“This looks amazing, Emmi. I don’t know what to say,” Cassie gushed, grinning from ear-to-ear.
“Don’t sound so surprised. I am capable of stuff, you know.” I was in a foul mood, even though the party had come together better than I could have imagined. But all my newfound skills couldn’t cheer me up when I hadn’t seen Rhett since Thursday night. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. He was everywhere. We had been texting and calling, but our schedules never seemed to line up, especially since he’d gone to New York on Friday.
I left to go back to Butler after work on Friday, so I wouldn’t have to do the drive early Saturday and didn’t see him before I left.
And now I was left wondering if this was it. All I was going to get. All this was going to be. A one night stand. The thought made me feel stabby.
“You need to change careers. This is your thing. It looks absolutely perfect. You took everything I told you I wanted and made it so much better. I love it,” Cassie said, looking around her backyard that resembled a secret fairy garden.
Despite my grumpiness, I smiled at my friend. I’d managed to turn her vision into reality. And I’d enjoyed every minute of doing it. Even though the event tonight was an official work do, I was determined to make it a night to remember.
Fairy lights hung across the huge backyard. The plants, swings and pink flamingos I’d rented dotted the lawn. I’d hired a kick ass bar that made themed cocktails in all colors and flavors. There were hammocks and cushions everywhere, and for those who preferred boring, old seating, I added picnic benches.
The band played music that wasn’t intrusive and allowed for normal conversation. Cassie was happy and that was really the only thing that mattered. I had screwed up enough already to really want to do something right. She deserved it for putting up with my disorganized butt that apparently managed just fine when it came to parties. Who would have thought?
We only had ten minutes until everyone would arrive but the only thing I could think about was Rhett. The way his body felt against mine. How he kissed me senseless, and how I couldn’t wait to do it all over again. How I’d had the best sex of my life yet I didn’t know if it would ever happen again.
“You don’t look happy. What’s going on?” Cassie interrupted my thoughts. She studied me, knowing something was wrong. But I couldn’t say anything. Couldn’t tell anyone. Rhett had hired us. Was her client. She could never find out I had screwed up by literally being the one to do the screwing.
“Nothing’s going on. I’m super happy. Ecstatic, really. It’s going to be a great night. And I’m glad I could do one thing right for once in my life.”
I turned to check on the food to make sure everything was ready to be brought out but Cassie stopped me. “Emmi.”
“Yeah?”
“You are not a screw up. Don’t let Anna get into your head. She is miserable and wants everyone around her to feel the same way. But you’ve done an incredible job with your life. You are taking care of another human. Successfully so. You might not be the most organized assistant but despite the double-bookings, all our clients love you. I’m proud to be your friend.”
How I loved this woman. And to show her, I did the only thing I could do and threw myself at her, squeezing tight. “I love you, Cassie.”
“Love you, Emmi. And it’s Cassandra.”
I chuckled and kissed her cheek. “Sure. Now I have to go check on the food. See you later?”
“You bet. And thanks again for putting everything together.”
The first guests started to arrive as I made my way to the house. The caterers were set up in the kitchen and would bring the food out as soon as there were more than three people present. Everything smelled amazing and looked even better, and I relaxed. It was going to be a great night. I’d done it.
Satisfied that everything was under control, I went back outside. A lot of the guests had already arrived, the space filling up faster than at a sausage sizzle. Considering all the food and drinks were free, this was no surprise. Now everyone just had to love the theme as much as Cassie did and we were in the clear.
Cassie threw a party every year and invited industry contacts and clients. She always made great connections and simply used it as a tax write off. Not that she couldn’t afford to pay for it but there was a reason why she had so much money.
I circled the yard, righting decorations and tasting the cocktails while sipping on my water.
I had just tasted a gorgeous twist on the classic daiquiri when my eyes were drawn to the entrance. Rhett walked in, looking incredible in a suit and tie, his presence giving me goosebumps all over. I swallowed and put the glass down to greet him when I choked on my own spit. Attached to his arm was his fake/wannabe/possible fiancée. No way. This was not happening. No. I fell asleep after organizing the party and was having a nightmare. There was no way this was real. The things he did to me spoke of an undeniable attraction. The things he said to me of more than just a fling. Yet here he was with Malibu Barbie. Was she the reason I hadn’t heard from him today?
They looked like the perfect couple. It made me sick. I was helpless to do anything but stare at them, my limbs no longer under my control. My cocktail-muddled brain told me to yell at him. Make a scene so everyone knew what a cheating bastard he was. The rational part stopped me, making sure I knew that this was Cassie’s night. She didn’t need little crazy old me to go allMean Girls.
Rhett’s eyes met mine and the corners of his mouth lifted into one of his rare smiles. His whole face lit up, and all I wanted to do was smile back. Malibu Barbie followed his gaze and when she saw me, she looked like she was going to shoot lasers out of her eyes.
I blinked. Once. Twice. And then I willed my feet to come unstuck and turn around to run away like the grown woman I was. I ended up in the bathroom, hiding for nearly half an hour. I was too stunned to talk to anyone, too upset to go back out and face Rhett. But I would not let him get me down. I was going to be an adult about this and move on. I could do this. Yes, the person I had loved my whole life was here with someone else after having sex with me. Didn’t matter if he didn’t feel the same way about me as I did him. That’s life. And if I’d learned anything being a McAllister, it was how to pick myself back up and move on. And that’s exactly what I would do.
I made sure there was no evidence of my short but intense crying fit. I put any wayward strands of hair back into the intricate braid the stylist Cassie had hired had put it in, I straightened my dress and went back outside.
As luck would have it, I ran straight into Malibu Barbie. First she looked me up and down, assessing and very obviously not liking what she saw if her scrunched face was any indication. Admittedly, there wasn’t much scrunchage since botox was doing its job eliminating most movements. Her lips were painted a dark red, the color flawless even though she was holding a champagne glass that she had almost emptied.
“Stay away from him,” she hissed, stepping into my personal space. What did she think would happen? I’d start fighting her?
“Excuse me,” I replied and pushed past her, ignoring her outraged gasp as champagne spilled on her disgustingly perfect-looking dress.
