by Pavan Kaur
I look up at Jake laughing. “He never brings his dates here. It’s just normally him and the guys. So, you must be special.” Emma looks over at me in surprise, and her eyes look at me for answers. Jakes right, I never bring anyone here. I love this place and always thought a bad date would ruin it for me. I didn’t even think twice about bringing Emma here.
“Well Jake, this pasta is amazing. You might be seeing a lot of me,” she starts laughing and Jake walks away from the table. “Ocean, thank you for bringing me here. This is so good.”
"I’d be more than happy to bring you here Friday night." I give her a wink when she looks up at me. I can only hope.
“Back to the reason we’re here, do you know what watch to buy? I have a few ideas for the other stuff, but I don’t think we will have it all done today. We have to shop around.” She doesn't want to admit it, but I can see her whole face light up. She wants to spend more time with me.
We spend the rest of lunch laughing at old stories about each other and our friends. I didn’t want to leave her when we got back to her office, but we spent more time at lunch than we wanted to. I never got the chance to show her the cake but I told her I would meet her early tomorrow to carry on the shopping. She seems excited. I can’t tell if it’s because of the cake or seeing more of me.
Chapter 17
Emma
My day with Ocean was amazing. The week away from him was shit, even though he still sent me cake or coffee every morning. It didn't make forgetting him any easier. I still think back to that night with him and I smile every time. When Cassie explained she needed Ocean and me to help her, I was both excited and scared from the anticipation of seeing him again. The moment he walked through the door, every feeling I had for him came rushing through my body. Everything that happened tis morning was perfect. The whole day I'd been fighting with myself. Am I stupid to make us both wait until the wedding is over? We can be together, just kept secret from Betty. Falling in love with Ocean was never my plan, but I've fallen. I don't want to spend time away from him. I want to make the most of it.
Walking into the office, I walk over to Betty's door and knock. I need to know what game she is playing.
“Come in.” I walk into her office. “Emma, is everything okay?”
“Yes, I just wanted to know if I was booked in for any more weddings after August?”
She starts looking through her computer. "No not yet, but I will let you know."
Now she is lying to me. I put everything on hold with Ocean just for them to mess with me like this. I get them the weddings, I get them clients and Betty needs to see that.
“I got a phone call today from a bride. She told me that you told her I was booked up. You told her to work with the other planner but now you say I’m free after Cassie and Neil's wedding. What’s going on?”
“We thought after this wedding you could use a break and we would give that wedding to…”
“Your daughter?” I interrupt her and I don't care that I did.
“Yes, but…”
“I quit.” The words are out of my mouth before I can even stop them. I’m a professional person. I know I have a wedding to plan and without Betty I can’t. I also can’t let them use me like this. I deserve more, after all the weddings I’ve got them.
“Emma…”
"No, I will be in my office putting all my things away. I will also tell Cassie and Neil to call you about who is now planning their wedding," I say leaving the office. I don't have a plan. I have to email all the companies that came here because of me and hope that if I ever need them, they will work with me.
“You taking me with you?” I turn to see Jess standing in the doorway.
"I wish I could, I really do, but I have no job or money to pay you with. I promise the moment I'm in the position, you are my first phone call. If this was in a year's time, without question, I would say pack your things you're coming with me, but right now I need to find a way for this to work for me." I hug her.
“I will be calling you,” Jess laughs and goes back to the front as the door opens.
Throwing the last of my stuff into a box, I leave the office without even seeing Betty again. I know she wanted me gone. I couldn't leave because of the wedding. I got her the job and now I have no job. I have to tell Cassie and Neil, something I'm not looking forward to.
Standing outside the office, I can think of a few places to go, but there is only one that my feet are now moving towards.
Walking through the doors, I see Isla behind the counter. "Is Ocean here?" I ask as I place my box of stuff on the table to the side of the counter.
“Yeah, he’s in the back, want me to call him?
“No, I can go back,” I give her a smile, looking through the small window. He has his back to the door and he’s working on a cake.
Jake gives Ocean a nod to turn around. Just seeing his smile calms me. “You wanted to see the cake that much?” Ocean gives me a wink as he leans on the table.
“Yes. No. I thought today was the day I wanted to hear what you have planned for our date?” I know whatever he does have planned will be amazing.
"I have something special booked for the day after the wedding." I smile, even though he keeps saying lunch was our date or the time we went to the cinema.
“I quit,” I blurt out. He pushes himself off the table and slowly walks over to me.
“Why?”
“Betty was being a bitch, and I just can’t stop thinking about you. This week has been horrible until I spent the morning with you.” Ocean stops in front of me, his eyes searching for more answers. I mean who quits over a guy? No one. Every part of my body is shouting at me that Ocean is the one for me. Well, it wasn’t just for him, it was the lies Betty started telling, I’d just had enough.
Grabbing the back of my neck, Ocean's lips crash into mine and I grab a handful of his shirt. As quickly as he kissed me, he pulls away. I stare blankly at him. Why stop kissing me? I mean I've been waiting a week for his lips to touch me again.
