Chapter 32 Two: Dinner Interruptions

Emily

“It’s so nice to see you, Emily,” his voice floated over to me. Cringing, I turned to him and smiled before I began to walk away. Just coming out of my apartment, I was greeted by Tim who dressed in his dark jeans and his polo shirt. I continued walking but was halted by his voice.

“I’m sorry Emily, I am sorry for how things went down between us. I really do.” Turning towards him, I could see the sincerity in his eyes and I could also hear it in his voice. “Is there any chance you could forgive me?”

“Why the sudden change?” I asked confused. This was totally unlike him, unlike his nature for the three years I have been working at the bookstore, I have never seen or heard of Tim being sincere about anything.

“Well,” he said while blushing. “I have been seeing someone who brings out the best in me and who always makes me want to be at my best.” Smiling at him, I totally know what he meant as Adam’s name flashed across my mind the minute he uttered those words. “So, will you forgive me?” he probed. Nodding my head, he held out his hand and I shook it.

Smiling, we parted ways with goodbye. Walking out the door, I heard my phone beep indicating that I got a text message. Digging through my bag, I was about to grip it when I looked up and saw that the bus I usually took stopped at my feet. Getting on, I smiled as soon as I saw the driver. “Hey Miss Emily,” Joe greeted cheerfully.

“Hey Joe,” I replied back with the same enthusiasm.

“You have changed routes?” I spoke as I sat in the seat that was behind him.

“Yes, I did. I only go about partway to the bookstore before I turned down on another street so I can only leave you at the nearest bus stop.”

“Oh no, Joe, that’s fine. I got a new job so you will be passing the building.”

“That’s great Miss Emily, I am so happy for you. What is the name of the company.”

“Jacob Enterprises.”

Whistling lowly, he spoke. “I knew you were destined for greatness.” Blushing, I thanked him before the conversation settled into small talk. Stopping at my bus stop, we bid each other goodbye before I exited and crossed the road. Entering, I rode into Adam’s personal elevator to my office. Coming off as soon as the door was opened, I made my way into the office and plopped down into my chair. As usual, it was comfortable and I began to relax and gather myself for a few minutes before I gathered up some files that I had to look through for Adam. Hearing my phone beep, I remembered that I had a message that I had to check from earlier.

Taking it out of my bag, I opened the message that was from an unknown number.

“How does dinner sound say at seven pm tonight at Daniels?” Laughing, I definitely recognized who it was even though there was no name. It was the same stranger from the bookstore and then at the deli. I had given him my number today because of what I had told him that time at the coffee shop that if we were to see each other again he would have received it. We had chatted for a while and he told me his name was Josh Sutton.

“Sure, and just know this is a friendly dinner. I will meet you there.”

Seconds later, a text came in. “I look forward to seeing you.”

Smiling, I put away my phone before I began checking my work email. Replying to many as I could, giving them details about the company and other consultation information I also forward a couple of emails to Adam so he could give me his feedback on specifically how I should respond. By the time I was finished, it was lunchtime. Going down to the canteen, I made myself a cup of coffee before I made my way back upstairs. Passing Adam’s office, I contemplated whether I should check in on him but later decided against it. If there was anything he wanted, he could simply just call or come over. Going back to work, I looked over some details of some companies that we should be representing. Making jotting and notes that I could present to Adam when we met again.

I continued to work until it was time to go home, packing up. I grabbed my stuff and made my way to the first floor where I exited. Hailing a cab, I got in and gave him my address. Pulling up at my apartment building one hour later due to the traffic, I paid him and got out. Rushing in, I opened my apartment door and went straight to my mother’s room. Upon entering, I saw her and Melissa going through photo albums as they laughed about something.

“What so funny?” I asked as I plopped down right beside my mom.

“Your mom was just showing me some of her wedding pictures and giving me the stories behind them.” Handing me the album, she showed me the one where a lady was dancing in the middle of the dance floor with a wide smile on her face.

“Who is she?” I asked my mom curiously. “The last time I saw this photo album was when I was six years old.

“That’s my sister Becca,” my mom said dryly.

“Your sister?” I asked astonished. “I didn’t know that you had any relatives’ mom, I know dad was an only child but I am shocked that I have never heard of this sister.”

