“Hey Em, listen I’m sorry I’m not going to make it tonight. I got caught up at work again. I missed my flight and wasn’t able to reschedule until tomorrow but at that point it’ll be too late. I know I said I’d be there but…，” he trails off for a moment, and I let the familiar pang of disappointment settle in my gut. If I’m being honest, it’s a feeling that I’ve gotten used to over the years, a sharpness that has quieted to a dull ache. “Shit,” he starts again, “this is hard and I didn’t want to do it over the phone. I know it’s your big night with the show and all but honestly, I think we’re on two different paths. You’ve been supportive with my career but I’m not able to give that back to you. I have to focus on me right now. I know you’re expecting a proposal any day now, and the more I thought about it the more I knew it wasn’t right. We’re not right. I’m not in love with you anymore, Em.” His pause allows me to take in a shuddering breath. The chatter and laughter around me are a stark contrast to the ominous silence on the phone line. “Maybe I never was. I don’t know. That’s shitty. I’m sorry. Maybe I need more time. I don’t know. I’ll be in San Francisco next week, and I think it would be best if you move out while I’m gone. I’m sorry, Em. Oh, and happy birthday.”
The voicemail ends and I drop the phone from my ear. The juxtaposition of the smiling, celebratory faces that surround me and the news that Alec just delivered make me feel off balance. I’m stunned. Shocked. Someone thrusts a champagne glass into my hand and clinks it with their own.
“Cheers! You killed it!”
“Emma,” Maggie from my sales team rushes to my side, “I’ve got a proposal from Bergdorf’s. They want exclusive and when Bloomingdales got wind of it, they up’d their offer. We’re in a bidding war! Isn’t that amazing?!”
“Wow.” Is all I can say because I’m still processing the voicemail from Alec.
Everyone from the models to the hair and makeup teams to the fashion show production staff and my team at Emma Belle Bridal are gather around me.
“Tonight was a wild success and we couldn’t have done it without our fearless leader, Emma.” Leo, my production assistant, raises his glass. “Your designs are officially out in the wild now, and we all know that with every thoughtful stitch, your exquisitely designed gowns will make every bride feel like a queen on her wedding day.”
“Cheers to Emma Belle Bridal!” Everyone shouts.
Leo hushes everyone with his hands. “And, even with all this excitement, we didn’t forget that today is another special day.”
The crowd parts and Jess and Lauralee wheel out a cart with a large white cake with sparklers on it. There’s a topper with a gown similar to one in my collection. It’s beautiful, but it also looks lonely on there. A bride without a groom. Alec’s words echo in my brain. I’m not in love with you. Maybe I never was. Oh, and happy birthday.
The crowd around me sings a joyous and off-key happy birthday song that should make me giggle, but right now my brain is racing a mile a minute trying to process the highs and lows of the last ten minutes. It’s practically giving me whiplash.
I raise my glass and swallow back the entire contents. The group disperses to start breaking down the show, but Jess grabs my arm.
She must see the shock on my face.
“Are you freaking out? It’s not crazy that everyone loved it. We knew they would. Now it’s official.” She laughs. “Where’s Alec? He cannot be missing this moment.”
Her mention of Alec sets the tears at the edge of my eyes into free fall.
Jess’s laugh calms and her face falls with realization. “Oh, fuck.”
I reach for the champagne bottle she’s holding, and begin to chug it.
CHAPTER 2
GRIFFIN
“What do they put in this shit?” Ronnie scrubs at his cheek with a makeup wipe. “Permanent marker?”
“It’s a good thing it’s not on your dick, then.” Dallas laughs from where he’s lacing up his boots.
“I’d take lipstick any day over the rash Kenny boy got from the last fan girl he slept with.” Ronnie grins, still scrubbing his red stained cheek.
“It was an allergic reaction to the metal of her tongue ring.” Ken pipes up from where he’s buttoning his vest across the room.
“Fuck. That’s messed up.” Dallas chuckles. “Was it good at least? I’ve heard a tongue ring on your dick is fucking out of this world.”