A Night To the Future

CHAPTER 2: How Could This Be?

When Emily and Cole got to the bar, they looked around, it was full because it was a Friday night. They finally got seats and placed their orders.

They spoke about the event, made silly jokes, drank and laughed like they had been friends for a long time. Emily would never miss an opportunity to talk about her business, so she did just that. She spoke so well that she left Cole stunned at every word she uttered.

He couldn’t resist staring at her all night. She was absolutely stunning, very vibrant and playful, and also very intelligent. She seemed perfect.

“You look so beautiful.” Cole mouthed these words.

Emily blushed and looked away, shyly. “Thank you.” Still averting his constant gaze.

They drank and ate a lot while they talked.

As Emily was about to take a sip from her glass of wine, she noticed a dim light flash at her. It looked as if someone had taken a picture but she wasn’t sure. She was seated facing Cole while he backed the source of the light. She squinted her eyes to see if she knew the face of the lady who had been staring at her but at this time, she was already too tipsy and could barely see anything.

“Is everything okay?” Cole asked, wondering what Emily could’ve been staring at so hard.

“Um, yes.” Emily replied. “I need to use the bathroom.” She added, and excused herself.

Emily left and headed straight to the bathroom. She was so tipsy, she laughed and staggered her way there. She got to the bathroom and collapsed onto the toilet seat. After peeing, she sat still for a while, trying to regain a bit of consciousness.

As she opens the door of the restroom to wash her hands, she meets a surprise already waiting for her.

“What’re you doing here?” Emily asked, looking around to be sure she was still in the bathroom.

There’s was an awkward silence. Then Cole goes, “I couldn’t stop thinking about you.” Moving closer to Emily.

He pulls Emily closer to him by her waist as they stare deep into each other’s eyes, breathing heavily like they had both longed for that moment.

“Me too.” Emily replied, leaning in for a kiss.

Cole kissed her and caressed her body. He gently moved the strands of hair that covered her face behind her ears and stared into her eyes for a minute. They both got undressed and in that moment, they shared a night of passion to their satisfaction.

When it was all over, they were both panting so hard while getting dressed, then they headed back to their seats at the bar. They avoided eye contact and suddenly the whole room felt like a space too tiny for the both of them. The awkwardness was a little too obvious. But before any of them could utter a word, the silence was interrupted by Cole’s phone ringing.

It was Henry Adams. Cole’s step-brother.

Cole picked up the phone, “Henry, what’s up?” He placed the phone tightly to his ears, his demeanour changed almost immediately. He looked worried. “I’ll get there as soon as I can, I’m on my way.” He said as he hurriedly picked up his keys from the table.

“I have to go.” He said, barely looking at Emily.

“Is everything okay?” She asked, worried.

“Yes. Take care.” He answered, and without any hesitation, he left.

Emily picked up her phone to order a ride.

“Ugh, ten minutes away?” She grumbled. She couldn’t wait to get home and just get in her bed.

She waited at the bar for a few minutes when her phone beeped with a message notification. Your Rider is outside, waiting for you.

“Finally!” She whispered.

Just as she raised her head from her phone screen, she saw the same lady she caught earlier, staring at her again, this time with a slight smirk. This time she knew she was seeing clearly because even though she was still tipsy, the effect of the alcohol wasn’t as bad as earlier. Before Emily could grab her purse to walk up to her to know who she was, the lady left the bar.

Emily rushed out to catch up with her but she lost her, she was nowhere in sight. So Emily got in her ride and headed home. As soon as she got home, she went straight to her bed and collapsed into it. She was so worn out, she dozed off almost immediately.

The next morning, Emily woke up and picked up her phone.

“What! It’s 12 already!” She exclaimed. “I must’ve been so knocked out yesterday.” She said while rubbing her forehead, trying to get over the hangover.

Flashes from last night began to race through her mind. Now she’s wondering if she had been delusional or there was actually a woman that seemed to be stalking her. She didn’t have any answer to these questions as she was still battling with the hangover from last night.

She called Amanda, as usual. Talked about the event and how she had a good time meeting all those people. Amanda was really happy for her.

Then Emily raised the concern of yesterday. “I think someone was following me Amanda.” She said, with a hint of worry in her tone.

“Following you?” Amanda asked. “Why would anyone be following you?”

“I don’t know, Amanda. But I’m pretty sure she was.”

“Hmm, or maybe you had way too much to drink?” Amanda said jokingly. “Who did you have drinks with?” She asked like she was trying to deviate from the topic.

“Um, he said his name was Cole… Cole something. Adams I think.” Emily answered, sipping a cup of water to feel better.

“Cole Adams???” Amanda exclaimed.

Now Emily was curious. Why did Amanda know him? “Yes, why?”

“Oh my god, Em. Do your research.” Amanda said, sounding disappointed. “You might’ve actually been followed. Now I’m not surprised.”

Amanda hangs up the call before Emily could say anything.

Emily was confused. She sat on the corner of her bed asking herself so many questions. Who’s Cole Adams? And why would someone be following her because of him?

She turned on her laptop and typed the name, “Cole Adams”, in her search bar. Her eyes widened with great surprise as she read the headlines concerning Cole Adams and the Adams Empire. She was too shocked to move or even say anything.

“Oh no. This can’t be.” She whispered under her breath.

After going through several news and information, she could see why anyone would be following her for being with him. She prayed and hoped it wouldn’t affect her personal life or even her business.

Now all this left her wondering what she had gotten herself into. And hoping she would be able to escape it all.