A New Kind of Love.

Part 4

Present time - New York City, Birthday Day. April 18

I wake up to the obnoxious voice I heard every single weekend. " Happy birthday Joanne!! Happy birthday Joanneeee", Rosalie is singing me the happy birthday song , she does it every year we've been living here.

" God as a birthday gift just let me sleep in", I tiredly whine. She opens the blinds up letting the whole sun brighten up my dull gloomy room.

" No m'am, we're going out to eat and shopping!" Rosalie insists.

" God what time is it?" I ask, picking myself up from the bed.

" It's 10:34am, I hope you're ready by 12:00pm", she warns me. I roll my eyes at her.

" Make sure you wear something super comfy. As soon as we get back you have to get ready super sexy", she winks at me, walking out my room.

I tidy and fix myself up then head out sooner than expected.

-- At the restaurant -

" So your dad randomly shows up to the office and gets on to you for the percentage Henry has gone up?" Rosalie brings her drink to her lips,shooting me a confused look.

" Yeah, it was super random? He didn't call or text me that he was coming to New York. He said I needed to get my
' shit together', whatever that means."

" Henry's business has gone up 3% recently and from what I know Henry isn't one of the best men in business,he hasn't been in almost 4 years-UNLESS someone else is helping him run the company", I add on.

" I know I've always said my dad has a shit company but in reality it's not,I feel bad for letting his rival one up us-

" Maybe Sebastian is helping him run the business? I've heard Henry's company is announcing a co-founder soon", I look up at Rosalie amused.

" That could be true but Sebastian was never interested in business or even helping his dad with the company? It could be his sister", I state.

I can't help but wonder if it is Sebastian. Then I remember his sister was always invested in the business and to take over his dads company. I'm disappointed in myself for having false hopes I could see Sebastian one more time.

-- The afternoon 7pm--

Rosalie and I went shopping after our breakfast date. I bought myself a beautiful dress to wear tonight. Rosalie decided to invite well known industry people, though I was a bit annoyed because I wanted it to be a more personal event.

Interrupting my thoughts I heard a knock on my bedroom door. " Come in".

" Hey there's a couple of people here already- are you ready yet?" Rosalie sits next to me.

"Yeah I'm ready, I'm just thinking", she turns to look at me. " About what? What's going on?" She tucks my hair behind my ear. " Just how much my life has changed, the position I'm in. It seems surreal that this is me, and I'm getting older. Shit is serious", I giggle after finishing my sentence off.

"You are in a great position, and with that position you're wearing red bottoms- look at those heels!!" She jokes.

I look over at her and laugh. " You're a great friend have I told you that ever?" I take her hands and we both stand up.

She sadly sighs and looks at me with puppy eyes. " I try my best, but you're the best friend ever AND I don't want to lose you ever", she goes on. I hug her. " Happy birthday best friend", she faintly says. I hold her tighter.

" I hate to break this up, love, but there is some people waiting for you", Robert comes barging in announcing his presence.

We all look at each other and giggle. I make my way over to the main living room and greet some people.

" Joanne Ava Sullivan", I hear a familiar voice behind me. I turn around to find my dads former associate. I flash him a fake smile and go on to greet him. " John, how have you been?" I hypocritically ask.

" Oh I'm well, I'm bloody tired from traveling back and forth from New York to London." He emphasizes.

" Oh that's great, how is your wife?" Take that British fuck.

" Oh, her. We've split a couple months back. I'm doing great my business is up and running", he brings his drink up to his lips, sipping nervously.

" That's great! I hope we get to talk more later, I really have to go greet my guests as you may know", I politely say.

" Make sure you greet your father on my part".

" I willl!"

Bitch ass.

I walk around making sure to make everyone feel welcome. Most of them ask about my father, Liam. Not a surprise that they are more interested in him rather than me, and it's my birthday. I guess that's all I am to them. Liam's daughter, not Joanne.

I feel a pair of familiar arms wrap around my waist and pull me in. " Hey birthday girl", he whispers into my ear,giving me chills down my neck. I turn around and place a peck on his cheek. " I have something for you beautiful girl", Robert raises his eyebrow flirtatiously.
" Are you drunk?" I ask.

" Tipsy- but here you go, I hope you like it", he reaches for my hand and then reaches to get something out of his pocket. A silver bracelet.

" Oh god- I love it Robert. It's gorgeous", my eyes are hypnotized by the beautiful bracelet. He carefully puts it on for me.
" And many more birthdays to come, Joanne", he pulls me in for a kiss.

" Sorry to interrupt this cute moment- I'm going to go and lay down for a bit Joanne. I don't feel well", Rosalie comes rushing towards us. " Yeah that's totally fine go ahead!" I comfortingly rub the side of her shoulder.

" I'll be back for the cake tho!" She yells out as she walks away.

" Babe, do you remember when we spent New Years together?" Robert reminisces.

" Yeah it was great-

" I want to spend every year with you- have you thought about what I told you?" I nervously gulp as he asks. " About the marriage thing?" I'm saved by the doorbell. I rush over to the door to open it.

As I'm about to open the door Rosalie comes running over.

" Ouuu that must be the special surprise I got for you", she whispers to me.

" STRIPPERS!!" She exclaims. I widen my eyes at her. " Rosalie!"

" Girl just let me open the door", she pushes me out of the way.

She opens the door and my heart drops to my stomach. " Oh my god", I mumble.

" Holy shit", Rosalie whispers.