Chasing After My-Ex

Chapter 6

Two months ago…

Emily adjusted her glasses and stared at the deep maroon dress that Claire had laid out on her bed for her. It was elegant and sophisticated with a neckline that danced on the edge of bold but not scandalous. It was exactly the kind of thing she wouldn’t wear.

“No,” Emily said as she folded her arms across her chest. “Absolutely not.”

Claire turned from where she was rummaging through Emily’s makeup drawer and held up a shimmering gold eyeshadow with a triumphant grin. “Finally, I have seen something I can use for you.”

Then she glanced at Emily's expression and then at the dress before she glanced at her friend. “Oh, yes. You’re wearing it. It matches your green eyes and would look good on you. And you’re going to that party.”

“I’m not,” Emily protested while she picked at the hem of her oversized sweatshirt. “I don’t need to go. I can network from my laptop. People use LinkedIn for a reason.”

Claire scoffed as she dropped the makeup onto Emily’s desk before planting her hands on her hips. “LinkedIn isn’t going to land you a major client or a big project on the spot, Em. Real opportunities happen in real life. You’re going to this party with your boss and you’re going to dazzle everyone with your brilliance.”

Emily flopped onto the bed dramatically causing her blond curls to splay out against the bedspread. “I’m dazzling no one. I’m staying here, eating takeout and binge-watching a show where no one gets their heart ripped out at a party.”

“First of all,” Claire said as she pulled Emily back to a sitting position, “you need to stop letting that jerk Matt dictate your life. Second, this isn’t about men. It’s about you. You’re building a career and you need to be seen. And third—” She tossed the maroon dress at Emily’s head. “—this color will look amazing on you. For real, so get dressed.”

Emily groaned as she peeled the dress off her face. “It’s too tight. And it’s not me.”

Claire rolled her eyes. “Of course it’s not you. That’s the whole point. ‘You’ has been hiding in baggy sweatshirts and yoga pants for weeks. It’s time for a new you…the one who commands a room and lands the next big client.”

Emily eyed the dress warily. She hated how much sense Claire was making. “You’re relentless.”

“That’s why you love me,” Claire said with a wink.

With a heavy sigh, Emily stood and held the dress up to her frame. “If I go, you’re doing my hair and makeup. And if I look ridiculous—”

“Of course, I will. Why else am I here? And no…you won’t look ridiculous,” Claire was already grabbing a curling wand and a palette of blushes that she had brought along with her. “Now sit down and let me work my magic.”

As she began to section Emily's hair minutes later, the latter muttered in a sad whisper. “I could run into another Matt.”

Claire paused and met her friend’s eyes in the mirror. “You won’t.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Maybe, I don't. But what I do know,” Claire said as she resumed her work, “is that you’re stronger than you think. So what if some guy broke your heart? Screw him. You’ve got nothing to be scared of. Go out there, flash that brilliant smile and remind the world who the hell you are.”

Emily’s lips twitched. “That was oddly motivational for you.”

“I’m full of surprises,” Claire said with a wink as she began to make Emily's hair really beautiful.

By the time Claire was finished two hours later, Emily barely recognized herself. Her curls were styled into soft glossy waves that framed her face. The maroon dress hugged her figure in all the right places, and the gold shimmer on her eyelids made her green eyes pop.

“You look stunning,” Claire said as she stepped back to admire her work. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were going to slay dragons tonight.”

Emily snorted. “More like slay awkward conversations with strangers.”

“Whatever. You’ll do great.” Claire said with a laugh as she handed her a pair of heels. “Now put these on and go.”

***

The party was held in a sleek modern venue downtown that had floor-to-ceiling windows which offered a breathtaking view of the city outside. Emily hesitated at the entrance of the place while the hum of laughter and clinking glasses sent her anxiety into overdrive.

“You made it!” Sam, her boss, appeared at her side. She was a vision in a tailored black pantsuit and her short, silver-streaked hair was effortlessly chic. “Come on, let’s make the rounds.”

Emily nodded with a brief smile and soon enough, Sam introduced her to a whirlwind of CEOs, creative directors and investors. Each interaction was a blur of firm handshakes and polite small talk.

“You’re doing great,” Sam said at one point as she squeezed Emily’s shoulder.

“I’m just trying not to trip over my words or my heels,” Emily replied with a nervous laugh even as she was grateful for her boss’ empathy.

What would she do without Sam? She wondered.

Sam chuckled at that. “You’re more capable than you give yourself credit for. Just be yourself.”

Emily tried to follow her advice. She made attempts to relax and focus on the conversations around her instead of the ache in her cheeks from forced smiles. She also politely deflected flirtatious remarks from a few overly eager men.

When Sam called her name to draw her attention, she couldn't hide her loud heave of relief as she walked away from an annoyingly forward CEO.

“Emily,” Sam said to her when she reached her. “I want you to meet someone.”

Emily turned, her polite smile already in place but the man Sam gestured toward had his back to her and was engaged in a quiet conversation.

“Derek,” Sam called and touched his arm.

The man turned around and Emily felt the air in her lungs leave immediately.

Derek Langston.

The man who had made her heart skip a beat at that wine party two weeks ago. The man who had said things that lingered in her mind long after the night had ended.

Oh my goodness, she thought in shock.

Derek’s piercing blue eyes met hers and his surprise was evident for a split second before a warm smile spread across his face.

“Emily,” he said, his voice just as rich and smooth as she remembered. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Her brow slightly raised, Sam glanced between them. “You two know each other?”

Emily’s throat was dry even as her pulse started to race erratically. She managed a nod. “We’ve…met before.”

“Well, that makes this introduction a lot easier,” Sam said with a bright smile. “I’ll leave you two to catch up.”

As Sam walked away, Derek stepped closer to hers, his gaze never leaving hers. “I didn’t think I’d see you again but I’m glad I have.”

Somehow, Emily’s defenses shot up at his words.

No, no, no, she didn't want to be charmed by him. The last time she’d trusted a charming man, it had ended in heartbreak. She wasn’t about to let history repeat itself.

“Let me guess,” she said in a very sharp tone. “You’ve got some smooth line about fate or destiny prepared?”

Caught off guard, Derek blinked rapidly at her. “No, I—”

“Save it,” Emily cut him off as she said. “I’m not interested in whatever game you’re playing.”

His smile faltered and was now replaced by a flicker of confusion. “Emily, I’m not playing any game—”

“Good,” she said and turned on her heel. “Then don’t waste your time.”

As she walked away, her heart pounded in her chest even as anger, pain and regret warred inside her. Part of her wanted to look back, to see if he was watching her as she left but she didn’t.

She couldn’t.