Emily Calls It (The Emily Series) (21 page)

I heard my shoes slop through the shallow puddles and felt splashes of water on my sweatpants. It was a fast but constructive little run. When I got back I knocked back a full glass of water before filling a cup with hot coffee. That first sip, warm and toasty, beat that cold glass of water all to hell.

I sipped and puttered around my apartment for a few more minutes thinking about hopping in the shower. Then I saw something out of the corner of my eye. I took a step back, more closely out the living room window. Sure enough it was Kyle lingering outside a car that wasn’t his. In good gossip style, I crept closer to the window leaning sideways to be able to see better. I pushed my cheek against the window and watched. He rested his hand on the roof of the car and seemed to be carrying on a conversation with someone inside. The sun hit the windshield so I couldn’t see who it was. But I tried harder, squinting to break th
rough the glare. It didn’t work, but
I
did see something. H
er perfectly manicured fingers touch
ed
his hand when he leaned in, presumably to kiss her goodbye.

With that, you’d think I could’ve unpeeled myself from the window and gone back to my own life, but no. I stayed there waiting for the show to go on. Kyle stepped away and the car backed out. He turned back toward his apartment then stopped and cupped his hand above his eyes right in my direction. I froze thinking if I ducked down it would be too obvious. I’m not sure I made the right decision. He waved. Then he smiled. A victorious smile at first, then I think he openly laughed. I couldn’t be sure. I couldn’t hear anything outside, but it sure looked that way. I sat back, still in front of my window, and waved. A guilty and embarrassed wave, but a wave.

Saturday was off to a good start, I thought to myself facetiously. There’s nothing like getting caught NOT minding your own business. Oh well
.
I shook my embarrassment and concentrated on getting ready for my evening
.

TWENTY-FIVE

The Ball

As planned, I took my time getting ready. It was always important to look my best, but tonight I needed to be jaw-dropping gorgeous. And since I was, you know,
me
, that would take a while. Thank goodness the dilemma of ‘what to wear’ was out of the way. I decided to sweep up my hair and fasten it with a clip with rows of sparkly little stones. I pulled pieces of hair down from my temples and curled them. I know some women that can do their hair in about two seconds while carrying on a phone conversation. I, on the other hand, took about twenty minutes concentrating so hard I bit my tongue in the process. With my hair fixed, I took a long look at my face. I was never that great with makeup. Every time I made an attempt to vary my look, I ended up looking the same. I evened out my skin tone with a light foundation then looked again. I spent extra time on my eyes trying to accomplish something dramatic. I stepped back when I was finished. It wasn’t half bad for a makeup rookie
.
I’d always heard that you shouldn’t wear a bright lipstick when you emphasize your eyes. I swept a sheer coral lipstick across my lips and topped it with a clear gloss.

Still wrapped in my robe, I had a hard time seeing if my hair and makeup look good together. I decided I needed different light and walked into my bedroom. I approached my full length mirror in the corner and dropped my robe. I giggled. No one would see me like
this
, that’s for sure. But true, without the robe I did get a better idea. I held up the dress, still on the hanger, and that, plus the natural light from my window instead of the harsh bathroom lighting, helped. I glanced at the clock. Wow, I did take my time getting ready. Colin was due to arrive in a few minutes. I exhaled, suddenly nervous. I took a black strapless bra and matching panties out of my dresser drawer and slipped them on. Well, the panties slipped. The bra was a little more difficult to situate. Finally successful with the undergarments, I lifted the dress off the hanger and stepped into it, zipping up the side. I dotted my wrists and collarbone with Chanel No. 5 almost as an afterthought, but not quite. The strappy black shoes slid right on, and I was ready for the ball
.
I felt a little less like Cinderella and a little more like the wicked stepmother, but I was ready.

Colin knocked right on time. I opened the door, and felt the whoosh of air pass my face, picking up pieces of hair around my temples. He was posed with a smile, but it faded when I looked up at him.

“What?” I asked, and not eloquently.

“Emily, you…you look like. You’re just.” He took a breath in slowly. “Beautiful.”

“Thank you. Come in.” Colin stepped forward but paused in front of me. He moved in a little closer. I could feel his warm breath as it tickled the skin across my collar bone and my neck. I froze, loving the way it felt to be close to him, but wondering what he would do next. I watched his hand as it rose from his side pausing in front
of
me for the slightest moment, before he touched my face. Just his thumb at first, then he cupped my face with his hand.

“Thank you. For inviting me.” He let his hand linger along my shoulder before he walked into the living room. I didn’t move for the briefest time thinking about how hot those few seconds were. Then I had a fleeting thought. This was a date, wasn’t it? With all my plotting, I hadn’t really thought of it that way. But I knew Colin understood me. I knew he’d see my
action
against Graham as assertive. Then
we
could be together. I turned toward him.

“Can I get you something to drink?
”
I asked, realizing I wasn’t prepared. I didn’t think I had much to offer him.

“No, I’m fine,” he said as he turned back towards me. He lifted his chin to adjust his tie.

“Here,” I said approaching him. “It’s still a little…” I concentrated and straightened it. “There, perfect.” My hands stayed on his tie and slid down to the bottom point. I wanted to stay there a while. We were close and it was nice. His hazel eyes looked green tonight with the black suit and crisp white shirt. And althoug
h his hair was obviously combed;
it looked a little different than it usually did at the office. Maybe just a little messed with. I don’t know. But it worked.

“I guess we’re ready,” he said
.
I felt his hands on the small of my back. Barely, but I still felt them there. All this touching was new. And the way his eyes studied my face. My head felt a little foggy.

“Ready? Oh, yes. We can go.” I said, distracted. He stepped away, and took a couple of steps in the direction of the door before turning back to offer me his hand. I picked up my wrap and clutch with one hand and took his hand with the other. We were on our way.