“That’s because that was the last day we spoke. I told her to never contact me and that we are no longer family.” Taken aback by this, as I never heard my mom speak like this. I asked her what cause her to do such a thing.

“Why mom?” curiosity lacing my voice.

“Well, that after your dad and I got married and the reception was over she called me over one side and told me that she was leaving town with a man that she had just met a month ago.”

“So why was that so upsetting that you told her to never contact you again?”

Sighing, she sat up in bed as a few tears fell down her cheek. Back then I was a bit selfish. It was always has been me and my sis through everything and even though I was married I still wanted her there, wanted her by my side. So that night when she told me she was leaving, I was so sad and afraid that I just lashed out and said things that I didn’t mean to and thinking about it now, I wish I wasn’t so stupid. I wish I could take it all back, I really miss her and if I could only tell her that before–––”

“Don’t you dare say it mother, I will ask Adam to try and locate your sister. We are going to find her.” nodding her head, she hugged both Melissa and me before she settled down back in bed. Within a few minutes, she was asleep. Covering her with her blanket, we exited the room and went to sit on the couch.

“You know we should have a girl’s night,” Melissa suggested.

“I would love to Melissa, but I have a dinner to attend tonight. How about when I get home if you are still here?” Nodding her head, she told me she would be here. Looking at my phone, I noticed that if I don’t start to get ready I will be late for this dinner with the stranger. Excusing myself, I went to get ready.

After showering, I got dressed in a simple black dress and flats. Taking up my bag, I place my phone in it and left. Arriving at the restaurant two minutes early, I gave the hostess my name who leads me to the table where I found my company for the night waiting. Standing up, he gently took my hand and kissed me on it. Blushing, he came around and drew out my seat. Sitting, he also went back around his chair and sat down

A waiter came up immediately and took our orders. Glancing through the menu, I ordered the Seriole which contained citrus cured hamachi, chive aïoli, cardamom-beet Purée with mizuna salad while he ordered Poularde which contained Louisiana crayfish, wild mustard, pickled ramps drizzled in nettle oil. Ordering a bottle of 2012 Elvio Cogno ‘Bricco Pernice’ Barolo, the waiter came back two minutes with the bottle before informing us that our food will be ready in fifteen minutes. Opening the bottle, he poured each of us a glass before setting it in the bucket of ice that was on the table before he excused himself.

Taking a sip, I immediately fell in love with the taste. “I see you went all out,” I complimented as I took another sip before resting the wine glass on the table.

Smiling, showing his perfect white teeth, he replied. “Only for you.” Blushing, I use my hand to cover my face subtly so he doesn’t notice.

“So, miss Emily tell me about yourself.” Mentally rolling my eyes and sighing, I immediately thought to myself, here comes the boring small talk.

“Well there isn’t much to tell, otherwise from the fact that I use to work at the bookstore, I am twenty-three years old and I live alone with my mom.”

Chuckling, he took a drink of his wine before he spoke. “That’s a bit vague.”

Smiling, I took another drink to hide how irritated I was feeling at the moment seeing as what he said reminded me of that night when Adam and I were walking through the park. “Well considering I don’t know you much, I can’t really spill my secrets to a complete stranger, now can I?”

Chuckling once more, he was about to say something when the food arrived. Taking up my fork, I was about to take a bite when I smell the scent that is forever embedded in my nose. Looking up I saw Adam standing there with a very angry look on his face. “I have been calling and sending you messages and no response. I called Melissa and she said you went out, I was not aware of this and I needed your assistance.”

Smiling apologetically at my companion, I whispered harshly. “What is wrong with you? I did not receive your call as my phone is on do not disturb.”

“Well take it off, you are my assistant and when I need you I expect you to be there.”

“You don’t need to talk to her like that,” Josh angry voice cut in.”

“You don’t get to tell me how to talk to my girlfriend who happens to also be my assistant,” Adam barked back. At this point, we were now the center of attention and I was feeling very much embarrassed and angry. Getting up, I stormed out without saying a word. Going outside I felt the New York air slapped against my skin and I began to shiver. Walking like a madwoman down the street, I was about to pass a dark alley when I felt something hit me over the head.