My Professor(47)

Chapter Seventeen





Emelia



* * *



Nerves have me on edge as I walk past the doorman toward the bank of elevators in the center of the building. I press the button for the penthouse suite then survey myself in the mirror on the wall, a tiny thrill darting through me as I realize I achieved exactly what I set out to do. I look great. More importantly, I look like I could blend in with the crowd Alexander usually posts on social media.

When I arrive at the penthouse, the doors sweep open, and I step out into a marble-floored entryway that spans three stories and encompasses the largest modern chandelier I’ve ever seen. A waiter stands in a black uniform, holding an ornate tray topped with pre-made cocktails.

I accept one and thank him.

“Guests should proceed toward the sitting room.”

Of course.

I head deeper into Alexander’s apartment, expecting to be met by a cacophony of voices, only to realize there’s no one here.

“Alexander?” I call out to the empty rooms.

He doesn’t reply.

The trouble starts there and only continues as I realize I have no idea which of these rooms would be deemed the sitting room. There’s the foyer and small library, a hallway that looks like it leads toward bedrooms. I find the living room and dining room, then when I double back, I find another small room with a fireplace roaring alongside cozy chairs. I suspect this could be the sitting room, but no one is sitting, so I continue my search until I come across the kitchen. Finally, there’s a frenzy of people at work, at least twenty or so uniformed staff meticulously preparing tonight’s dinner. A waiter spots me and hurries over.

“Are you looking for the sitting room?”

“Yes.” I smile. “I think I’m a little lost.”

He guides me politely back to the room with the fireplace. “Guests will gather here. Take a seat and we’ll be around shortly with canapés and other hors d'oeuvres.”

Grateful to at least be in the right room, I sit in the chair closest to the fire and sip my drink. It’s strong, so I go easy, conscious of my empty stomach and the fact that I’d like to make a good impression tonight.

I’m not sure how long I sit there alone. A watch didn’t seem to go with my dress, and I don’t want to keep checking my phone. I eventually do hear people arrive, and it’s Alexander I spot first as he walks through the door of the sitting room with a huge smile.

“Emelia!”

I stand, and he bends down to wrap me in a hug.

“I’m sorry I kept you waiting. It’s been a horrible day at the office, and then I promised these two I would pick them up on my way home.”

He’s referring to the two women hovering near the door.

I don’t get the chance to meet them before another round of people join from down the hall, two men and another woman.

Alexander greets them and I hang slightly back, in the periphery, overly aware of my body and how I’m standing and if I seem to be smiling enough.

Finally, Alexander draws his hand out for me to approach.

“Guys, this is my sister, Emelia.”

Sister.

I don’t miss the loving way he says it either.

“Emelia, this is everyone. Colette, Francesca, Marielle, Heath, Harrison. A few others will join as well, but hang out here for a minute while I go change. I promise I won’t be long.”

Already, he’s hurrying out of the room, and I’m left alone with his friends’ curious stares.

“Did he just say sister?” Harrison finally asks.

“I think so,” Francesca answers.

Marielle laughs. “Good. The last thing I need is more competition in this group. Jesus, look at her face. I’d be doomed if they weren’t related.”

It feels surreal to be in a room with people discussing me as if I’m not standing right here, listening to them.

“Where did she come from?” Francesca asks.

Annoyed, I finally speak up, “She came from Scotland, by way of a few places.”

Heath laughs then approaches me, his hand outstretched. “Good to meet you, Emelia. Don’t listen to these idiots. I, for one, am happy to meet Alexander’s little sister. Are you single?”

Colette, an Asian girl with gorgeous long black hair and shimmery gold eyeshadow, steps up and grips Heath’s shoulder, tugging him away from me. “Down boy, you’ll scare her.”

“I am single,” I say, trying to prove that this crew doesn’t intimidate me. Okay, only a little.

Heath grins. “Good, now let me hurry and go rearrange the place settings at the table so you and I are next to each other. I’m sure Alexander thought ahead and put you as far away from me as possible.”

Colette rolls her eyes. “Ignore him. He’s harmless, mostly.”

I smile, grateful that she seems willing to play nice.

More voices filter in from down the hall, and another few people join us. Introductions happen so fast I can’t keep track of names, and the only information given about me is that I’m Alexander and Emmett’s sister, which they all find extremely interesting.

“Since when do they have a sister? I’ve literally never heard of her.”

“Right? I’ve been to their house plenty of times for birthdays and things and she’s never been there.”