Soulmate's Words

Chapter Two

~One Year Later~

"Emma, please? You're nineteen now. You could have come with me last year, but you didn't! Please? Come enjoy your birthday," Cassie pleaded.

"You know I'm uncomfortable in such crowded places! How would that make my birthday more fun? Besides, we could always just share a few drinks here. We don't have to go to a club to get drinks," I countered, trying to make her see reason.

Unfortunately, Cassie sometimes knew me better than I know myself. She stuck her bottom lip out, and batted her eyelashes.

"Just this once? I promise if you absolutely hate it, we'll leave, and I won't ask you to go again. Please?"

I slumped my shoulders, wondering if there would ever be a time when I wouldn't cave under the puppy-dog eyes. Cassie's face morphed from pathetic pout to successful smirk in less than a second.

"Come on! It's already seven; we need to get you ready."

An hour, several dresses, and a ton of makeup later, we pulled up to the most popular club in London. I groaned, regretting having a social butterfly for a friend. Climbing out of the cab, I tugged the tiny dress as far down as I could. Cassie took the lead, and I followed meekly behind her.

"Emma, go get us a seat at the bar, I want to dance first," she shouted over the pounding bass. Before I could reply, she slipped into the crowd.

I stuck to the edge of the packed room, making my way to the edge of the bar, where two seats waited right up against the wall. Hopping up onto the stool, I rested my chin on my hand, not even bothering to order a drink yet. This was going to be a long night.

It didn't take long for me to zone out, doing my best to block out the ear splitting excuse for music. My mind wandered to my latest sketch project, and I was so deep in thought that I shrieked when a hand touched my shoulder.

I whipped around to see a tall, thin man standing behind me, his face obscured in shadows. Trembling, I wondered what he wanted. He leaned in as if to say something so I could hear him.

"Excuse me, miss," he started, and I wrinkled my brow in confusion. I know that phrase... "Is this seat taken?"

My eyes bulged, and I gasped sharply. It's him! Nodding quickly, I tried to calm my nerves.

"Go ahead," I replied shakily. "My friend is dancing."

His jaw dropped. "Now I feel even worse about startling you so bad. May I ask the name behind the handwriting?" He seemed a little nervous, a little relieved, but most of all, he seemed surprised.