I lifted the skirt of my dress a little as I stepped into the passenger’s seat. Colin waited and watched before closing the door. He got in and started the car, but before he backed out, I felt his hand around mine. Then he switched his grasp to my fingers and pulled my hand to his lips. It felt different than Graham. I don’t mean his touch, but instead the way he kissed my hand. Without a sense of entitlement, but with tenderness. I felt my mouth drop open. Then I snapped it shut, embarrassed
.
He let my hand go, placing it back on my dress as he turned around to back out. His face was relaxed, his smile was charming.

We arrived in a flash. It couldn’t have been a more beautiful setting for a ball. The hills stacked up on one side, while the ocean sprawled out for miles on the other. The sun was just setting, casting a blanket of pink light across the water. Had I been there for any other reason than to destroy Graham, I might have noticed
how romantic it was
.

Colin helped me out of the car, waiting again as I lift
ed the long dress. With his
hand at my waist, he led me into the main room. Distracted immediately, I moved ahead letting his hand drop. My eyes searched the room nervously for Nicole and Graham. I didn’t see them. I let out a sigh and turned to Colin. He was paces behind me looking confused. Oh man, I’d done it, and barely seconds into the room. I knew my mission, but being rude to Colin wasn’t on the list. I smiled. A sincere smile, and reached for his. He stepped ahead, leaning toward my ear.

“Are you in a hurry?” he asked. I felt myself cringe a little at my behavior.

“No, not at all.” I leaned toward him touching my shoulder to his playfully. He returned his hand to my back, leading me into the room. When a server entered our general vicinity Colin glanced at me before leaving to get us drinks. I picked at my fingernails and shifted my weight between my feet while I scanned the room for them. This time, I tried to be less obvious. Within seconds Colin was
back with two
Champagne
glasses
.

While we tasted our drinks we both observed the building, as all good designers do. It was a nice location, but the structure itself was a little nondescript. The only other similar event I’d been to was the benefit our firm had thrown. And having it at the
Pacific
Center
was quite the venue. This was a co-venture between the Theta house and the Executive Women’s Association. Both able party throwers, I’m sure, but this one wasn’t on the same level as TWP.

It was still lovely. The band changed tunes to a Frank Sinatra song. I recognized it right away, thinking how much my grandfather loved it. I must have been smiling to myself because Colin noticed.

“What?” he asked, looking at me for a clue.

“Oh, nothing. Just the music.” I pointed up insinuating the music surrounding us.

“Well? Shall we?”
He took my glass
.

“Absolutely.”

He spun me around with ease and know-how, bringing me into him with one swift movement. One hand rested on my lower back and the other clasped my hand. We had danced together before, but this time he held me closer and looked at me differently. For just a few moments, it was as if we were completely alone. His eyes as they watched me, the touch of his cheek against mine, and the feel of his breath on my neck…then I snapped out of it. I began to search again looking for Graham and Nicole. Over his shoulder I scanned the room, happy he couldn’t see what I was doing. Then I saw them.

I wasn’t sure how long they’d been there. My guess was not long, but I couldn’t be sure. She stood tall next to him with her arm intertwined with his. As usual he looked unbelievable. But add the dark suit and white collared shirt with a summer tan that refused to fade, and the combination made my heart skip a beat. I felt my lips part as I stared at him. Then my view changed as Colin turned me in another direction. I stayed with his dance stride knowing I’d soon turn back. It was only seconds before they were in my sights again. My attention turned to Nicole. She stood opposite him now. Not smiling but still present in his company with one hand on his arm. I found myself admiring how good they looked together. Her hair swept up perfectly. Her dress was red, long, and off the shoulder. She was a vision next to him
.
I shook myself out of it. Focus
,
Emily! Then it happened. Graham looked up. I felt a lump in my throat the size of a tennis ball. I moved my hand along Colin’s back and looked straight at Graham, my face as still and hard as stone. He stared harder, mouth dropping open a little, and although he was quite a distance from me, I saw that tan start to fade. We turned again and I felt myself breathe.

The music slowed and Colin spun me under his arm, bringing me back into him for the final beat. I gave him a smile that wouldn’t have been forced under any other circumstances. We applauded the band and returned to our drinks.

You OK, Emily?” he asked while he searched my face.

“Yes. Of course.” I pulled a breath through my nose knowing what I needed to do next. My hope was Colin would stay put. “Would you excuse me for a minute?” I rested my hand on his upper arm.

He nodded and took a sip of his drink. I moved swiftly across the floor and right past Graham as if I was headed to the ladies’ room. I was stopped in my tracks. I felt him grasp my arm and pull me back toward him. Nicole was nowhere in sight.

“What’s going on, Emily?” Graham asked in a deep, uneven voice.

“What’s going on? I’m at my class event. What are you doing here?” I tried to act aloof, but I’m not sure it came off that way. He looked confused at first, then he looked in a dozen places around the room like
a
nervous cat.

“I’m, um, I just,” he stammered. Then I saw Nicole approach presumably from the ladies’ room.

“So I see your date
h
as returned,” I said with the tiniest bit of snarkiness.

“I can explain,” he said leaning in. I pulled back, not wanting to be close to him at all.

“I’m sure you can, just as you have for months. It’s over Graham. I’m done.” I spat the words out as if they’d been causing me pain living inside me
.
I looked directly at Nicole as if to tell her that she was dismissed. She looked down, never meeting Graham’s gaze.

“Emily.” Graham reached for my upper arm lifting his other hand in the direction of Nicole. Wow. After all this time, he was still conflicted…and greedy. I paused, letting my dead stare make the response. Nicole turned and walked away. One side of my mouth turned upward noting her small victory.