Page 27 of Unbalanced

“Can you tell me the strain?”

I shake my head.

“You need specific equipment for that and a commercial lab. I’m just a florist. But I know a couple of people you can contact. I’ll text you their numbers,” I say, and then laugh as Rob pretends to bite my finger.

“I could fucking eat you right now, thank you.”

His eyes shine with warmth and humor. This is the Rob that is kind and fun, the one I enjoy being around.

“Hopefully, it helps. I hate that you’re under so much pressure at work.”

“It certainly gives me a new angle to try. I really am sorry that I’ve been such a jerk,” he says as we pull through the gates of the family estate.

I nod and tell him he’s forgiven. We need to have a longer conversation about his drinking. But now isn’t the time.

We pull up to the well-lit front of the stone mansion. I’m gobsmacked every time by the size and beauty of this property. We park behind Alden’s car, and my heart flutters. I’m nervous to see him after I made such a fool of myself yesterday.

I put my hand on the door, but Rob pulls me back. He cups my face and his lips crash against mine. He’s always been exciting and spontaneous, but this is different. It feels forced, like he’s trying too hard. An edge of anger still simmers under the act.

“I know a few good spots in the house where we can sneak away for a private dessert,” he says with a smirk, then gets out of the car.

The idea of sneaking off into a quiet room with Rob doesn’t stir anything in me other than dread. I shake it off. Checking my makeup and hair quickly, I climb out when Rob opens the door.

I take his arm, and he leads us up the front steps. We let ourselves in, and everywhere I look, there is a golden hue from the fancy chandeliers to the candles. It’s like stepping back in time. The decadence is overwhelming.

As we near the dining room, I hear voices. I’m not prepared when we walk in to see a pretty brunette on Alden’s arm. She looks stunning in a ruby-red dress and matching gems. All the women present, from Rob and Alden’s mother to the wives and girlfriends, aunts, and cousins, are dressed immaculately. This is no simple family dinner for Alden’s birthday.

Alden looks my way, and his eyes flick up and down like he’s inspecting me. I suddenly feel very out of place. A cashmere sweater dress and sandals do not fit the dress code for the evening. I freeze, jerking Rob to a halt as mortification rolls through me.

“Why didn’t you tell me it was formal wear?”

I step away from the door, so I’m out of view. My palms are sweaty, and I want to sprint away.

He shrugs.

“Who cares, it’s just clothes.”

But it’s not just clothes, at least not to me. I’ve never fit in, not at school, work, or society as a whole. I’ve always been the outcast, overlooked or shunned, and I’ve spent my entire life fighting to prove that I belong. Not having a fancy family name or large bank account doesn’t mean I’m not worthy of respect.

I may as well have arrived in jeans and a ripped band T-shirt.

“No, Rob, it’s not just clothes. I’ve only met your mother twice for tea. I’ve never met any of your extended family, and I want to make a good first impression,” I whisper, shaking my head as I look down at the casual dress.

“You’re being ridiculous and stupid,” he says, and my head snaps up as I glare at him. “No one gives a shit about your clothes. Now are you coming or are you going to go pout in the car?”

Alden steps out of the room, thankfully alone, and looks between Rob and me. My entire body heats and I cross my arms over my chest like that will somehow hide my embarrassment.

“There’s the birthday boy,” Rob says, gripping Alden in a hug that he unenthusiastically returns as his eyes lock on mine. “Thirty-three, you’re getting old.”

“It’s only a number,” Alden says, stepping back. “So…what’s going on out here?”

Rob looks at me and rolls his eyes like I’m being difficult. I want to punch him square in the face.

“Emily is being dumb about her dress. I don’t get women.”

Alden cocks an eyebrow.

“Is that so?”