Page 46 of Stay With Me

She huffs. “Who knows why he does anything?”

Hmm. That’s interesting. She speaks of him with more familiarity than I’d expect. But I’ve known Trina for almost ten years now and I know not to push.

“Well, I guess if she was gonna bid tonight, I’m glad she bid on you and not some player like Garcia or Jones.”

Relief floods me that she’s not truly pissed Emily bid on me. So, at least I got through the discomfort of facing Trina. Now I just have to face Emily.

Ten minutes later, I’m seated at my assigned private dining table for two when I look up to see Emily walking toward me. Jesus, I don’t know what style dress or neckline or whatever she’s wearing but it’s short, red, and she looks goddamn gorgeous in it. And she’s wearing those really high black heels she wore on New Year’s Eve. Heat rushes to my face when I remember her saying they were called “fuck me” heels.

I rise and pull out her chair for her, kissing her on the cheek before she sits.

“Wow, Emily. You look absolutely beautiful tonight.” My eyes drift to her long golden locks flowing down around her shoulders, tucked behind her ear on the right. “I don’t even have words…”

Her cheeks turn pink, and it makes her even more radiant. “Well, you’re saying all the right things for a guy who thinks he doesn’t have the words.”

She smiles at me, and it draws my attention to her red lips. I swallow the lump in my throat.

“You don’t look so bad yourself, Charlie. I mean, that brunette looked like she wanted to devour you. I did what any good friend would do and rescued you.”

My mood deflates slightly when I realize she probably truly only bid on me to prevent me the discomfort of having dinner with a complete stranger. Like a friend would do.

“Geez, Em. A thousand dollars? You shouldn’t have.”

She shrugs. “I’ve had that, and quite a bit more, sitting in an account since Teddy died. My parents and several people from Teddy’s family sent me money in his memory. At first, I was furious, as if they think sending huge chunks of cash makes up for treating people like shit while they’re alive. But then I decided I was going to take it all and slowly donate it to charities that would honor Teddy and what he cared about. And he would have approved of this.”

I’m speechless for several seconds. When I get my wits about me, I reach across the table and squeeze her hand.

“That’s amazing. And very selfless.”

We’re rescued from our discomfort when a server approaches the table with our dinner and asks what we’d like to drink from the bar. Thankfully, when he walks away, Emily changes the subject.

“So, have you done any more work on the house since I was there last?”

“Not too much. I’ve gutted the upstairs Jack-n-Jill bathroom and put in a new tub and shower set up. But I still have to do all the tile work, paint both of those bedrooms, and then sand down and reseal the hardwood or have carpet put down.”

“Well, what’s taking you so long?” It’s clear from her voice that she’s teasing.

I chuckle. “Honestly, it’s probably not what you think. I can’t figure out colors for paint and tile choices. I want it to have some character, but I seem to go for everything dark or neutral. I don’t want it to be boring.”

Emily rolls her bright blue eyes at me. “Please, Charlie. So far, your house is far from boring. But, if you want, I’d be happy to come look at paint colors and tile samples with you. Give you a woman’s opinion.”

“Really? I’d love that.”

“Yeah. Maybe you could teach me how to paint neater.” She pauses and looks down at the table for a split second. “I’ve got some painting I want to do.”

“What are you painting? Your house is only a few years old, right?” I ask.

Emily moves the food on her plate around, looking at it, but doesn’t put any on her fork.

“It is only a few years old. But, I want to brighten it up some, make it stand out from others in the neighborhood”—she pauses and looks up at me—“because I want to put it up for sale this summer. I-I need a fresh start.”

I sense diving into this too deeply isn’t what she needs right now.

“Okay. Well, how about you help me pick some colors and tile for my house, and I can help you with whatever you need to get ready in yours. I think there’s enough to keep us busy for the next few months.”

Emily smiles and her eyes brighten. “That would be great, Charlie. But don’t say anything to anyone yet about me wanting to move. You’re the first person I’m telling.”

“You got it.”

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