"There are so many things I want to do to you right now, but I have to put the last details on this cake. Isla's girlfriend is coming in to talk about their wedding cake soon." I can tell he's not happy about it. I wasn't expecting him to take me into his office and fuck me. He was the first person I wanted to see.
“Do your work. If it’s okay, can I stay here?”
“Yes, I can show you Cassie and Neil’s cake design too.”
I stop in my tracks. “About that, will you come with me to tell them I’m not planning their wedding anymore?” He looks at me in shock. I can already tell by the look on his face he doesn’t want to. “They already told you not to date me, because if it fucks up the wedding…”
"No. Yes. Cassie is going to kill me," I can see he’s worried about this now. "But I will be there when you tell them. I will be there every day for the rest of your life."
"Aww, are you really this perfect?" I ask him as he leans down to give me a kiss.
"Emma Cox, will you go on a date with me?"
“I would love to go on a date with you.”
Ocean grabs the back of my neck and gives me a kiss so hard it makes me lose my balance.
“About bloody time,” Ocean says making me laugh.
***
Ocean had to finish off the cake, so I told him I would be back after I tell Amie and Tanya about quitting. I still felt sick about it. My dad is going to kill me. I already know the first thing he will say to me is, ‘do you have a plan?’ My dad was always one to follow a plan. He had a plan for everything and I mean everything. He taught me to plan everything. Well, quitting was very far down my list. I had a plan before all of this.
I met up with Tanya and Amie to let them know what happened, and they were supportive. I knew they would be. They told me not to worry about this month’s rent and that they will help me with my own business plans.
I have to start on my own business. I need to talk to the bank about a loan for it,
think of a name, get a website. There is so much to do. The only thing that matters tonight is me telling Neil and Cassie that I’m no longer planning their big day. I’m so nervous. I've never had to tell a couple I’m not working with them anymore.
Walking back to Ocean's shop, as he said he would come with me, I message Cassie asking if her and Neil would meet for dinner so that we could talk about things. They both agreed to tonight. Sooner than I wanted, but it's better to get it over with.
“ Buttercup, I just have to clean up and then I’m ready,” Ocean gives me a kiss as I stand next to him.
“Need any help?” I ask him, looking around at the cakes that are finished. “Is everyone finished for the day?” I ask as I walk around taking a closer look at the cakes.
"Yeah, they all left about half an hour ago. Would you like some coffee?"
"Would love some, I can make it. You carry on with what you're doing." I go to the front of the shop to make us both a latte. Walking back to the back of the shop, Ocean puts a piece of cake in front of me.
I’m sitting on the counter as Ocean moves around putting things away. He stops just in front of me and I place some cake into his mouth. Ocean stands between my legs and feeds me some cake. "This is very nice," I tell him, as he starts kissing my neck slowly.
“This is,” I hear Ocean as he moves closer to my ear. I grab the hem of his shirt and pull it over his head.
“This is nicer,” pulling him to kiss me, his hands start moving up my skirt. I’ve missed his touch.
“Ocean Rivers, I’m going to kill you.” I jump as Cassie storms through the door.
Ocean grabs his shirt and starts putting it back on. “I think they know,” he whispers as Cassie stands next to Neil, waiting for Ocean to put his shirt on.
"What makes you think that?" I smile jumping off the counter.
“I told you, if you mess anything up for my wedding, I will kill you,” Cassie puts her hands on her hips and her heels click on the floor.
"I...this...sorry," Ocean tells them both. They both look like they’re going to kill him.
“This wasn’t Ocean’s fault. Betty’s been trying to push me out from the moment you said you wanted to work with me and not her daughter. He’s not to blame,” I say standing next to Ocean whose hand is on my lower back. “I mean he didn’t take no for an answer, then he come on my girls ski trip, and the cakes…”
“Not helping me, buttercup,” Ocean whispers to me.
"Sorry, I'm sorry about this. I really am. Betty didn't like that I was getting the big weddings. She even turned your friend away from me and told her I was booked when I'm not. I just couldn't work there anymore," I explain to them. They’re livid. "I can go back and tell Betty I will finish your wedding. I am contracted to work and then I will leave," I add quickly. I can do that. They know about Ocean and me, and if they are okay with it, then Betty can’t say anything to me.
“If we pull the contract from them and have you plan it. Can we still do that?” I turn to Neil, I want to say yes, but I can’t give them the wedding they want unless they up the budget for me. I won’t have the company’s help.
“I won’t have all the resources I had at the company. I mean I can, the budget will have to change and I can call in a lot of favors.” I start planning who I can call to help out on the day and who I can ask for anything.
Both Cassie and Neil stare at Ocean like I'm not even in the room. The silence is driving me crazy, I need someone to talk. "I'm going to talk to my father, we will be in touch," Cassie turns around and walks out of the shop while Neil looks between us both.
“I’m happy for you Ocean.” They both give each other a nod then Neil leaves. I let out a big breath.
Ocean pulls me in for a hug I really needed. I hear my phone ring. I pull away from Ocean and dig through my bag. "Oh crap." I see my dad’s name flash. "Hi, Dad."
