Page 67 of Unfaithful

"Emma..." I sighed in frustration.

"Look," she said, her tone softer now. "It's been over two months since you separated from Cole, and I don't see you getting any better. If anything, you're burying yourself in work and refusing to actually live. You didn't even take a moment to enjoy your independence or celebrate being free from the world's worst scumbag."

"I'm not free of him yet," I countered. "We're not officially divorced."

"A piece of paper doesn't change the fact that you're already separated—body, mind, and soul. And that matters more."

I narrowed my eyes at her. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

"I'm saying it's time to get fresh blood."

I blinked. "You're telling me to date?"

"Yes," she said, casually moving on to my eye makeup. "But you don't have to look for one. I've already arranged a date for you."

"Huh?" I blinked, confused, and then it hit me. My eyes widened in horror. "Oh, my God. You're setting me up with Archie, aren't you?"

"Of course," she replied without hesitation, utterly shameless. "Mr. Archibald Lowe." Then she sighed dreamily as if she weren't casually trying to set me up with my—and Cole's—best friend.

"I could have found someone else for you," she continued while carefully lining my eyes, "but then he'd have to stand next to Archie, and, well... that poor guy would probably shrivel up from sheer intimidation."

"You do have the option of not inviting Archie to come with us," I pointed out, giving her a pointed look.

Emma snorted. "Oh, please. Why wouldn't I bring the hottest, most eligible guy we know?" She smirked. "If we're going out, we might as well have someone who's basically a walking VIP pass."

"You're taking advantage of him," I frowned.

"Stop moving! I'm about to put mascara on you," she scolded, then added shamelessly, "And of course I am."

She flicked the wand expertly before continuing, "Oh, and Archie's bringing his brother, too. Apparently, Julian sulked about being left home alone."

I chuckled, easily picturing Julian pouting like a neglected puppy.

Julian looked so much like Archie—same hair color, same face—they could almost pass for twins. But Archie always insisted Julian was the prettier version of him. They also shared a love for tattoos, both covered in ink and even dressed so similarly that it sometimes felt like they were doing it on purpose to confuse people.

But while Archie was quiet and reserved, Julian was a riot.

"Done," Emma declared, leaning back to examine her work with a critical eye. She tilted her head, scrutinizing every detail before nodding in satisfaction. "Not bad. Actually, pretty damn good."

She grabbed my chin, turning my face slightly from side to side. "Flawless. I'll be seriously offended if you don't get at least three free drinks tonight."

I rolled my eyes.

Emma just grinned shamelessly as she grabbed the lipstick. "Alright, pucker up."

I groaned. "Do I have to wear the red one?" I was used to wearing nude shades—or, better yet, nothing at all.

She gave me a look. "Unless you want to walk into that club looking like you just licked a chalkboard, yes."

Sighing in defeat, I let her apply the lipstick, pressing my lips together when she was done. She clapped her hands, beaming. "Perfect. Now, go put on that dress before I do it for you."

I hesitated. "Can't I just—"

"No," she cut me off, pointing toward the little black dress that was spread on my bed. "Move it."

With another dramatic sigh, I dragged myself toward it, muttering under my breath. Emma was enjoying this way too much.

Stomping my way over, I grabbed the dress and started changing while Emma focused on fixing her makeup. Once I was done, I slipped on my black strappy heels, adjusting the straps just as my phone, lying on the bed, buzzed.

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