Page 3

Chapter 3

Emilie

I can’t help but laugh at the bit of chocolate frosting on the corner of Zack’s lip. He’s going on and on about his latest restaurant adventures. The man thrives on finding new places to eat and telling me about each mouth-watering detail. As a fellow foodie, I don’t mind. Since he ended up dateless, he sat at the empty spot at our table.

I had no intention of bringing a date, since I helped plan the event. Plus, it’s not like I had anyone to ask. The dating pool is a cruel hurricane, and I’m sick of being sucked in. I recently deleted my dating apps and have been trying to focus on myself; or at least not focus on John or Jack or Peter, who work in finance and all lie about being over six foot tall.

“You have a little…” I touch the side of my lip. Zack then uses his tongue to catch the rogue frosting and heat rushes to my cheeks. His eyes find mine and my flushed cheeks, and I know he’s about to say something dangerous.

Ting! Ting! The clinking of a glass breaks through the room. Tripp stands on the stage, microphone in hand.

“Before we open the dance floor, I just want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart. This event is more than what I ever dreamed of, and I couldn’t have done it without all of you. When We Play could reach so many kids and families,” Tripp’s voice cracks, and he wipes the corner of his eye. Aww’s fill the room. “Before I turn into a blubbering mess, I want to thank some special people. First, my mom, Wendy. Without her, there is no Tripp Owens, wide receiver for the Upstate Cosmos. ”

Polite claps fill the room as Wendy gives a small wave from her table near the stage.

“Next, Willow, the love of my life, for showing me what true love and support looks like.” I look over to see Willow, eyes glistening with her own tears. For some couples, this whole thing would be insufferable and over the top—not for Willow and Tripp. Their love is the kind you dream of, bright and honest.

“Last, and certainly not least, Emilie Hayes. I could’ve never pulled this off without you. And you were right, the chocolate cake was the way to go.”

The crowd laughs and claps. Zack screams an enthusiastic “Woo!” and claps much louder than is necessary, which makes everyone laugh a bit deeper.

“The dance floor and the bar are open. Thanks again for coming and don’t forget about the silent auction.” Tripp waves and walks off the stage.

I slowly turn to Zack and shake my head from side to side.

“What? I’m proud of you.” He shrugs his shoulders, and it’s impossible not to smile at him. “Want another drink before we hit the dance floor?” He stands, snaps his fingers, and shakes his shoulders.

My stomach drops.

This is the type of behavior I need to be careful with. These are the things Zack does to make me think he’s interested or sees me as more than a friend. Zack doesn’t date and I have a new rule: don’t date unless it has long-term potential. The butterflies in my stomach don’t get the memo—fluttering even faster when Zack gives me his favorite smirk, the one with one corner of his mouth pinching up accompanied with a wink.

Here’s the thing: dancing isn’t dating. Plus, Zack is a great dancer—I’m guaranteed to have an amazing time .

I nod, and Zack practically skips to the bar. My heart squeezes when I see guests leaving their seats to look at the silent auction items or make their way to the dance floor. I sit back, thrilled people aren’t running for the exits.

Willow and Tripp are one of the first couples to hit the dance floor, and they curl into each other, dancing like they’re the only people in the room. I want to roll my eyes, but they are so wrapped up in each other I can’t get enough after watching their love story live.

I let out a sigh, happy and fulfilled in this moment.

“Emilie!” a too-loud voice interrupts. I know who it is before I even turn around. The mere sound of him speaking is like nails on a chalkboard.

Mitch—my ex and future brother-in-law. Who else could find a way to ruin such a perfectly wholesome moment?

Eliza stands next to him, wearing a satin emerald dress which clings perfectly to her damn near perfect silhouette. I stand and reach for my sister. She hugs me like an acquaintance she’s supposed to remember but can’t. I kiss her cheek.

We’ve always been hot and cold. I stay in her orbit because no matter what, I do hope we can have a rewarding relationship later in life—or that's what my therapist tells me is a solid goal. Some days are easier than others and anything with Mitch has a dash of extra tension.

“A lovely event,” Mitch says.

“ When We Play is grateful for your donation.” I try to mask my annoyance.

The thing is, I don’t think Mitch is trying to upset me but his mere presence is irritating. It’s been years since we were together but it still bothers me. My therapist encourages me to have a conversation with him one-on-one about the whole thing, but I just don’t have the mental space for it .

“Can you introduce us to Willow and Tripp?” Eliza asks, looping an arm with Mitch’s and leaning her head on his shoulder.

I turn my head, watching my friends out on the dance floor. “They’re busy,” I gesture to Willow and Tripp being the cutest thing you’ve ever seen. “Maybe another time.”

But probably not.

“Did you look at the silent auction items?” I ask, desperate to change the subject.

“Yes, we bid on quite a few.” Eliza laughs, scrunching her nose while looking at Mitch, who is now glancing at the auction tables.

I smile but internally scoff, thinking back to how Mitch viewed money and success—it’s why he and my dad have always gotten along.

“Who did you come with? Or are you flying solo?” Mitch trying to be subtle is hilarious.

I don’t need a man to feel validated or complete, but fuck, it’d be way better to flaunt a gorgeous boyfriend right about now.

I’ve held out long enough, and as I go to open my mouth, a low hand touches my back, someone sliding in next to me.

“Sorry, love. The line was atrocious.” Zack hands me a glass of champagne, placing a gentle kiss on my cheek.

Mitch and Eliza both have their mouths hanging open, heads falling forward as they take in all of Zack in his black tie glory. The man is a showstopper. I try to mask the surprise, lean into the moment, and let this play out.

“What did I miss?”