After Forever & Ever

Chapter 133

Hardin-Present

I think seeing her brought this happiness back to me that I have been craving since she left and left with Emery. And seeing both of them made me happy but also brought this false sense that everything is okay now....even though as much as I want to pretend it is. I know it's not...

I don't want to see it but I see it written all over her face...she's confused. I look down at her hand and see the ring and it overwhelms me with how much I want her to be my wife. But then pains me at the same time knowing she doesn't feel that same way.

As she gets ready I hang out and play with Emery some more until I have to get ready myself and Vance gives Emery a bottle, so she can be ready for bed.

When I get out of the shower. Tessa is dressed and she looks fucking gorgeous.

"Wow you look beautiful" I tell her.

"Thanks babe." She replies.

I go into our bedroom and get ready... it is a little on the fancy side so I wear black dress pants. A black button up and a black suit jacket. No tie though.

When I'm done getting ready we say goodnight to Emery and head out.

As we are driving we both aren't saying much because I think we both don't want to say the wrong thing and ruin tonight.

She grabs my hand to hold it and when we are stopped at the next red light I bring her hand to my lips and gently kiss it.

And then I just look at her...All I want is for us to be us....and for us to work....that's all that's going through my head.

When we get there I wasn't expecting any paparazzi but I guess I should have. I get the car valeted and when we get out... we are stormed with people so we quickly make our way inside.

"That's crazy." Tessa says to me.

"Yea I don't think I'll ever get used to that." I tell her.

They are having a cocktail hour beforehand so we go in and are quickly asked if we want any appetizers or Champagne.

Tessa takes a glass of Champagne and I take an appetizer.

We stand at a table and then Savannah and JJ come over.

Savannah gives me a side hug....which whatever.

"Hi Tessa." She says in a very Molly tone.

"Hi." Tess simply replies.

"Did you take care of Hardin while he was sick all week?" Savannah asks even though she knows the truth.

I respond for Tessa. "Yea....she was a perfect nurse."

"Mhmmm." Savannah replies.

Then it's awkwardly silent until...

"Hardin did you tell Tessa about the tour?" Savannah asks.

"Tour?" Tessa quickly questions.

"I guess not." Savannah follows with.

"It would only be a six show tour." I say to her.

Tessa just looks at me and then takes a sip of her drink then sets it down. "I'm going to run to the bathroom" she says then walks away.

"What is your problem?" I ask Savannah.

"What?!!" She replies.

"I haven't even agreed to it yet, and you fucking knew I didn't tell her." I reply slightly raising my voice.

I leave the table and go find Tessa. I am of course stopped by people and have to talk about the song... and our new music. And about 10 minutes later I am able to sneak away. I see Tessa back at the table we were standing at but luckily alone.