and back away from them.

  I wave to them and they reluctantly wave back. I mouth ‘Congrats’ to Julia and she smiles brightly at me. I turn around and walk to Patrick, who’s sporting a self-satisfied smile.

  “Lose the grin, Mr. Green. I’m here for an answer, nothing more.” I sit on the stool beside him.

  Patrick’s eyes harden slightly but he doesn’t lose his victorious smile.

  “How may I help you, Miss Slav?” he asks and takes a drink.

  I shake my head to the approaching bartender and turn my focus on Patrick.

  “I want to know what you meant when you said that Eric was ‘that’ type of guy.” I look into his eyes as his warm, chocolate irises turn into hard onyx.

  “Let’s sit over there,” he gestures to the lounge across us. “Too many people here.”

  I take a breath and follow him to a free couch. We settle down and I immediately look at him, waiting for an answer. Patrick tips his tumbler all the way, finishing his drink while not taking his eyes off of mine. He puts it down and signals a waiter. Patrick orders another drink, and I try to calm the irritation that is rising inside me.

  “Why do you want to know so bad?” he tilts his head to the side.

  I exhale a controlled breath. “Patrick, I’m not going to play your game, so please, if you have something to say, say it. If you don’t, I’m going to get up and walk away.” I raise an eyebrow.

  Patrick takes a deep breath and runs his hand through his perfect hair. “Fine. You deserve to know,” he breathes out.

  Instantly, my heart triples its speed and chills shoot across my body.

  “What is it?” I keep my voice leveled.

  Patrick leans closer, putting his arms on his knees.

  “A friend of mine used to date Eric. He was very abusive with her. He physically hurt her.” Patrick shakes his head, disgusted.

  I swallow hard, “What’s her name?”

  Patrick looks at me, confused. “I just told you he abused her and all you care about is her name?”

  I inhale quickly, “I’m sorry. I guess I’m just shocked to hear this, that’s all.” I feign uneasiness.

  I know how rough Eric can get… and I like him that way, but I want to know more about this woman, more about Eric.

  Patrick stares at me for a moment then speaks. “Her name is Ava. She told me that he could never be gentle, just fuck her like an animal with no feelings. She had bruises, Katherine. The only reason I didn’t beat the shit out of that abusive dirt bag is because Ava begged me not to. But that’s not all, later on he started cheating on her with some other woman, right after Ava told him she loved him. When Ava found out about the other woman, she left him. I don’t want the same thing to happen to you, so I’m giving you the heads up now. Eric is not who he claims to be.”

  “Who… who was the other woman?” my voice wavers.

  Don’t tell me its Eliza. Please anyone but her.

  The waiter comes back with a new whiskey filled tumble and places it in front of Patrick.

  “Ava only got a last name from a reservation he made in a hotel, Montgomery. Like that blonde he brought to SoFi in Miami… Shit… it was probably her!” Patrick mumbles to himself then takes a drink.

  I feel my hands tremble so I clench them tightly.

  I knew it. Damn it, it’s always her. I was smart to keep those three dangerous words to myself. I guess they frighten Eric so badly, that he will do anything to get out of the relationship.

  “Thank you for the heads up, Patrick.” I smile tightly.

  Patrick returns my smile, but it falters as his eyes shift behind me. I take a deep breath and turn around to confirm my inkling, and I am right. Eric is walking towards us… with a pissed off expression.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  “Eric…” I breathe and stand up to great him.

  He looks godlike. His jet-black hair is perfectly in place with those sexy strands falling neatly on his forehead, and his magnetizing eyes burn brightly with too many emotions.

  “Hello kitten, being naughty?” he whispers when he reaches me then kisses my cheek lightly.

  I shiver and shake my head, “No. We were just chatting about Miami.” I glance at Patrick who rises to his feet and shakes hands with Eric.

  “Good seeing you, Miller. I was just leaving.” Patrick drops two hundred dollar bills on the table. “It was lovely catching up with you, Katherine.” Patrick lifts my knuckles to his lips.

  “Yes, you too, Mr. Green. Have a good night.” I smile and lean into Eric, hoping that with my body flush against him he will see there is no reason to worry.