“Don’t ‘hi Dad’ me. I think we need to talk. Dinner at seven tonight and bring this boyfriend of yours too.”
“How do you know about him?” My eyes move to Ocean as he starts walking over to me.
"Well, I got an interesting phone call from Betty. I figured you wouldn't tell me straight away. Tanya or Amie, I can’t remember which, is still a little scared of me," my dad starts laughing. Thank you so much, Amie. "You really need to tell her that I like her, and I would never do anything…"
"She knows Dad. I think it’s more to keep you happy. I will be there…"
“And the boyfriend!” My dad demands.
"And...the boyfriend," I say in a defeated voice. Putting my phone on the counter, I look over at Ocean. "Fancy dinner with my dad tonight? I thought we would be dating a little longer than a few hours before you met my dad."
I figured Betty would end up calling my dad. My dad talked highly of Betty, saying she always had a plan and knew what she wanted for her business. He always said that if I wanted to start my own business that I needed to look at how Betty worked. She knew that and knew my dad would try and talk me into going back to work for her. One of two things are going to happen; one, Amie told him about how miserable I was there and explained this is the best move for me or two, he’s going to make me go back. This is going to be a fun evening for me.
Ocean wraps his arm around my waist. “A few hours? More like two months.” He brushes his lips over mine. “I would love to go to dinner tonight. I will pick you up at six.”
I need to work on a plan, and fast, before I meet my dad. I need to show him I know what I'm doing and convince him I can make this work. This is the difference between my parents. My mum won't even call me and ask if I'm okay. Whereas my dad will want to know everything and I love him for that, I really do. I’m more pissed off with Betty for telling my dad and Neil and Cassie before I got the chance. She is already trying to give me a bad name and I don't even have a business up and running yet.
“You want me to walk you home?”
"No, you finish up here, and I will see you tonight." Grabbing my bag, I give Ocean a kiss and let him finish cleaning. I head home and get myself ready for tonight.
Chapter 18
Ocean
I haven't stopped smiling since Emma walked through my door today. I've finally got the girl and I'm not going to let her leave me now. The first thing I have to do is talk to Cassie and Neil without her there. I need them to take a leap of faith in her. I believe in her more than a hundred percent. She will have her business up and running within a year and she will work her sexy ass off to make it happen. She will be so booked up she will have to turn couples away. Cassie and Neil will have to stay with her. I’ll beg them if I have to.
"Neil, you home?" I shout as I walk through the front door.
“In the kitchen,” he shouts back. Making my way over there, I see Cassie walking down the stairs.
"Cassie," I start to walk with her to the kitchen. "I just want to say sorry again and thought I could talk to you both about Emma."
“I warned you, Ocean.” Cassie starts filling a mug with some coffee. “Now we have Betty asking us to talk to a new planner.”
“You don’t need a new planner, keep Emma. When you got engaged you knew you wanted Emma to plan it. I think it was you that kept saying she’s the best wedding planner in London.” I look at them both watching me.
"Yes, it was Emma I was talking about," Cassie says in an even more annoyed tone.
“So, let her carry on with the wedding. You signed a contract to work with Emma, now she isn’t there, your contract doesn’t apply anymore. She’ll do a great job and she will work even harder than she already has to make the day the best she can make it.” It might sound like I’m begging them, but at the moment I’m more than happy too.
"We’ll use your girlfriend. We're going to talk to Betty tomorrow and tell her we will not be using her service and then talk to Emma about the wedding," Neil tells me. I know I shouldn't smile as they are stressed out at the moment, but I just can't help it when my lips curl up into a sm
ile.
Cassie’s eyes follow me as she walks out of the kitchen. “It won’t be long until the next Rivers wedding happens.”
I look over at Neil and he’s smiling at me. “Not there yet,” I tell him as I take my car keys out of my pocket.
"Yet?" Neil questions. I leave before the conversation gets a little too much for me.
Parking at Emma's apartment, I make my way up and I hear laughter coming from inside. Great, the girls are here. I need to focus. Their next prank might be coming, and I need to be ready for it.
Knocking on the door, I smile as Amie opens the door. “We were just talking about you.” I take a step in and look around for Emma to save me. “She is just getting dressed, two minutes.” Great, in two minutes, Amie and Tanya can do anything.
"So, what was the conversation about then?" I ask as I see Tanya walking over to us.
"That Emma said the sex is amazing, but she mentioned you need to improve on a few things and because we are her friends and love her, and she likes you a lot, we thought we could teach you a few things to make her mind explode."
“I’m going to stop you right there. Pete already warned me this might happen,” I tell them both. They look over at Pete on the couch. “Thanks for the heads up,” I tell him.
"I can’t believe you told him about this," Tanya looks back over at me. "Don't worry we will get you in your boxers and outside somehow. I promise." I hear the door open behind me and thank God Emma is ready.
“I finally have another man to add to this craziness. I want him to help me if I ever need it.” I turn around to Pete and start laughing.
“Got your back. Looks like we might have to stick together,” I turn back to see Emma looking at me with a smile.
“Did they try to get you naked?” Emma asks walking over to me and giving me a kiss.
“They did.” I kiss her back.