Page 35 of Arrogant Playboy

“Daniel, can I talk to you for a moment?” An older gentleman ushers him away.

When I look back at the group, I see Lauren smirking.

“I’m going to go find my team,” I say, walking away. I find them moments later.

“Rosie, do you mind if we go early?” Adina asks.

“That’s fine, girls. Thank you for coming. Sorry it was a bust.”

“It was eye-opening.” Josie giggles.

“Leg opening you mean,” Helena adds as they burst out laughing again. Maybe it’s best they leave early.

“Have a good weekend, guys. I’ll see you next week.” When they wave me goodbye, I decide to walk around the room one last time before maybe heading out myself. I showed up and gave Daniel my support. I continue to browse the event slowly, making my way around, and when I turn a corner, I see Daniel kissing a gorgeous blonde.

Oh. Shit.

This is what you wanted. Let’s be friends, is what you told him last week. You literally drew a line in the dirt between the two of you. What did you expect, that he would wait around for you? The man is hot, rich, and charming. But tell that to my body, when my stomach drops, my cheeks burn bright red, and something like jealousy hits me.

I need to get out of here.

I push my way through the crowd and make it outside. Thankfully, no one is there, and I hold out my hand and hail a cab. I’m not sure why I’m getting upset over it, the man is single, and he can do whatever he wants.You just thought it wouldn’t happen in a week.I was hopeful. I knew it would happen but seeing it was a sucker punch. But this is good. The band-aid has been ripped off and you can push those unresolved feelings you have for the man deep down inside.

I make it back to my apartment without dropping a single tear.That’s progress.

“You’re back early?” Emily calls out in the darkness of the living room making me jump. I clutch my chest and try to still my rapidly beating heart.

“Yeah, it was charcoal nudes. Not my thing. Here, I grabbed a brochure for you,” I say, handing it to her. “I’m going to bed, I’m exhausted.”

“Thanks for this. And thanks for everything,” Emily says.

I still at the end of the room and turn back to where she is seated. “You have nothing to thank me for.”

“But I do. You’ve let me come in here and take over your flat with my sunflowers and art.”

“It’s the least I can do.”

Emily shakes her head. “I’m sorry I ever blamed you for that night, Rosie. I was scared and I took it out on you. Please, forgive yourself, because I do.” Tears well in my eyes and I rush toward my best friend and hug her. “I’m sorry I ever made you feelresponsible. I’m so sorry, Rosie.” We both hug and cry, each of us needing the other, and the scar that had formed over my heart from that night seems to have finally healed itself.

Emily and I grab popcorn and some wine, snuggle into the sofa, and spend the rest of the night watching old movies until we both fall asleep.

Wakingup in the middle of the night on the sofa, I head to the bathroom and then to my bed. I notice I have a couple of messages on my phone as I sit there scrolling on the toilet.

Daniel: Hey, I’m having an after-party. I tried looking for you, but Ivy seems to think you have left. I’m sorry I missed you.

Then he sent another an hour after that.

Daniel: If you’re still up, we are celebrating at my place. I’d love for you to be there.

I leave him on read and head to bed.

My phonebeepsand wakes me up, when I look over, I see it’s a message from him.

Daniel: My head hurts this morning. I think I drank too much champagne celebrating. The exhibition sold-out, can you believe it?

Rosie: Congrats.

Daniel: You’re alive. I’ve been worried as I haven’t heard back from you. I missed you last night.

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