Aiden pours himself another glass of wine. All of a sudden, he seems really nervous.
"Are you okay?"
"Um, yeah, I just have to take care of something. I'll be right back." He gets up really quickly, and I see him rush around the corner.
That's really odd. I hope he's okay. I wait for a few minutes before I start to get worried. I'm just about to go look for him when he returns.
"There you are. I was just about to go look for you."
He shakes his head. "Nothing's wrong. I just needed a few minutes to gather my thoughts."
He sits down and turns his chair toward me. He opens his mouth to say something.
"I really wanted tonight to be special." He runs his hand through his hair. "I thought coming back to the location of our first date and making everything perfect would set the stage for what I wanted to say."
He looks terrified. And with him acting so nervous, it's making me feel nervous.
"Aiden, you don't have to make everything perfect," I tell him. "I'm just happy spending time with you. We could be watching TV at your place and I would be happy just being with you."
He smiles. "I know, but what I'm trying to say is that…" He pauses and looks me in the eye. "Erin, I'm in love with you. I have been for a long time—I think since the first night we came here."
He exhales loudly as if he was carrying a huge weight on his shoulders. He's watching my reaction very carefully, and I'm still speechless. I can feel the tears coming, but I try to hold back. I feel like I'm dreaming because I've wanted this for so long, and now that it's happening, it's all so surreal.
"I love you, too," I whisper. I'm unsuccessful at holding back the few tears that are in my eyes. "The difference is that I think I fell in love with you long before our first date." A huge smile spreads across his face. I continue, "In fact, I'm pretty sure that as soon as you started teasing me with that horrible nickname I was hooked."
He laughs and pulls me into his lap. "I can't tell you how happy I am to hear you say those words," he whispers. "After everything that has happened and how bad I screwed up, I wasn't sure I would be able to come back from that or if you would even want me in your life."
I wrap my arms around his neck. "I don't want to think about that. It's over, and I'm ready to forget it. I'm done letting other people affect my life. I closed myself off for a long time, and I'm not going to do that anymore."
He kisses me passionately, and I run my fingers through his hair. "So, since Harry and Bre seem to be tighter than ever, I guess that means we're going to have to interact with each other at some point, right?"
He makes a face. "Supposedly? But you never know with Harry. There have been times he's been ready to propose to a girl, and they just break up. I'm not saying that will happen with Bre, but you never know."
I guess I can only hope that things change with them because I'm not planning on going anywhere. If not, I will just have to learn to coexist with her.
"Speaking of family, you never did tell me what your parents thought of me," I ask him. "You already know how my family feels. I swear if my mom wasn't getting remarried to my dad I think she'd go after you."
Aiden eyes get wide. "An older woman? Hmm…" I punch him on the arm.
"Very funny." I lean in and kiss him again.
"You don't have to worry. My parents thought you were great. And you know I'm kidding about your mom. She's a very nice lady, but I'm no longer available." He takes both my hands in his. "Erin, I meant what I said. I'm in love with you, and I promise to prove it to you in every way possible. I don't know what else to say, ET, except the best is yet to come."
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
I open my eyes to the sun streaming through the opening in my curtains. I roll over and hide my head under the covers. I don't think I could be any happier, especially after my evening with Aiden last night. When I came home, I tried to replay every word he said. Hearing him telling me he loves me was a dream come true. I'm finally feeling like everything I've been working for is happening. Finally, all of my efforts will be noticed, and even though I didn't make it to Paris, that doesn't mean that I won't have opportunities to show my talents.
I've also come to the decision that when Bre returns I will attempt to make amends and move forward. It's pretty clear that we will be in each other's lives one way or another. No matter how much I would like it, there's no way to avoid her considering we work together and our boyfriends are brothers. I don't expect us to be friends, but we at least need to be cordial to each other. There's also a chance that she won't be too pleased with my article. It's not about her exactly, but I was inspired by some of my recent experiences.
