"I hope you know what you are doing, Emma." Britney said, giving me a gentle squeeze on my arm too.
"Yes, of course. Trust me, I am fine. Enough about me, what's up with you two?" I made a meek attempt to change the topic.
"I don't feel good about this, you know we are here for you, and you can tell us anything that worries you. Anything at all." Niki reiterated, trying to be sure that I am not hiding anything from them.
"Of course, guys. I am fine; this is just Jake's way of showing his concern. Relax you two."
Thankfully, the waiter came in to take our orders. As we gave him our choices, Britney broke the first conversation, she started gleefully "well, my parents are visiting Max and me next weekend. We are going to fix the wedding date."
"Wow! That's great news. I am so happy. You guys make a lovely couple." I almost jumped in joy, making people turn in our direction.
"I can sing to the wedding bells already." Niki chimed in.
"I know guys. This is it. You both have to help me with all the wedding planning."
"Obviously." Niki and I said in unison, and all three of us let out a laugh together.
We ate our food and discussed all potential wedding plans, from every dreamy thing to minutest details.
Girls loved weddings. Period.
"Well, I have an upcoming party too. Nate and I are planning a big anniversary surprise for our parent's 25th at our place. It's two weeks from now, and you both are invited. Get Max and Jake too. It will be fun." Niki stated excitedly.
"Are you sure I can get Jake along? With Nate being there?" I hesitated.
"Who's Nate?" Britney asked.
"Nate is my twin brother and Emma's ex. And yes, why should it be a problem getting Jake along? Nate and Jessica are still together, and you have every right to move on as well." Niki reasoned.
After thinking for a while, I agreed, "Yeah, it makes sense. Cool, I will invite Jake."
"And I will invite Max." Britney grinned.
"I am also planning on making my parents meet Barry. I think it's getting serious." Niki cooed shyly.
"Aww! Look at you, I think Barry is great. Did he tell you how he feels about this relationship?"
"Umm not really. But we are getting there. I can feel it happening... soon."
"Wow. Let's plan a double wedding Niki. We can do a destination one together." Britney suggested with full enthusiasm.
"As much as I am tempted darling, I don't want to scare Barry away. Let's take it a tiny bit slow." Niki rolled her eyes at Britney.
"Yayy! I feel we are going to have an amazing rest of the year". I concluded. I felt positive and hopeful; love was in the air after all.
The rest of the day went in a wink. Time flew when I was with these two. I checked my phone for any messages from Jake, but nothing.
I missed him, but I also knew that he was dealing with some critical things. I was craving a hug, but I guess I would have to wait another full day for that.
I was exhausted. I went back home and immediately hit the bed. Within minutes, sleep took over me.
Chapter 27
Such a Tease
Emma
Richmond Headquarters
I was scrolling through my emails, when suddenly a meeting invite popped up. It was from Maria, Jake's secretary.
"Mr. Richmond has requested the presence of the entire legal team on an urgent requirement in Conference Room 4. Please prioritize this meeting over any ongoing work."
The meeting was scheduled for 10:30 am, in 20 precise minutes from now.
My heart fluttered thinking of meeting Jake again. It had been a week since I last saw him. I suddenly felt a warm feeling wash over my body, my cheeks flushed and I was idiotically blushing sitting alone in my cabin.
After containing myself a bit, I looked at the time and headed straight to the conference room.
I met Mark in the elevator.
"Hi Emma. Good Morning."
"Good Morning, Mark! How are you today? Any idea what's this meeting is about?"
"I am as good as can be. Thank You for asking Emma. Can't say but since it's an urgent meeting, I am guessing it has to do something with the Norway project."
"Yes, you are right, looks like it."
We all got seated in the conference room, and were waiting for Jake to join us. Within minutes, he entered the room with his typical flamboyance, making me go weak in my knees, just by his looks.
You are such freak when it comes to him. My inner self taunted.
He gave me a quick glance and I couldn't help but smile warmly.
"Good Morning, Everyone. I have called this meeting to inform you all about the latest development on the Norway project, and also the European oil excavation tender we lost six months back."
Jake paused for a bit, while everyone listened attentively in pin drop silence. "We have thorough evidence that the tender was tempered by Windson Inc. and as we speak, Richmond Corp has issued a subpoena to them slamming a bribery lawsuit with other litigation charges."
Every single person presents in the room, including me, gasped. We were stunned at the revelation. It was a very risky move.
What are you up to Jake? I pondered in my head. I felt uneasy, unsure of why but I felt scared.
While we all sat there comprehending in our heads, the information he just disclosed, he continued. "So obviously we won't be going ahead with our partnership with them in the Norway project, in fact we would be proposing to lead that project independently." He gave a firm look to everyone in
