Page 13 of Modern Persuasion

"Why?" Patrick said, looking confused.

"Tuesday night," I said, looking rapidly between Fredrick and Patrick. "New York Public Library? The black-tie benefit? Fredrick is the guest of honor? Do you know about this?"

I could feel my face getting hot. I suddenly wanted to get out of this room. Had none of this been communicated to Patrick? Was this going to be a mess before we even got started?

"I was unaware it was black tie," Patrick said, putting his finger to his lips.

"I have a tux with me," Fredrick said, his voice flat.

"I can take care of it, Patrick!" Louisa quickly said. "Tomorrow, after the morning show, we'll go to a tailor I know. He can get something ready for you by Tuesday afternoon."

"Perfect!" Patrick said, a smile spreading over his face. "Right now, I've been on a flight all day, eaten my fill of tapas, and I need ice cream."

I was glad he had suggested going out because I suddenly wanted everyone out of my home and to breathe fresh air. "I haven't had dinner yet, and there are a few things to do tonight, but I can walk to Columbus Circle with you. There's a Pink Berry there."

Mary clapped her hands and squealed in delight. I grabbed my purse and pushed everyone out the door.

Even though Mary walked beside me during the mile walk from my apartment to Columbus Circle, I didn't really pay attention to whatever it was she prattled on about. With everything that had gone on over the last few days, my patience was thin, and I needed to be alone to recharge. Patrick and Tommy walked at the front of the group discussing whatever they had to talk about. Louisa and Fredrick walked in the center of the group. I was trying not to listen, but Louisa was flirting as if her life depended on it. Fredrick allowed her to go on and on about how amazing New York was, how the tour would be amazing even without Christi, how funny he was, how terrible his last breakup must have been, and how she was going to take care of him over the next month.

"I'm exhausted from all this walking," Mary said when we arrived at Columbus Circle.

The walk had been less than a mile.

"Why don't you go sit, and I'll get you some yogurt," Tommy said and wrapped his arms around her.

"Oh, Emma, let's go sit at the fountain!" Mary said, squirming away from him and grabbing my hand.

I let my sister pull me onto the crosswalk. Nobody followed us, but I still let my sister lead me to the edge of the flowing fountain.

"My feet are killing me after PubCon," Mary said as she sat down on the ledge.

"Understandable," I said, refusing to sit. "I need to get something for dinner, Mary. I can't stay."

Mary pulled off her shoes and stretched her feet. "Just wait here with me until the others come back, and then you can go grab something for dinner. Please, Emma."

I would never hear the end of it if I left Mary alone. So, I gave up on plans for dinner and sat down while Mary continued to talk to me. I checked my phone as emails and text messages kept coming in about book tour details. After about twenty minutes, the group came back with yogurt and more. Louisa walked arm and arm with Fredrick, and he laughed at something she said. I felt a punch to my gut and bit back my desire to say something snippy. I spent a month with Fredrick and the rest of my life with Louisa.

Tommy made his way over to Mary and handed her a cup of yogurt. After taking a take-out container from Fredrick, Patrick sat down next to me and gave it to me.

"We thought you could use something of substance since we kidnapped you away from dinner," Patrick said with a smile.

"Thank you," I said, surprised by the kindness.

"We had a small debate," Patrick said and made sure to look into my eyes. "Louisa and Tommy thought Starbucks and yogurt would be fine. I saw a hole-in-the-wall Chinese place since those places can be good. But Fredrick saw a Mediterranean place and thought falafel would be the best pick. Plus, they had an 'A' in the window, and the Chinese place didn't have any letter."

"I really appreciate this," I said with a smile.

I opened the container to find falafel, hummus, pita, and a salad. I looked up and smiled at Fredrick. He only nodded in response and turned his attention back to Louisa. I looked at Patrick, who smirked. I had no doubt that he knew exactly who I was to Fredrick.

Chapter Nine

I remember the first time Fredrick kissed me. After a month of being roommates, our relationship had evolved into a casual friendship. We shared the things we had in common and told each other the important details of our lives. I knew he was an only child with parents who spoiled him and taught him to be independent. He knew about my family and the impact my mother's death had on our dynamic. When we realized how much we both loved the original Star Wars trilogy, we decided to watch all three movies in one night. We settled on the couch with pizza, beer, and snacks on Saturday afternoon. Within the first thirty minutes, it became a drinking game. By the end of the Empire Strikes Back, we were keeping each other upright. I was intoxicated enough for my self-conscious restraint to slip away, and I was acting on impulse. After weeks of fantasizing about what it would be like to kiss Fredrick, I decided it was time to find out. I swung myself across him so that I straddled him and pressed my lips to his.

It was awkward for the first few seconds, but we found a rhythm when I felt his hands grasp my hips. When I moved my hands under his t-shirt, he let me lift it off. I felt his hands roam over my back, but he didn't try to unhook my bra. When he stood up, I wrapped my legs around his hips and giggled while still kissing him. He stumbled a few times, but he didn't let go until he was standing at the foot of my bed. I unhooked my legs and fell back. I pushed myself back toward my pillow, and he crawled onto the bed until he was over me again. Between kisses, I let him take off my jeans. When I tried to take off his pants, he stopped and pulled away.

"What? I want this. I want you," I said, still breathing heavily.

Fredrick shook his head. "No, not like this."