Chapter 52
1036words
I looked at the caller ID but it was private. It must be him. I let it ring. I don't know why I did that when I was hoping that he would call to at least make sure I was alright.
It rang again; this time it was Halley's number.
He must be using Halley's phone or put her up to this.
I sent it to voicemail.
I found enjoyment in the calls then switched my phone off for the rest of the evening.
A knock came on my door softly after I returned inside. I jumped up from my chair with a rush.
Who's that at the door? Has he found me already? Did he pay someone to follow me?
Thank goodness there was a peephole on the door. I looked through and saw a smiling cheerful face. I opened the door.
'Sorry to disturb you, Emma, but I'm having a dinner feast in my suite to celebrate my birthday and I was wondering if you'd like to come. It begins at eight.'
'Happy birthday,' I said, trying to sound as excited as he was.
'Actually, it was yesterday, but will you come by?'
'I'll drop by, but maybe only for an hour or so. I have something important to do tomorrow so I'll need my sleep.'
'Okay. Thanks, Emma.'
_________
At eight, I had watched people piled into his suite. I even made out the old lady who had been at the reception table in the main office. I slowly made my way up, wondering if I should really attend or go back and lock myself in the apartment, but my feet were carrying me forward. I had to start socializing and bonding with people around me. I couldn't just shut myself out from the world and become a complete stranger to everyone.
The world isn't a bad place, there's just bad people in it, so I'll just have to watch my back. Always watch my back.
'Hello, Emma; glad you came,' Roger greeted as I came through the door; he was wearing a formal suit.
His penthouse was huge. The place was beyond amazing; It looked so simple and plain on the outside. There was even a pool, which was occupied by some trashy looking young ladies in bikinis. A DJ was playing some really hyped music. Everyone was already dancing and drinking. Waitresses and servers passed around with drinks and finger foods. A smiling, young guy gave me a glass of nonalcoholic sparkling drink.
I began to laugh really hard along with everyone when the old lady got on the dance floor; she was boogying with her cane. Everyone cleared the floor and began chanting and clapping for her; I joined in.
'My grandma is crazy,' Roger said behind me.
'Oh, she's your grandmother?'
'Yeah,' he leaned in closer to my ear so I would hear him over the loud music. His manly scent was wonderful. 'Wanna dance?'
'Um... No... I don't... dance,' I loudly said back in his ear.
'Oh come on, Emma. It would be fun.'
With that, he took me to the dance floor and everyone started dancing with a partner to Neyo ft Pitbull's 'Give Me Everything'.
Everyone was swaying to the beat and the hype of the song and I fell into trance too.
Ethan's POV
She was gone. She just up and left. It's funny how relationships change overnight. One minute you're happy the next you're left all alone with sorrow in your soul.
It was Saturday morning. I wasn't going into the office today because I'd promised my Nana I would spend the day with her at the golf course. I hadn't seen her since the birthday party and I was looking forward to some of her wisdom.
After showering and getting dressed in denim jeans and a plain white T-shirt with white sneakers, I took my black SUV from the mansion's garage. It wasn't one of my favorite cars but it was a comfortable ride for my Nana and it was spacious enough for the golf clubs, picnic basket and cooler for drinks.
It was sunny and bright as I drove down the street and took the first intersection to her mansion. It was much smaller than mine but it was suitable for her; she lived alone; my grandfather passed away three years ago. Her mansion had its security guards and systems, automatic voice recognition gate, and a nice swimming pool at the front. It was located on a hill side and looked a lot like the country. I used to love coming here before I bought my own house.
'Ethan, you came!' She look so cheerful in a white flower printed dress and a white hat.
'Hi Nana, of course I came,' I returned her hug.
'But why didn't you bring Emma along? The fresh air, she would have loved it. Oh baby, go back for Emma.' She pulled playfully on my cheeks, which was one of her favorite things to do when asking for a favor.
My facial expression immediately changed. I already missed Emma. Letting her walk away from me was the stupidest thing I had ever done, but I didn't want to hold her against her will. She wanted to leave.
'Nana, that's not going to be possible,' I said, placing the cooler into the van.
'Why is that?'
I didn't answer.
'Ethan! What did you do?'
'Nana, she left. She threw the ring at me and she left.'
'Why'd she throw the ring? She's not crazy; she wouldn't just throw the ring for no reason.'
'I almost cheated on her and the woman I almost cheated with left her underwear in my jacket and Emma found it.' I placed the clubs in the van also then the picnic basket.
She got in the passenger's front seat, fanning herself with the hat. I knew she was upset because she was silent the entire ride to the golf course.
It was midday when we arrived. There were other golfers around and I really wanted to try my swing against her, but Nana's mood was now gloomy and dark. She wasn't up for golfing anymore. She just sat on a bench.