  Patrick’s eyes bore into mine, as if he’s telling me to remember his warning. He let’s go of my hand then walks past us towards the exit. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I slowly exhale and turn to face Eric.

  “Hey – “

  “We’re leaving.” Eric says without as much as looking at me.

  I clamp my lips shut and nod.

  If he has something to tell me, and I’m sure he does, he won’t say it here.

  Eric closes the door behind me and settles into the driver seat of his Bentley.

  “How was dinner?” Eric asks while merging into traffic. His voice is calm, but there is an edgy undertone that stiffens my spine.

  “Great, we had a lot to catch up on. Julia is engaged.” I smile, looking out of the window.

  “Hmm.”

  “Why did you come to Nobu?”

  “I was done with my meeting, and I wanted to pick you up.” His voice is cold.

  “Eric, what’s wrong?” I look at his sculpted profile.

  “What were you doing with Patrick?” his tone now accusatory.

  “I was talking to him. In a public place, Eric.”

  “What were you talking about?” Eric snaps.

  “Are we going to your place or mine?”

  Eric glances at me with a frown, “Why are you evading the question?”

  “I’m not. It’s just not a talk I want to have while we’re driving in the crazy streets of Manhattan.” I explain.

  Also, I’d rather look at you while you’re driving.

  My God, Eric turns me on by just driving. His long, muscular arm is almost stretched as he grasps the top of steering wheel with his left hand, while his right hand rests on the gear shifter and his rock hard thighs move the slightest as he alternate between the gas and the brake. He even handles the car with elegance and control.

  Eric takes a deep breath, “Fair enough. We’re going to my place.”

  We don’t utter another word until we walk into his living room. I sit down on the couch and Eric positions himself in front of me, sitting on the edge of his oval coffee table, leaning his arms on his knees so we are at eye level.

  “What did you two talk about, Katherine?” he asks calmly and this time it’s genuine.

  Let’s see how long he’ll stay calm.

  I look deeply into his light azure eyes. “We spoke about Ava.”<
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  Eric tenses in a blink of an eye. His eyes widen with shock and his dark eyebrows pull down.

  “She’s the same woman, isn’t she? The one that was scared of your aggressiveness in bed?” I whisper.

  Eric swallows hard then stands up. He walks to the showcase cabinet that is further into the room. He opens it and pours himself a drink. He tosses it back then pours another. He finishes that one as well then closes the cabinet’s door.

  “That’s her.” Eric whispers with his back to me, and I feel my heart breaking a fraction at the fact that Patrick was right.

  “How does he even know her?” Eric turns to me, scowling.

  “Apparently, she is one of his good friends. He was just telling me how you broke her heart by cheating on her with Eliza. Really, Eric? I never though you were that kind of a man.” I look away from him before I start crying.

  It hurts so much to realize I was wrong about him.

  “No! That’s not what happened. I didn’t cheat on her.” He says appalled.

  Eric moves swiftly, one moment he’s two feet away, the next one, he’s too close for comfort. His hands take mine in a tight grip, tight but not painful.

  “Katherine, no. I didn’t cheat. After that night, I broke things off with Ava but a week later she came back to my apartment, telling me she loved me and that she was positive I could change. I told her that we were not a good match and asked her to leave. Ava found out that the day before she came by, I was with Eliza and considered it as me cheating.”

  Unsure, I look into Eric’s eyes looking for deceit, but all I find in the mesmerizing depths of them is sincerity, fear and regret. I can imagine a woman going crazy over him, literally crazy.

  I almost did…

  “I believe you.” I say quietly, holding his gaze.

  “I’m sorry, kitten. I shouldn’t have reacted that way. I just can’t stand it when that fucker is next to you. I see red and go into primal mode. All I want to do is rip his head off for sharing the same fucking air you breathe.” Eric clenches his hands.

  “You seemed pretty nonchalant when we were in SoFi, while I was dancing with him.” I raise a questioning eyebrow.

  Eric smiles devilishly, “Remember how he had to leave in the middle of your dance?”