Page 51 of Unveiled Wishes

Zook

“How is this going to play out, once you get back?” How asked Emily, as he drove us to the airport.

“I should have known I was going to stay. I wrote my resignation letter the day that I called you and asked for an invitation. There’s nothing personal at my desk, so I don’t have to head into the office, and I can just email Mr. Nelson and HR. I might do that from the plane.”

“What about the apartment?” How asked again.

“I am thinking about taking what I want and renting it furnished. I can call the property management company that Mom and Dad use tomorrow. They should have a department where they handle that type of stuff. It shouldn’t be a problem.”

How seemed to be on a fishing expedition, but I wasn’t sure why. I looked over at him, but his face was blank, and I couldn’t get a read on the situation. However, I didn’t stop the line of questioning. When I’d asked Em these questions earlier, she hadn’t come up with a plan yet.

“Are you planning on hiring movers?”

He was pushing too hard. If I was a betting man, I’d risk it all. I’d never taken part in the club’s bets, but this was a guaranteed win. How had a hidden agenda buried somewhere in this questioning.

“I am not sure yet. I was thinking about sorting out the stuff I want to bring with me into the living room. We can see how much there is and maybe just ship it to you. The stuff that won’t make the trip but I’d like to keep, I was thinking about taking to Mom and Dad’s. I’ll throw it in my room, and they’ll never know nor care.”

“How long do you think it’s going to take to get this done?”

I heard Emily shift in the backseat, but I didn’t turn around to look at her. I was curious how long it would be before she figured out this wasn’t innocent. How wasn’t very good at interrogations, and his cards were showing.

I hadn’t wanted Emily to head back to New York by herself, but I also hadn’t wanted to be an overbearing asshole. It had worked out well when she hadn't wanted to be parted from me, either. We’d spend a few days in New York and then head back to the clubhouse to start the rest of our lives. Together.

“I am hoping we can catch a morning flight on New Year’s Eve and be back in time for midnight,” Emily replied from the back seat.

“Why don’t you just wait until New Year’s Day?” How asked, shooting me a nasty look out of the corner of his eye. “Why rush it?”

The pieces clicked into place, and I smiled widely, knowing exactly what he was trying to do. He didn’t want Emily anywhere nearby for New Year’s Eve. The hang-arounds would advertise the club to their friends, and the clubhouse would look and sound more like an orgy than anything else. Something about being naughty before those resolutions kicked in.

“Why? I don’t have that much to do, and besides, it’s winter. Tyler and I are not fans of snow, ice, and all things cold.”

I could hear the confusion in her voice, and I was sure there was an indention forming in between her eyebrows. It made me smile wider until my cheeks hurt. I was enjoying How’s discomfort a little too much.

“You don’t want to miss anything, so why rush? Do your thing, take him sight-seeing, and then come back.” How was trying, but I waited. Emily was too smart, and she’d figure out that he was hiding something from her.

She sat forward in her seat and stuck her head over the center console. First looking at How, she then turned her head in my direction, and I could feel her analyzing my face. It wouldn’t be much longer now. Kissing my cheek, she turned back towards How.

“What happens on New Year’s Eve?” she asked, point blank.

“The start of a new year,” he said, suddenly focused on the highway.

“Besides that. You’re hiding something from me, and I don’t like it.” Her head was on a swivel. Em would first look at How, and when she couldn’t get any information out of him, she’d move to me. I’d just smile at her, and she’d turn back to How.

“You tell her,” How said to me. “I can’t.”

I laughed, holding my stomach. “Em, it’s been quiet since it’s Christmas, but most Friday nights there’s a party where the hang-arounds get to come into the club.” I turned in my seat and watched her face for any reaction to what I’d said.

“Okay, that’s not that big of a deal. I have party clothes.” Her nose crinkled, and the indention was prominent. “I might have to learn how to dance. I doubt they waltz.”

How chuckled, and I laughed. “I can’t put this delicately,” I said. “The only waltzing that will happen is the horizontal hula.”

“That’s why you don’t want me in the clubhouse?” She directed all of her attention towards How. “You’re afraid I am going to see you with a woman?”

“Something like that.” How’s face turned a little green at the thought, and his forehead glistened.

“They’ll be new women. They use New Year’s as an excuse to get a little crazy, as most of them won’t return.” I tried to supply Em with enough details so she’d let it go. It didn’t matter. The only woman I was going to be with was her. How was single and could do whatever the fuck he wanted.

“Oh,” she said. I watched her as she thought this through. At first, her face held confusion as she chewed on her bottom lip. When she caught me watching her, she let go of her lip, and her mouth curved into a sly smile. “It doesn’t matter when we head back. I am going to be too busy with Tyler to worry about you. Wrap it up, and everything will be fine.” She leaned forward and patted How on the arm.

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