About moving forward—today marks a huge day for me not only personally but professionally. I'm just putting a few last-minute touches on my project and getting ready to send it off to Chelsie. My phone buzzes from my coffee table, and I practically dive to get it.
Good morning. I love you.
I get a huge silly grin on my face when I read Aiden's text. I can see it now—we're on our way to becoming one of those really annoying lovey-dovey couples. Before I respond to his text, I take one more look at my article and hit Send. For a few minutes, I stare at my computer screen. I did it. At least I think I did it. I'm not sure this article will get me that corner office, but I poured my heart and soul into writing it. All of a sudden, I'm feeling emotional.
I love you. Just sent article to Chelsie. Wish me luck.
I love having someone to share my news with. Now that I've sent it off, I sit back and wait. Monday can't come fast enough.
* * *
"Why does it feel like five weeks has flown by?" Kimmy asks. "I can't believe they are coming back next week." She looks like she's going to cry, and I don't really blame her. Even though I'm expecting to make up with Bre, I still would much rather have her on the other side of the world. As far as Aly goes, I have no intention of having any kind of relationship with her. Ever since the incident with Madeline Bufont, I haven't heard much about Aly. I know she's still around, so that means she will be back next week. It probably would have been better if Kimmy switched places with her. I guess it's not too late even though Kimmy will probably hate me. I will have to bring her some baked goods to thank her (store-bought baked goods, of course).
"I have another favor to ask you, and I promise I'll help," I say. "Can you switch to Aly's desk? After thinking about it, Bre is the lesser of the two evils."
After some begging and bribing, we start switching around the desks. Of course, I accidently step on some of her poor, innocent stuffed animals. Kimmy and I are sitting on the floor laughing so hard that we're crying. I don't even notice Chelsie standing next to my desk watching us.
"Are you girls having fun?" she asks, cracking a smile. I jump to my feet.
"Yeah, sorry, Chelsie. We got a little carried away moving things around." I look over in the corner of the office to where Kimmy kicked one of Aly's stuffed dogs. I'm trying to stop myself from laughing again, but I keep picturing it in my mind. It's one of those "you had to be there" moments.
"Okay, when you're done, stop by my office." I nod my head. Oh my gosh, she must have read my article.
"That seemed rather cryptic," Kimmy says. "Any idea why she wants to talk to you?"
I smile. "I sent over that piece I've been working on, so I'm assuming that she wants to talk about it." I quickly finish moving everything around and practically run to see Chelsie. She's on the phone but waves me to come in.
She hangs up the phone and looks at me. "Erin Taylor, finally," she exclaims.
What does that mean? She only asked me to come in here a few minutes ago.
"Finally what?" I ask.
"I've been waiting for you to send me something like this for a while. I don't know what it is, but it seems like you've suddenly come alive." She pauses. "Not that your work hasn't been great in the past, but this is spectacular."
I'm so relieved that I sink into my c
hair.
"I've been thinking about your request. Taking into account the time you've given this magazine and the unfortunate situation with the Paris project, if you give me a few days, we'll see if I can clean out one of those smaller offices." She pauses. "And when I say small, it's about the size of a walk-in closet. But since it's only being used to hold junk that nobody uses, I'm thinking I can make it happen."
My mouth drops open. "Really?" I yell. I jump to my feet and run to give Chelsie a huge hug.
"Wait," she says, holding up her hand. "It may be only temporary. But I think it will help, for the next few weeks at least." I know she's referring to Bre and Aly's return, and the timing couldn't be more perfect.
"Thanks," I say gratefully. "I promise you that I'm going to try to make amends with Bre. I know things are going to be weird enough as it is, but I'm going to try."
She nods. "I guess you had some good inspiration for your article?"
I smile. "Yes, I did."
She holds up my article that she's printed out. "'Friends ForNever.' I love it."
