Page 52 of Yours to Conquer

The envelope weighs heavily in my hand as I put it in the center of his desk. I see my flowers have arrived. I wonder if he has seen them yet. I can only do what I can do. I have to hope fate will dish out something better than the shit she’s given me recently.

I almost make it back to my office when I hear my name called. I turn to see Tom Wakefield advancing toward me.

“Emma, I owe you an apology. I sent you those pictures without actually doing any investigation. I just saw a beautiful woman obviously in love with a rich playboy. I didn’t give Mr. Haywood the benefit of the doubt.”

“The sin doesn’t fall completely on your shoulders, Mr. Wakefield. I didn’t give him the benefit of the doubt either. Iallowed you to plant a seed of doubt in my mind, and I let it grow into a vine that choked the life out of our relationship.”

“I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do?”

“No, I can manage to screw things up enough on my own. I only ask that you do a good job clearing up any doubt about Ahz and the underage drinking allegations.”

“I will do that. I’d like to give you a friendly hug, if I may?” He gives me a half smile.

Oh, what the hell?Half of my problem has been that I’ve held grudges. I reach forward and hug the reporter, who in one moment changed my world. I could hate him, but he taught me a valuable lesson about love, trust, and letting go. I wrap my arms loosely around his shoulders and squeeze gently.

“Have a good day, Mr. Wakefield.”

The rest of the day goes by smoothly. I haven’t heard from Anthony at all since the appointment. I assume he’s left for his corporate office. He trots between the two regularly. I think he was spending more time here lately so he could see me. I believe that will end now that he seems to want to avoid me at all costs.

I gather my things and take my time getting to the garage. Feeling a tap on my shoulders, I turn to find Trevor.

“Chris and I are heading to Trax tonight. It’s Monday night, Martini Madness. Do you want to come with us? You look like you could use a drink.”

“Does it show that much?” I exhale forcefully through pursed lips. “I really could use a few drinks. Yes, I think I will. What time?”

“We’ll meet you there at seven. Roxy is bartending, so she can hook you up with a few good, strong martinis. Take a taxi. I don’t want you driving.” Trevor escorts me to my car and kisses both of my cheeks.

Trax sounds like a good idea. It will be a better night than the one I had planned. Dancing and getting numbingly drunk sounds so much better than takeout and flannelpajamas.

I spend the drive home listening to music. So many songs remind me of Anthony. I think about tomorrow’s playlist selection. I decide on “Just Give Me a Reason”by Pink and Nate Ruess.

Once home, I putter around the house, cleaning everything in sight. It’s my therapy. At six o’clock, I call ahead for a cab and change into jeans, ballet flats, and a Journey T-shirt. I’m dressed to get shit-faced drunk.

The taxi honks as soon as it arrives. With the house locked up, I rush down the sidewalk thinking about a numbing night of music that’s way too loud and drinks that are way too strong.

Roxy seemsto run from end to end of the bar. Monday nights are hopping at Trax. She sees me and nods her head, then points to the end of the bar, where I slide into the one empty seat.

“Good to see you. What can I get you?” She wipes the counter in front of me and lays down a cocktail napkin.

“Lemon drop martini and keep them coming. I’m not driving, and if I pass out, I’ll depend on you to get me home.”

“Fair enough. Stay close to me, or you might be some girl’s new dream come true.” She winks at me.

“Hell, given my track record with men lately, I might switch sides. I couldn’t have any worse luck.”

“Don’t borrow trouble. Here come Chris and Trevor. They can babysit you for a while.” She sets my glass in front of me and dashes off to fill another order. I can see how she stays so thin. She must run a marathon each night she works.

“Look at who’s come to the other side. Welcome home, sis.” Chris leans in for a smooch.

I spend the next few hours tossing back one martini after another. I dance with anyone who will dance with me. I don’t care if they are male, female, gay, or straight. I need to have some fun. Mostly, I end up dancing in between Chris and Trevor, who makeme the center of their gay boy sandwich. They cage me between their arms and dance around me.

Sitting at the bar, on a brief respite from dancing, I watch as they hold each other in their arms. Chris’s head pressed on Trevor’s shoulder. It’s an incredibly intimate moment, and I almost feel guilty watching it. Chris raises his head and looks into Trevor’s eyes. Their lips meet in a kiss.Holy shit—I had no idea watching two men in love kiss could be so hot. My heart clenches. I want to be kissed like that.

In my drunken state, I send a text to Anthony.

I’m watching two men practically make love on the dance floor, which reminded me of you.

I pressed send.

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