The Game (Wagered Hearts Series, #3)(54)

"Oh God," I said, hanging my head. "I had no idea."

"Don't you read? Or even watch TV?" Mel asked in dismay.

"N-no, I mean I haven't been keeping up with the news," I said.

"Well, it's a pretty big deal. I thought for sure she'd skip the shows, you know with all the interest still in the fake engagement and plus not even being nominated, but she's determined to go," Mel said.

I felt a new wave of admiration for Emilia's strength in the face of all her adversity. Not many people could swallow their pride and do what she was planning on doing. Especially with the glare of the spotlight still on her. I could only imagine the other indignities and little digs she'd had to endure since word of our fake engagement hit the news.

"I'm supposed to meet with her in a couple of days," Mel said, cutting into my thoughts.

"Where?" I asked. "Is she back in New York?"

"We're meeting at her apartment," she said. "And she's been in New York the whole time."

I was so stunned by what Mel said, I couldn't speak for several moments. Emilia's been here the whole time?

"Damn Charlotte!" I cursed under my breath. She told me Emilia had gone to some tropical, out of the way island to regroup after her ordeal. Emilia had probably told her to tell me that and I felt a twinge of hurt that she'd had to go through all that just to keep me away.

My feelings were probably nothing compared to how she felt, though. I hoped Mel would be able to work her magic and somehow convince Emilia to meet with me. If she didn't, I didn't know what I'd do.





Chapter 23: Emilia



Mel was early. I had been expecting her to come at noon but she arrived half an hour early. I was just in the middle of Googling myself, a bad habit I know, when I heard the doorbell. It was probably a good thing she arrived when she did, since nothing good ever came of searching for myself on the internet.

I'd gotten better over the years, and especially since I'd come back from the little retreat at my parents' house over the holidays, but the urge was still there. I'd resisted as much as I could, but the temptation proved to be too much. I wanted to see what people were saying about my decision to attend the awards. I knew I shouldn't care, but I was only human, and a part of me did care.

Charlotte, my family, and friends had mostly tried to shield me from any news of myself--my parents even going so far as to disconnect the internet from their house. It'd been a blissful few weeks, but now I was back in the "real world" and I told myself I needed to be armed with information so I wasn't walking into a danger zone.

I got up from the couch and walked to the door. Mel looked radiant as I looked her over. I hadn't seen her for several months, and I couldn't remember when she'd ever looked better. Her features were the same, and she'd always had a wonderful fashion sense, but there was an inner glow about her. I guess love could do that to a person. She was positively beaming and she didn't even realize it.

I felt that familiar tug of envy--first Lily and now Mel--but I tried to bury it. Those thoughts never went anywhere good, and I'd gotten so good at redirecting my thoughts, it wasn't hard to do.

"Emilia, it's so good to see you again," she said in greeting. Her hands were full of samples she brought along with her. I was surprised she didn't bring any assistants along, but was also grateful I wouldn't have to deal with another pair of curious eyes.

"You too. You look good," I said, taking some of the packages out of her hands. We walked toward my living room where she set out the items on my couch.

She stood staring at me a moment, not saying a word. I could tell by the look of concern on her face she wanted to talk. I was sure she knew exactly what had happened between Rob and me. If she didn't read all about it in the papers, then Lily had probably told her everything.

"So," she said, hesitantly, taking a seat on the couch.

"So," I repeated.

"How are you?" she asked, emphasizing the words as if to impart greater meaning to them.

"I've been better," I said. "I'm glad to see you, though. I've been looking forward to this, you know? I think I just need to distract myself with pretty dresses and other girly things for a while," I laughed.

"I'm your girl," Mel said smiling. "So, I've brought a couple of samples that caught my eye, and I thought of you immediately. But if you don't like it we can go back to the drawing board."

She reached toward one of the garment bags and unzipped it, pulling out a one shouldered silver gossamer gown with crystal embellishments, and a thigh high split. It was sexy, and bold, and I instantly fell in love.

"It's beautiful," I said.

"Yes, it's Versace. I knew you'd love it. It's just your style," she gushed.

"I think this is the one," I said. "I don't even need to see the other dresses you got."

She laughed. "Well, that was easy."

I tried on the dress and was blown away. I looked amazing and I hadn't felt this good in a while. It was exactly the boost of confidence that I needed.

The dress would be perfect for the awards ceremony. I wasn't about to slink away and hide myself like a wallflower. Once I had decided to go despite not being nominated, I knew I wanted to make a splash. I wanted to be bold and show people I wouldn't be cowed. Yes, I'd been humbled, and yes, I'd learned a lesson, but no one and nothing would take my confidence or self-worth away. As silly as it was, this dress would help me make that statement. I would come out swinging and hold my head up high.