* * *
"Very impressive, ET," Aiden calls from the doorway of my new office. Chelsie is fast, and within two days, I'm moving into my new office. She says she's waiting on the approval as far as an official promotion and title, but I don't care. I'm just happy I won't have to sit amongst the drama of Bre and Aly.
"Pretty nice, isn't it?" I ask excitedly.
"Yes, nice," he says as he walks over and wraps his arms around my waist. I push him away.
"No way, man. Not in the office."
He pouts. "I don't know about this promotion thing. How am I supposed to flirt with my girlfriend now that she's a big shot with a fancy office?" I punch him in the arm.
"Very funny, Mr. Thomas. You will just have to save that behavior for after work."
He moves closer to me and leans in to tell me something. "I plan on it," he whispers.
I feel chills down my spine.
He moves away from me and gives me a wicked smile. "See you later?"
"Absolutely."
He blows me a kiss and walks out of the office. I sit down in my chair and spin around. I could possibly be the happiest girl in the world right now.
* * *
There are many things I dislike, but dress fittings have to be at the top of my list. I'm at the bridal shop trying on my bright pink bridesmaid dress. My mom is dancing around the shop, drinking champagne. You would think she was getting married for the first time.
"That dress looks amazing on you, Erin," she says excitedly. "And Liza found the perfect shoes to go with it."
"Great," I say, trying to pretend that I care.
She sits down on one of the gold wingback chairs. "I have to run something by you. Sharon and the girls want to do a special ladies' night for me. My question is: do you think it's inappropriate for me to have a bachelorette party?" she asks as she pours herself another glass. "I mean, I am a bachelorette since I'm divorced, so I figure why not."
Why not? Is she kidding? She wants a bachelorette party?
"Mom, what are you asking me?" I'm so confused right now.
She rolls her eyes in frustration. "I'm asking if you think it's strange."
There's no good answer to this, so I tell her to do what she wants. As strange as all of this is, I can't remember the last time I saw my mom this happy and excited. It's almost like my parents had to lose each other to realize that they were meant to be.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you. Sharon told me that Wilbur is dating someone now, and apparently they're getting pretty serious. Like serious as in a possible engagement."
I pour myself a glass of champagne. I figure I might as well join her. She continues talking, "Of course, I told her about Aiden and how wonderful he is."
I take a sip of my champagne and roll my eyes. "Mother, I knew that. Will told me he was seeing someone when Sharon and you were trying to force us to get together."
She gives me a blank stare.
"Anyway," she says ignoring my comment. It's like I wasn't even talking. "I am expecting an engagement announcement from you at some point soon. Maybe you will be engaged before Wilbur?" she asks hopefully.
I exhale loudly. I'm not surprised that she's making this a competition with her friend. She can tell that I'm getting frustrated, so she changes the subject.
"By the way, Aiden and your father are becoming quite good friends. It's actually very sweet." I haven't seen Aiden and my dad interact, but I can imagine my heart will melt when I do.
"Mom, please promise me you won't try to rush this," I beg. "Aiden and I are in a good place, and we're happy."
"Helloooo," Liza calls. She looks fantastic as usual. "I have shoes." Mom rushes to her and grabs the bags. I watch them go crazy over the wedding shoes. I'm really glad that my mom has Liza. She loves a good wedding and everything that goes into planning them. I start to feel guilty. I really should be embracing my parents' second marriage.
"Erin, do you want to try on your shoes?" she asks excitedly.
"Sure."
I have to admit the shoes are gorgeous.
"Oh, Liza, I have to thank you for your input for my article. It turned out fantastic."
She smiles. I actually interviewed Liza and Mya for "Friends ForNever." I needed different experiences with friendships, and both of them gave me some great material in addition to my own experiences.
"I'm so glad," she says. "That was a lot of fun."
"Liza, I was just talking to Erin about what Sharon told me about Wilbur."
"Will," I interject.
"Oh, right," she agrees. "Anyway, I was telling her that I'm expecting an engagement soon. Don't you agree?"
