Page 6 of He Doesn't Deserve You

Emily’s heart dropped as concern for Sydney’s two-year-old son consumed her. Grabbing her purse off the bar, Emily stood, “I’m coming with you.”

Placing a reassuring hand on Emily’s arm, Sydney said, “No, you stay here. The room is already paid for, and I’d feel awful if I ruined your weekend.”

Emily frowned, “The weekend is already ruined. I don’t mind leaving.”

“Please stay.” Sydney pleaded, “I would feel worse if you left.”

Emily reluctantly said, “Okay, but call me as soon as you know something.”

“I will.” Sydney hugged Emily quickly and then left the bar in a hurry.

After Sydney left, Emily finished the last of her drink and waved the bartender over. “Can I please get the check?”

“Sure,” the bartender smiled and went to the register to print her check.

“Is anyone sitting here?” a deep male voice inquired.

“No,” Emily replied, turning to meet the gaze of the man beside her. He was tall with an athletic build, his dark hair neatly styled, and his piercing blue eyes exuding confidence. Dressed in a crisp button-down shirt and well-fitted jeans, he carried an air of effortless charm.

“Thank you,” he smiled at her and took a seat on the barstool beside her.

Emily forced a smile, “You’re welcome.”

The bartender returned with her check and placed it on the bar before Emily. “Thank you. Have a good evening.”

Emily reached for the check, flipped it over, and quickly glanced at the total. She then placed it, along with her credit card, on the bar. The bartender reached for the credit card, and Emily immediately had second thoughts about paying by card after what had happened earlier that day.

She stopped the bartender before he walked away, “Do you know what? I think I’ll pay in cash instead.”

The bartender handed the card back to her, “Sure.”

Emily retrieved her wallet from her purse, carefully counted out eighty dollars, and handed it to the bartender. “Thank you. Keep the change,” she said with a warm smile.

As Emily stood to leave, the man who had just sat down frowned in disappointment.

“You’re leaving?” he asked, “I was hoping I could buy you a drink.”

Emily offered a thin smile and politely declined. “Thank you for the offer, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t be good company right now.”

Just then, Emily’s eyes settled on the young assistant from Gabriel’s office. Filled with rage, she left her things on the bar and marched across the room to confront her.

Emily inserted herself between Gabriel’s assistant, Maggie, and the woman she was speaking to, interrupting their conversation. “Hi. Do you remember me?”

Maggie’s eyes lit up with recognition. “Of course, you’re Dr. Anderson’s wife, Emily, right?”

“Yes! I just came over to tell you,” Emily seethed, pointing a finger in Maggie’s face, “to stay away from my husband!”

“What?” Maggie responded, visibly taken aback. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, please. I’ve seen the way you flirt with him. I know you’re sleeping with him. Don’t even try to deny it,” Emily said, her teeth clenched in anger.

Maggie’s eyes widened. “I don’t know what you think is going on between Dr. Anderson and me, but you’re mistaken.” She raised her hands defensively. “We work together, that’s it!”

“This is your only warning. Stay away from my husband,” Emily said, then galumphed away.

She returned to her seat, aware that the man had witnessed her outburst. With a slight sigh, she looked at him and said, “You know what? I’ll take that drink after all. I’m just going to the bathroom—I’ll be right back.”

Emily stepped into the bathroom and took a moment to gather herself. She sat on the toilet to calm her nerves. After a few minutes, she approached the sink, washing and drying her hands. Her actions shocked her as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Confrontation was so out of character for her; she was the type of person who avoided conflict at all costs. She silently blamed her newfound courage on the amount of alcohol she had consumed.

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