Chapter 7
Rosalie hadn’t expected Arlene to stay s
stay so calm, and for a split second, the smile froze on her face
She recovered quickly, though, nodding and helping the guest upstairs.
Once they disappeared, Arlene picked up the bottle of champagne, a sly smile playing at her lips as she glanced around.
“Anyone care for another drink?” she asked the mom
Naturally, after an incident like that, no one was in the mood for more merrymaking. People mumbled excuses and slipped away one by one
As the living room gradually emptied out Arlene sank into the sofa, sipping her champagne in slow, thoughtful mouthfuls.)
At eleven, Rosalie finally came back down. With everyone gone, she dropped the act, slamming the door behind her as she strutted out, her confidence now unrestrained.
The moment Rosalie left. Arlene’s phone rang
When she saw Pearson’s name on the screen, her usually impassive face softened with an involuntary smile)
“Didn’t we just talk this morning?” she teased as she answered…
On the other end, Pearson’s voice sounded a bit sulky.
“It’s your birthday. You won’t even come see me, so can’t at least call to say happy birthday?“”
Remembering the pout he’d worn earlier that day when she told him she wouldn’t be coming over, Arlene’s heart melted a little. Her voice gentled as she tried to comfort him
Come on now, this is my last birthday as a married woman, if you’re upset, ill give you the rights to all my future birthdays–you can decide how we celebrate, any
way you want. How’s that?
He chuckled, the smile clear in his voice. “Any way I want? You can’t take it back.”
She laughed softly. Tm about to get divorced for you–when have I ever lied to you?”
They chatted for another half hour or so, talking about nothing and everything. Arlene was about to say goodnight when, suddenly, the sound of fireworks exploded outside her window!
She turned, and through the darkness, she saw bursts of gold and silver light blossom across the sky–so many, so bright, they outshone the stars.
In her ear, Pearson’s voice came through–gentle, but more serious than usual.
“Happy birthday, Arlene,” he said quietly. “From now on, fill be here for you, every your”
Arlene froze.
Did Pearson arrange this?
is just a
She humed to the window, only to discover fireworks lighting up the entire city. There was no way he could have pulled off something this extravagant–he was, student, after all it had to be a coincidence
The next moming. Emery woke up to find the living room still decorated from the night before. Only then did he realize it had been fulene’s birthday.
Rubbing his aching head, he called his assistant and told him to pick out the most expensive diamond necklaces in town and deliver them right away!
But instead of his secretary, it was Rosalie who showed up
The sight of her made his headache even worse, and his tone was less patient than usual!
“What are you doing here??
Rosalie immediately pouted, her eyes filling with wounded innocence
“I just wanted to see you, so i volunteered to deliver the gift myself. Im sorry–if you’re upset, I won’t come again.%
Emery could never resist her when she acted like this–one look at her tearful face and he caved pulling her into his arms and trying to soothe her?
“Alright, that’s not what I meant Don’t cry, okay??
But Rosalie kept smiling, tears streaming down her cheeks.
In his desperation to calm her down, Emery promised. “Ask for anything you want, and make it happen.”
At last, she stopped crying, her voice turning sweet and soft!
Anything at all?
He nodded. “Anything even if you want a star from the sky. Il find a way.”
“Then I want to stay in this house for a few days. I ward to be with you, day and night. Is that okay?
The smile vanished from Emery’s face
He hesitated he had promised Arlene, long ago, that no matter what happened between them, he would never bring anyone home
He was about to refuse when the sound of footsteps echoed from the staircase, followed by the housekeeper’s cheerful greeting
Emery jumped up, trying to explain why Rosalie was here, but Rosalie best him to it
“Good morning. Mrs. Tucker,” she said sweetly. This is a birthday present from Mr. Tucker Oh, and my neighborhood’s been having some trouble with break–ins lately Mr. Tucker agreed to let me stay here for a few days. You don’t mind, do you?
Viene ignored the provocation, her face calm and composed.
““But yourself,” she replied.