Liza looks back and forth between my mother and me. I know she doesn't want to say the wrong thing. Very typical of the people pleaser that she is.
"Well." She pauses. "I think you make a great couple, and your chemistry certainly is obvious." She cracks a smile. "I guess you never know what the future holds, right?"
"That's true, you never know."
When I finally leave the dress shop, my mom has had plenty of champagne, but I still make her promise not to say a word to Aiden about engagements, rings, or wedding plans (other than hers, of course). I'm not very confident that she will keep her promise.
* * *
I've been so busy with my parents' wedding plans and my new relationship that before I know it, the day I've been dreading has arrived. Today the Paris team returns, and I seriously consider calling in sick, but why should I hide? I especially can't wait to see the looks on their faces when they see me in my very own office. Kimmy is still upset with me that I left her in the trenches with Bre and Aly. We ended up moving Aly's stuff back to her desk and Kimmy took my spot. The poor girl moved her stuff three times all because of me. I need to get her a gift.
When I arrive at the office, Chelsie is the only person there. I barge into her office and sit down. She looks at me, shakes her head, and starts laughing.
I roll my eyes. "What?"
"A little on edge, are we?" she asks. "Don't let them get to you."
When I walk out of Chelsie's office, I run right into Aly. This has to be one of the most awkward moments I've ever experienced.
"Hello, Aly."
"Hi," she says coldly.
She walks past me into Chelsie's office, and I listen outside the door for a few minutes. I can hear her raving about her experience at Bleu Amour. I smile to myself when I hear her mention that she's hoping to move into her own office soon. Chelsie makes it clear that she still has to prove herself at Strike a Pose. I really want to stick my head in and ask her how her relationship is with Madeline Bufont, but I remember what Chelsie said. I refuse to let her get under my skin.
I return to my office and catch up on emails. I made the mistake of telling my mom to email me about wedding stuff instead of calling or texting. After scrolling through my emails, I'm regretting that decision. She also gave my email addr
ess to Sharon who's now sending me emails titled Margie's Bachelorette Party, Taking it back to the Old School. I really wish I didn't read through it, because there are certain things you can't unsee. After reading it, I realize that it may not be appropriate for me to attend this party. If I do, I may be scarred for life. I'm about to respond when I hear a knock at the door and turn around to see Bre standing in the doorway. Neither of us says anything at first until she walks in and sits down.
"I see you finally got your office. Congrats."
I nod. "Thanks. Welcome back."
She starts talking. "Look, I know you probably don't want to talk to me, but I did want to apologize one more time. I wish I could take it all back now," she says. I know she's trying to sincerely apologize, but I also know she would not change anything because that would have changed the outcome. She would never have given up a shot at Paris.
"Bre, what's done is done. Let's just try to move forward the best we can," I tell her.
She gives me a curious look. "So, we can move forward? I mean, it would probably be a good idea for Harry and Aiden, of course."
I knew she would bring them up, and she does have a point. Even though I want to, I refrain from bragging about going to dinner with their parents. I'm sure she will find out soon enough. And I'm sure she'll be upset when she finds out it was at French Laundry. Although Harry will probably take her there just to appease her.
"Yeah," I tell her. "It's the right thing to do."
She jumps up and is about to cheer, but she takes her excitement down a notch. "Well, thanks," she says calmly.
After she leaves, Kimmy comes in and folds her arms. "I may never forgive you for this. Aly is the worst, and the trip to Paris has turned her into a monster." Poor Kimmy.
"I'm sorry. I have a pair of headphones you can use." She sighs and walks out in a huff.
On my way home, I pick up Chinese food for Aiden and me. I'm so excited to see him tonight. I'm feeling so positive about my life right now. Everything seems to be falling into place. Today turned out to be much better than I expected. I didn't really see either Bre or Aly again, so I was relieved about that. I know that as the days go by I will be forced to have more interaction, but for now, things are okay.
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