Page 49 of Never Gonna Lie (Forbidden #2)
Chapter Forty-Nine
RAVEN
E mma’s gala is tonight, and I’m so excited for her.
This has been her baby for so long, pouring just as many working hours into it as Dad does with his company.
The annual gala changes venues each year.
One of the hotels in town offered to host it for free, so she gladly accepted.
It gives the hotel a chance to show off, and Emma can give the saved money to the people who actually need it instead.
She drove down this morning and arranged to meet me at the coffee shop.
I didn’t want her to see me with James. Before, I could keep it under lock and key, but now we’re…
doing whatever it is we’re doing, I don’t think I’ll be able to hide it, not from her anyway.
That woman can sniff out a lie from a mile away.
Leo sits opposite me, scanning for threats with a book in hand.
“Still with your nose in a book, I see,” a voice greets me.
I put my book down and jump up to hug Emma. “I’ve missed you,” I whisper in her ear .
“I’ve missed you, too,” she says, pulling back and taking me in. “You look good. Anything I need to know?” She winks and I blush, my cheeks going as red as my hair.
“Nope,” I squeak. “Same old boring stuff.” She gives me a knowing look, but thankfully doesn’t continue her line of questioning. My tone gets serious as we sit. “How are you?”
She huffs out a laugh. “I’ve been better. It’s not every day you come home to your husband in millions of dollars of debt. But I’m doing the best I can.” She gives me a small smile, and I place my hand on her arm, offering her some comfort.
“I’m sorry, Em. I had no clue.”
She waves me off. “Don’t be sorry, darling, you couldn’t have known. He kept it so quiet. I’m his wife, and even I didn’t notice, so if anyone’s to blame, it’s me.”
“This wasn’t your fault, Emma,” I admonish. “He’s a grown man. He should’ve asked for help.”
“Unfortunately, men don’t. We live in a society where men are deemed weak if they aren’t strong. I might be incredibly angry with him, but I’ll support his recovery anyway I can.” Her eyes fill with tears.
“Thank you for loving my dad,” I choke out. “And me. I don’t know where my life would be now without you. You saved us both.” I sniffle, my own tears forming as I glance at the woman who raised me, loved me as if I were her own, and has never let me down.
“It was you and your father that saved me , Raven.”
Emma stands up and I follow suit, giving her another hug, inhaling the Chanel No.5 that’s always smelt like home.
“Look, I’ve made a mess of my makeup now,” she mock chides.
Giving her a watery laugh, I say, “You still look beautiful to me. ”
We spend the rest of the day catching up, gossiping about old friends, and discussing how school’s going. Before I know it, it’s time to say our goodbyes and get ready for the gala. Emma heads to the hotel, meeting Dad for dinner so they can talk.
I text Mia as Leo, and I walk out of the Honey Pot, telling her we’re on our way. I talked James into letting her be my date for tonight; he didn’t seem to have a problem with me going with a female.
Possessive asshole.
But he’s my possessive asshole , a voice chimes in my head. I smile.
Yeah, he is .
Mia and I walk into the ballroom, and I’m stunned by how well the inside’s been changed. By day, it’s a boring conference room, but by night a room fit for a gala. Emma and her team have really outdone themselves with this.
Fairy lights adorn the pillars spread throughout the room; the lights are dim enough not to be in your face but bright enough so you can see everything.
Tables spread out in various patterns, white linen cloths, and sparkling cutlery.
A DJ and stage are set up toward the back with a projector screen behind.
We walk through the throngs of people to the bar, ordering sodas. Taking our drinks, we head toward my dad and Emma. The tension between them is palpable, but they’re putting on a good front.
“I take it they’ve kissed and made up now,” Mia mumbles quietly.
I shrug. “I’m guessing so. ”
Dad’s phone rings just as we reach them, an apologetic look on his face as he takes his phone out of his pocket. “I’m so sorry, I thought I’d put this thing on silent,” he chuckles. Glancing at the screen, his face goes pale. “I, uh, need to take this.”
He walks off as Emma embraces me. “I’m so glad you could make it.”
I scoff as I hug her back. “As if I would miss this. It looks incredible in here,” I say as I glance around. “You’ve done such a wonderful job.”
Emma smiles widely at me. “Thank you, darling, but I can’t take all the credit; I’ve had some amazing people helping me.” She turns to Mia. “Mia, my love, how are you?”
“I’m good, Mrs. Carter. Thank you for having me tonight.”
I hold back a laugh. Mia’s brash, loud even, but when she’s around Emma, she turns into English royalty.
“Why don’t you two go and take a seat?” Emma says, gesturing to the tables. “The speeches are about to start.”
Mia and I nod in agreement and walk to where Emma pointed. I catch sight of an incredibly handsome man strolling through the doors with three, just as equally handsome men. He makes eye contact, and I wink.
This could be fun.