Rascal (Rascals Book 1)(48)

Alex





“You’re glowing,” Jenna told me.

She and Kelsey had joined me to go dress shopping for the gala, and the two of them had been commenting non-stop about how much happier I seemed these days. I couldn’t argue with them, because it was true.

Ever since Emerson and I had made it official, I felt like I was walking air.

“I told you, this is what happens when you start having good sex,” Jenna continued, before giving Kelsey a pointed look. “Hint. Hint. Hint.”

“Excuse me.” Kelsey crossed her arms. “I thought this day was about Alex.”

“It is,” Jenna agreed as we wandered through the racks at our favorite consignment shop. “But now that Alex finally seems to have her shit together—”

“Hey!” I objected, laughing.

“Now that Alex has her shit together, we need to focus some of our attention on you.”

Kelsey turned away from Jenna to look at the racks of dresses along the wall. My budget for finding something black-tie appropriate was small, but I had always had luck here. There were a few options draped over my arm, but all of us let out a gasp as Kelsey pulled a nearly pristine Jenny Packham dress from the rack. It was sparkly and silver and perfect. One of her simpler gowns. Not too flashy, but utterly gorgeous.

“Oh my God.” I reached out for it like it was a mirage. “What size is it?”

“It’s your size,” Kelsey confirmed. “And it’s in budget.”

“It’s a sign from the universe,” Jenna told us both. “The universe is on board with your relationship with Emerson.”

I paused. Something about the way Jenna said it sent a shiver of fear through me. I had been happy with my last boyfriend, too, giddy even. And that had ended horribly, leaving me to doubt myself and my ambition and my goals.

Was I setting myself up for that again? For a guy who would become resentful of my career? Of the time and effort I wanted to put into it? Sure, Emerson supported me now, but would that last? After a few too many nights of having to wait up late for me, would he walk away too?

“Hey.” Jenna snapped her fingers in my face. “Did you just get lost in a trance? Have you finally started meditating like I told you to?”

I shook my head, trying to push the doubts away.

“Are you worried about the gala?” Kelsey asked me as we headed towards the dressing room. Jenna had wandered off to look for shoes.

“Not exactly,” I said, and then I quietly explained.

Kelsey listened, a sympathetic expression on her face, and when I was done, she gave me a big hug.

“You’re overthinking this,” she told me. “You guys are having a good time. It’s serious but it’s still new. Enjoy yourself.”

“You’re right,” I agreed, because she was.

“I’m always right.” She gave me a grin and then shoved me into the dressing room.

I hung up the dresses, but grabbed the Jenny Packham one first. I knew that if it fit and looked half as good as I imagined it would, I wouldn’t even bother with the others.

It fit. And it looked incredible.

I opened the curtain and both Jenna and Kelsey let out a gasp.

“It’s perfect,” Kelsey said.

“Like I told you.” Jenna handed me a pair of perfect heels. “It’s a sign.”



I was still in my robe when Emerson arrived for the gala. Opening the door, I was momentarily stunned by how fucking amazing he looked in his tux. So good that I wanted to strip it off him and show him exactly how much I appreciated him coming to this event with me.

“I like your dress,” he joked, taking in my appearance.

“Thank you,” I told him, striking a pose in my fuzzy flannel robe. “Plaid is the latest trend in Paris.”

“I have no doubt,” he said, leaning in to give me a kiss on the cheek.

“I won’t be long,” I told him, about to head back into my bathroom to change when I saw that I had a new email.

It was the results from the bar.

Suddenly, I got light-headed and had to sit down on the bed. Immediately, Emerson was at my side.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, and I showed him my phone.

“The results are in,” I told him, doubt swelling up inside of me. “Oh God. What if I didn’t pass?”

I had never allowed myself to even consider it as an option, but now, with the results just a click away, I was forced to confront the possibility that I hadn’t passed. That I could be out of the running for the associates position—and out of a job, as of tonight.

“Do you want me to check?” Emerson asked, breaking through my manic spiral.

I nodded, handing him my phone. Then I turned away, wrapping my arms around myself. If I hadn’t passed, I didn’t want to see it on his face.

The silence that followed seemed to last forever.

“Well?” I finally asked, spinning around to face him, unable to wait another moment.

Emerson had a huge grin on his face. “Congrats.” He swept me up in his arms. “You are officially a lawyer.”

I let out a shriek of joy and reached for my phone, unable to believe it. But he was right. I had passed. I had passed.

I. Had. Passed!