Emma

Theo evenly slides the black vehicle next to the valet and turns to me before we get out of the car with a rhetorical inquiry, "Ready?"

I study his handsome face. What was I doing in a car like this with a guy like him? I lean over and fix his grey tie underneath the spotless black suit he has on, his white collar standing out against the strong, tan pillar of his throat.

"As I'll ever be." I mumble and he gracefully steps out. Cameras flash as always and Theo easily tosses the male valet the keys. He casually buttons his suit as he comes around to open my door.

I slide my fingers in the crook of his elbow, the smooth, crisp material of his suit sliding across my finger pads. I un-tuck my hair from behind my ears to cover my face.

"Ah Theo. When are ya' gonna give me somethin' good? The same lady all the time? That's gotta be boring. And I heard that you had game." One of the reporters crudely calls out as he clicks casual photos.

Theo chuckles artificially, "What can I say fellas? She's my best friend."

Protectively, he hustles me inside with a reassuring arm across my shoulder. Heat emanates from his close proximity and I fight the rising blush in my cheeks with difficulty. I gaze up at him underneath my lashes, his head turned to look behind us to make sure those men didn't follow us. How could he remain oblivious to the electricity we were generating?

We enter the majestic skyscraper and I stare at the space age architectural structure. The servers tell us to stand by for a minute while they check the guest list. I inform Theo about the crown moldings and he listens, maybe not in utter fascination of a professional but with kindness and interest.

"Can I help you sir?" The female receptionist, who probably doesn't eat anything other than carrots, at the sleek, modern desk that matched the interior of steel, black and grey asks. She props her arms on her station to display her rather medium sized -ahem- assets. The style of the room was shiny, new, and screamed expensive. Personally, it's too cold and uncomfortable for my tastes.

"In more ways than one," The innuendo isn't lost on me as Theo leans against her desk and grins roguishly. I roll my eyes. He loved to show off. He picks up her pen and plays with it, his voice husky and low, "I'm looking for the Grey fundraiser. It's hosted for a family friend."

"Wait, you're…? Are you…?" Returning to whatever senses the raven haired girl has, her voice drops into a purr again, "I'm sorry, please excuse my lack of professionalism. Your name sir?"

Clicking her pen, she stands in hand with a black glass clipboard, waiting expectantly with an eager smile.

"Theodore Grey." Theo grins. He basked in the surprise, in fact, he loved it.

"…I'm sorry?"

"Grey. Theodore Grey. And guest." He casually plucks the list from her fingers as she blinks rapidly and stands motionless in shock, "Let me see… I should be on the list…"

"Sir, I'm so sorry! Please forgive me, go right up. I'll let the guards know you're here. Please go right up."

"I assure, it is quite alright. Actually, I've changed my mind. I know how you can make it up to me."

"Oh, and how is that?" She flirtingly twirls a piece of her black hair around her finger.

"Your number."

"I think that can be arranged, Mr. Grey."

I roll my eyes once more as the elevator doors close, "Did you have to do that to that poor woman?"

He tucks the number into his suit jacket pocket with a grin, "You're just jealous."

Well, yes. Not of him though. I couldn't blame her; I would have melted into a pile of goop behind that fancy desk and all its features if he had happened to do a repeat performance.

I clean my black, thick rimmed glasses on a scrap of cloth from my bag. The cocky grin vanishes from his face and he discerns my trademark distress gesture.

Theo watches my display with concern that's been lurking underneath his cheery demeanor. Dropping his smug tone, he asks, "What's wrong? You've been acting weird all night."

"I'm fine. Nothing is going on."

"No, not fine. When girls say fine, it means either eat shit and die or I'm feeling beaten down."

"Honestly, I am o.k."

He gently hooks his index finger underneath my chin, causing me to look up at him. I rebel by staring at the shiny, new buttons in the elevator, not wanting to break into tears at the worry that would be on his face. There would also be pity and bewilderment even if he would never admit that to my face if I confessed to him.

"Emma. I know you. Hell, I've known you for your entire life."

"Thanks Captain Obvious. And it's like I told you," I swat his large hand away in irritation, "Nothing is going on."

"Then why have you been admiring the floor for this long? Wait, did I do something? Whatever I've done to upset you, I'm sorry. Is it because I asked you to the fundraiser? You said you wouldn't mind and I thought that-"

"No! Of course not. Why would you even think like that?"

Running his hand through his hair, he exclaims, "Because you haven't laughed at any of my corny jokes the entire time you've been with me."

"That's because none of your jokes are funny." I crack a smile.

"You wound me." He clutches his heart and feigns pain, faking the moans of pain.

My smile cracks and he returns to the seriousness of the topic but the elevator doors slide open.

"Emma!"

"Ava!"

Ava Grey, daughter of Elliot and Kate Grey, comes striding towards me with small clicks as fast as she can in her high heels that match her navy blue, modest yet still gorgeous empire dress with lace sleeves that ended at her elbow. Her golden curls, which she inherited from her mom that she usually fixes in a combed ponytail, are in a low bun at the back of her head at the nape of her neck, wisps framing her face. She bends down and hugs me, her model legs a huge height difference between us. Ava reminded me of old Hollywood beauty, like Marilyn Monroe or Jayne Mansfield, that of an eighties pin up girl. Feminine round face, eyes framed by black lashes, and lips plump. She had an hourglass figure, to the extreme. Her makeup was simple and elegant (just like her), her lips a soft pink in her cheek splitting grin. Everything from the top of her head to the tips of her toes was feminine, all soft curves and round edges.

"We're not done talking about this." Theo pastes on a happy expression and shakes the hands of his parent's friends and guests.

Ava takes me by the arm and we beam at each other, my angst over Gio momentarily forgotten. Men stare at her as we walk past and I have to push aside a twinge of jealousy. I couldn't hate Ava. No one could when they knew how amazingly awesome she is. Except for those stupid people who couldn't overlook the fact that she's kind and beautiful. Hard to stomach your own ugliness inside when you're around someone inherently good I guess.

We stand off to the side and Ava anxiously nibbles on a chocolate strawberry, "Is your brother coming?"

"Couldn't make it. He's working tonight." At one of the most popular dance clubs in town.

Relieved, she bites the whole strawberry, "Ah, right. Bartender/entertainer at Big Bang. I thought she might like to- Teddy told you that Phoebe is coming back tonight right?" She shifts uneasily, like Phoebe would pounce on her from behind. Which, knowing Phoebe, it was possible.

"Yeah. Nervous?" I take a glance around the humongous room. The affluent chat casually but I sense a buzz in the crowd. How could they ignore such an incredible view? Three of the walls were made of some kind of light metal that glimmered silver though the last wall, the outside contact wall didn't have one simple window, it was completely glass. The city lights sparkle outside and the warm lighting inside completely complimented the relaxed vibe of the business conducted inside.

"No. Yes. Maybe? Is that…bad?"

"It's completely understandable. Phoebe has probably changed considerably since we last saw her." Which was, rounding down included, years ago.

"Yeah. Though, who can change Phoebes, right? I have faith that she's mostly the girl we knew who left."

"I do- Speak of the devil."

"What?"

"There." I point over to where she stands near the elevator with Mr. Grey.

Phoebe.

A/N: Whoo! It's been a while since I've updated! Good news: Out of my rut. Bad news: School. It will keep me busy just like every other teenager in academics. More good news to make a good news sandwich: This will be completed. How or when, well, I have no idea but bit by bit. It shall be completed someday.

As always, it will have mistakes. I'm not perfect, never claimed to be. Enjoy!

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