Page 68 of The Golden Scoop

“You know my struggles with trust. There’s nothing I can say to you that you haven’t said to me already,” Julia says. “But Em, I’ve never seen anyone look at you the way he does.”

My instinct is to argue with that. I don’t.

“Miss Miller!”

“They’re going to break this door down.”

“Kiss him.”

“What?! That’s your advice?”

“Who knows? A lot can be revealed with a kiss.”

“Fucking hell.”

Terrible idea. Why am I considering it?

“Keep me updated. Send pictures. Say yes to all the minions, they know best. Good luck!”

“Alright. Love you, Jay. See you soon!”

Okay. Fake it until I emotionally collapse, I guess.

I tuck my phone into the pocket of my jeans and brave whatever it is that my life is turning into.

The elevator ride to the Club Lounge is too short. I trace my hands down the side of the dress and turn to the mirror to adjust the neckline. Clothes usually don’t move me, but this piece has won me over. Confidence included.

We’ve gone with an emerald satin gown. Apparently, black, my safe option, is too predictable. Omar insisted I lean into my assets. I said no. He said trust. I hate that he was right.

My eyes match the soft material. The draped neckline and the open back, held by delicate straps, make my skin look like I’ve just returned from being a plus one in Julia’s honeymoon. In reality, it’s old sunburn and questionable life choices, strategically concealed with makeup.

Cinched at the waist, with a low slit that proves that, despite not being the tallest of the bunch, I do in fact have nice legs. The gold stilettos help. I feel like a performance ready to happen.

My makeup is simple: bronzed glow and nude lips. They managed to get my hair into a soft bun that looks both classy and sexy at the same time.

For the first time in forever, I don’t feel like I’m trying to be confident. I just am.

As the doors open to the lounge, I decide that even if anything embarrassing happens tonight, at least I look incredible. That, and I’m keeping this outfit. He can consider it payment.

I spot Matt immediately. He’s in a full tux, looking better than he did at the wedding. Though I didn’t think it was possible, he’s here to prove me wrong.

He’s sipping on some brown liquor when his eyes meet mine at his hand freezes midair.

My steps are small, giving him time to set the glass down and stand. He moves his pointer finger around, asking for a show.

My cheeks heat up with the attention, but I give him a slow twirl. When our eyes meet again, his jaw has dropped and his hand has come up to clutch his chest.

“You look…” he says, with a small shake of his head. “I have no words.”

“I thought I told you to work on your compliment game,” I tease with a laugh.

The more he looks me over, the better I feel. I shouldn’t care this much about a man’s reaction. But his… I’m enjoying it.

“I was an idiot.”

Matt reaches out but stops himself before he gets to my waist.

I almost wish he wouldn’t.