AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Why did you put together this whole elaborate plan to get me together with Jayna?”
Emmaline shrugged and gave him a weak smile. “I suppose I should have just come out and said, ‘Hey, according to Rosalind’s new matchmaking aggregator, there’s a singing mermaid in California who just might be your soulmate. You should ask her out.’”
Sid chuckled in spite of himself. “Yeah, I suppose that wouldn’t have gone over very well.”
“Besides, the business case for buying Realms of Neptune was sound, even if it’s not your usual type of business. But aside from bringing the park to your attention, all I did was encourage this trip to Manutai so we could give her a ride. Everything else came from you.”
“Em, you got her boyfriend transferred to Europe.”
Emmaline ducked her head sheepishly. “Okay, I do feel bad about that. But only a little. Those two were not a good match. I expected their relationship to fall apart on its own long before you bought the park.”
Sid let out a deep sigh. “Most relationships do, I guess.”
“But not all.” Emmaline stepped towards him and held out the newspaper. “I think you’re going to want to see this.”
He scowled at the paper. “I thought I put the subscription on hold this week.”
“It’s a special edition.”
Sid’s insides twisted. The last time he’d received a special edition of the paper had been when Crystal had thrown him into the void. He snatched it from her and stared down at the front page.
“Aggrieved Mermaid Makes Statement.” Below the headline, a photo of Sid and Jayna on the red carpet had been torn down the center, separating the two of them.
He thrust the paper at Emmaline and let go, forcing her to catch it. “I don’t want to read it.”
“Fine,” she said as he turned away. “I’ll read it to you.” She made an exaggerated demonstration of straightening the paper and cleared her throat. “Manutai Jubilee Merathlon winner Jayna Cooper has issued a statement addressing her very public breakup with international business magnate Obsidian Hayes at last night’s Manutai Jubilee Ball.
“In her statement, Ms. Cooper apologized for ‘making a scene in front of the distinguished guests,’ an apparent reference to her having unceremoniously shoved Mr. Hayes into the resort’s fountain before storming off into the night.”
“But she didn’t…” He wasn’t sure if letting people think he’d been pushed was better or worse than the truth. “Never mind. Keep going.”
“Ms. Cooper continued by expressing regret for any embarrassment or discomfort she may have caused Mr. Hayes. ‘I know Obsidian is a kind and caring person who has always placed the needs of others ahead of his own,’ she said in her statement. ‘I regret that my actions may cause him to miss out on opportunities to help and serve others and ask those that may judge him harshly because of my actions to please reconsider.’”
This obvious reference to Sid’s reputation and the Cerulean Order was a surprise. Jayna’s statement stood in stark contrast to Crystal’s, and Sid again had the feeling that maybe he had misjudged her.
“Despite the painful breakup, Ms. Cooper said she wishes Mr. Hayes nothing but happiness and success. She referenced his many admirable qualities and expressed gratitude for the time they shared together.
“Mr. Hayes has not yet issued a statement regarding the dramatic events that led to the public end of their relationship.”
The last shreds of doubt evaporated, and Sid knew for certain he had made a terrible mistake letting Jayna go. He held up his hand and said, “Stop. I think I’ve heard enough.”
Emmaline nodded. She folded the paper, slipped it under her arm, and waited.
Sid’s head throbbed, and his heart ached. He needed to let Jayna go. He needed to put their relationship behind him and move on, the same as he had done after Crystal.
And yet, this statement only proved that Jayna was nothing like Crystal. Moving on was going to be so much harder.
“I guess Rosalind’s aggregators weren’t so far off after all,” he said.
Emmaline gave him a hesitant smile. “I was hoping you’d feel that way. I know it’s probably too soon but let me know when you’re ready. I’ll have Rosalind refresh the list.”
Sid considered her words for a moment. “No.”
“Why not? We know the aggregators work. Your relationship with Jayna failed because I made the mistake of trying to play matchmaker without you knowing. I’m confident this next attempt will succeed because you’ll be involved from the beginning.”
Sid shook his head. “Don’t you dare have Rosalind refresh the search.”
Emmaline looked like she’d been slapped. “But I thought…”
