The Game (Wagered Hearts Series, #3)(52)

"Go ahead and laugh. I probably deserve it," I said, feeling the fight drain out of me. This was the least I deserved.

"What do you mean?" Ryan asked, taking on a serious expression suddenly.

"Roman didn't tell you?"

"No. Mel and I just arrived a few hours ago. Actually, I got a call from Roman asking me to check up on you as soon as we landed. If I didn't know better, I'd think he was having us followed. All he told me was that you're heartbroken over some girl. You know that piqued my curiosity and I had to find out what the deal was."

"How kind of you," I said sarcastically.

"Oh cut the bull, Rob. I know you're dying to tell me all about it, and I promise to listen and give good counsel. What else have you got to lose?"

"What's there to tell? Haven't you read the papers?"

"No, I haven't. We just got back. What happened that it's in the papers?" Ryan asked, staring at me intently. "Who is she?"

"Emilia Holliday," I said.

Ryan stared at me in astonishment before he burst out laughing, cackling like a hyena more like.

"Oh, this is too rich! Emilia Holiday?"

"Why do you sound so surprised? You're the one who introduced us after all," I said sulkily.

"Yeah, but I never thought you'd actually fall in love with her. My God, you've never been serious about any one in your life. Then again, Emilia isn't an ordinary woman," he added thoughtfully. "I'm surprised she let it go so far. Now, I've got to hear this story."

I got up to pour myself another drink. I took my time and took grim satisfaction at the fact that Ryan was squirming in his seat. He was practically ready to jump down my throat. Finally, I relented and told him everything that had happened between Emilia and me, up to the night at my parent's anniversary party. Once I had finished, I felt slightly relieved. I guess there was something to be said for the power of confessing your sins.

Ryan remained silent, probably digesting everything I'd just told him. If I hadn't lived through it myself, I'd find the story hard to believe too.

"I'm speechless," he finally said. "This is really one of the most incredible things I've ever heard."

"You must lead a very boring life then," I said dryly.

"Now I know why Roman and Stella were so worried about you," Ryan said, brushing aside my comment. "What are you going to do?"

"What can I do?" I asked, standing up and pacing the room in frustration. "I've tried all I can to see her, but she's not taking my calls. I have no idea where she is. It's like she's disappeared off the face of the earth. No one has seen her. And her manager is no help. Talking to her is like banging my head against a brick wall."

"That does sound bad. Then again, you did f**k up pretty badly. My God, what were you thinking leaving with Cordelia Crenshaw of all people? I thought you said you were completely through with her."

"It's not like I actually went and slept with her!" I said defensively. "Besides, I thought Emilia was flirting all night with Peter Stanwick."

"Stanwick the Prick?" Ryan asked, using the nickname we'd given him years ago.

"The same."

"I've got to hand it to you, Rob. Out of all the women out there, I never thought you'd go for someone like Emilia Holiday," Ryan said shaking his head slowly.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, my voice low and threatening.

"Calm down. I'm not insulting her--or you. It's just that she's not really your type. She's beautiful, for sure, but you're quite a snob. I didn't think you'd be able to get past her--er--background."

"I'm not a snob!" I refuted. "What do I care about all that?"

"Don't you?" he asked, looking at me keenly. "From what you told me about your engagement, you wanted an unsophisticated, vulgar woman to pretend to be your fiancée, and the first person you thought of was Emilia."

"If you're trying to say that I think Emilia is not good enough for me, you're wrong. She's too good for me. I don't deserve her," I said. "Maybe I thought those things before I really got to know her, but not anymore." I slumped my head down and closed my eyes.

"Damn, you really are in it deep. It's a good thing I'm going to help you then," Ryan said.

I snapped my eyes open and looked at him. "How can you help me?"

"I can get you a meeting with her," he said, smugly.

I sat up and leaned forward eagerly, feeling hopeful for the first time.

"How?"

"Did you forget that my fiancée is her stylist? She's already called Mel to help dress her for the Golden Globes," he said. "That's why we've come back."

A slow smile began to spread across my face. I could have smacked myself for not thinking of it sooner. Of course Mel would be able to contact her. This was just the news I needed. I stood up again and began to pace, trying to formulate a plan, and what I'd say to her when I saw her. This would probably be my only shot to see her and I had to convince her of my sincerity.

"I could kiss you, Ryan!" I said.

"Please don't," he remarked dryly.