The Engagement

Chapter Eight

True to his word, Alex didn't tell her where they were going no matter how many ways she asked. When they pulled up in front of a nondescript, brick building, she didn't feel anymore prepared than before. Aside from an address in fading black paint, there were no identifying factors. She didn't lie when she said she hated surprises. You couldn't be prepared for surprises. And Emme didn't like coming in blind to anything.

By the time she undid her seat belt, Alex was around the hood and opening her door for her. Emme didn't know whether to be pleased or annoyed. Alex had manners, that she knew, but it didn't mean she wanted to acknowledge them. She didn't want to soften to him in any way. The less of herself she gave in this marriage, the less she had to lose.

"Are you getting out?"

Blinking, she realized she lost herself in her thoughts. Without a word, she carefully navigated exiting the car in heels and a skirt. With a press of the remote, Alex locked the car and headed inside, leaving her no choice but to follow.

The interior smelled of old books and ancient carpet. A low thrum of noise reached them in the entryway. As her eyes adjusted to the low lighting, she saw a lone woman surrounded by kids of varying ages of teenager. Emme could never claim to be a huge fan of teenagers. She remembered very well being one herself, and breaking all the rules she could break just for the sake of breaking them.

The click of her heels must have alerted them; a dozen sets of eyes turned their way. Emme didn't mind being the center of attention, but this was a bit ridiculous.

"Alex!" The gorgeous blonde broke away from the circle of kids, heading their way with a smile bright enough to cut through the dim.

"Hey, Jess." And he made no move to step aside when the woman hugged him as if there were long lost pals - or more to the point, former lovers.

It shouldn't be her business, it shouldn't bother her at all. Yet, she found herself clearing her throat, tired of being invisible. If she was going to be his fiance, she thought she might as well play the part.

They broke away, but Alex kept his arm around Jess's waist. Emme resisted the urge to grind her teeth.

"Jess, this is Emme, my fiance."

"Oh! Alex, you didn't tell me you were getting married." Jess held out her hand, and Emme deliberately shook is with her ringed one.

"It's a new development."

"So nice to meet the woman that can finally get this man to settle down."

Emme offered her a limp smile. "Never thought you would see the day, hm?"

Jess laughed, oblivious to her less than friendly behavior, or just too nice to react to it. "No, not really. But, if anyone deserves a happily ever after, it's this guy."

Ignoring Alex entirely, not wanting to see the gloating expression she was sure he sported, she gestured to the room. "So, Jess, what is it you do here?"

Stepping away from Alex, Jess gestured to the various hodgepodge of furniture and tables. "This is a wonderful place. Kids get a place to come and socialize, and better still, a place to be if their parents work late or..." She trailed off as a kid approached.

"Alex! Hey, what's up?"

"Kyle, hey, nice to see you. You still on for that game of pool?"

"Yeah. Be prepared to lose."

Alex laughed. Emme didn't like that she liked the sound. Or that Alex was leaving her alone with Jess, to go into the next room.

"Would you like a tour?"