PRODIGAL HEIRESS

Chemistry Like Electricity

CHAPTER FIVE

Eric sank into his executive chair, facing his friend.

"She had beautiful eyes. I really wish she hadn't been shy and trying to be so modest. She didn't give me that reaction. You know, the type I get from girls when they finally realize who I am.”

“And is that a bad thing?"

“Maybe I didn't seem quite impressive to her."

“Or maybe she was just hiding it. You can't tell."

Eric paused and stroked his chin as if lost in serious thought.

“Of course, that's one prospect."

Roland glanced at his watch.

“Let's get back to work, buddy. You shouldn't be talking about women, seeing that you screwed your own wedding."

“Yeah. Speaking of that, my parents arranged a dinner date with the young woman. Perhaps they want me to apologize to her; you know, make things right a bit. No one should be abandoned on their own wedding."

Roland was surprised by his friend's sudden change of mannerisms.

"Who did she say she was, Eric? You've been smiling from ear to ear since you returned from the mall.”

"What if I'm thinking about how good my new suit looks on me?”

Roland had a bemused expression on his face.

"We both know that's a lie. You seem to like this new girl; whoever she is. What about your current…?”

"Let's leave that for now, Roland. I'll sort it out later.” He relaxed into the chair and gazed at the ceiling. "I hope this heiress is just as beautiful as that girl I met at the mall today.”

"You won't ever change, will you?”

~~~~~~~~~~

Camille couldn't peel her eyes off her phone once to look at her friend in her new dress, or give her compliments. She was so busy, leaving texts that would clearly remain unanswered until her busy boyfriend decided to text back. But the pain in her eyes couldn't be mistaken for anything else. She was three years older and almost at the peak of her career as an assistant, but it seemed that men took more interest in the richer ladies.

"Is everything alright, Camille?”

She was quickly called back to the present.

"Yeah”, she replied, sounding sad instead of sore with pain.

"Sure?” Emily joined her on the bed. "You know that I'm still here for you. We could talk about it, no matter what it is.”

Camille exhaled.

"It's just a minor issue at work. Nothing I can't handle. I'm just so stressed, and I'm getting emotional. You're going on your very first date, Emily. I'm so happy for you. You'll be married soon, but here I am….”

Emily put a finger to her own lips.

"Shh. Don't say that. You know this wasn't really my idea. I never made plans for this. You even have chances of a better love life: you can explore; your foster mom isn't going to want to choose who you'll marry, you're free from the intrusive thoughts in my head, you don't have so many doubts and questions.”

"You have doubts?" Camille asked, raising her bloodshot eyes.

“Yeah. Questions like if he truly loves me or is simply after my inheritance. I hate to feel like I'm a prize to be given out. Can't females get to keep inheritances successfully without any male presence?"

“Maybe not in America. Who knows?"

The two ladies fell silent for a while, each caught up in the current line of thoughts in her own head. Emily was the first to snap out as she remembered the event scheduled for the evening.

“I just have to go ahead with the preparations for this evening. I'd have loved to go with you, but I can't. This is more like a private family business. But I'll give you the highlights when I'm back. Just take good care of yourself. You can join us when we're leaving; we could drop you off."

“Thanks, Emily."

~~~~~~~~~~

Emily gasped as she took in the scenery of the restaurant. Whoever gave them the idea is surely a genius. The flower bushes were well groomed, and the VIP area had shelters adorned with creeping flowering plants. It felt like she was at her wedding reception already.

“It's beautiful", she finally admitted when she could no longer contain her satisfaction.

Mr and Mrs Brown exchanged glances and smiled at each other.

“It's a five-star restaurant", Mr Brown explained. “They give out the value that earns them a reputation. I can't believe I thought quite little of them."

Emily raised a brow.

“Them?"

“Our hosts. The owner of this restaurant is in partnership with them."

Emily nodded in silent satisfaction. Her eyes continued to dart into every corner, hoping to catch a glimpse of Eric when he walked in. She craned her neck in other directions except the right one. Just then, a gray-haired man with twinkling blue eyes and a warm smile strode to shake hands with her father and kissed her mother on both cheeks. He then regarded her with delight.

“This must be the heiress herself."

Emily smiled and nodded politely. He gave her kisses on both cheeks as he had given her mother. She looked over his shoulders to see a chubby lady with ombre brown hair and smiling eyes making a little wave at her. Emily smiled in return.

“I'm Mrs Blaine, and this is my husband. We're Eric's parents."

“Nice to meet you, Mr and Mrs Blaine."

"This way to the table, please.”

The hosts led Emily and her parents to a beautifully decorated shelter with bright lights. Emily's heart raced as her eyes met with Eric's. The table was set for two, and she almost panicked as she watched both her parents and Eric's venture off together. She returned her gaze to Eric, but she was rooted to the spot where she stood. She suddenly felt ditched by them.

"Have your seat, Miss.” He urged her. "I met you at the mall earlier today, right?” He asked when she finally sat down. “Your dress is exquisite."