Chapter Eleven

Erik tossed and turned all night on Christine's sofa. He didn't think he would ever forget the look on Emma's face when he struck her. Why did he do it, he who never harmed a woman even in his darkest moments as the Phantom? His palm still stung where it connected with her delicate soft skin. Mon dieu if I could only take tonight back again and do it all differently. Perhaps it was the shock of my impending marriage; surely she didn't mean that she loves me. Oh, Emma I care for you deeply, but this is my chance with my Christine. Can't you be happy for me?

Christine woke to fresh bagels and cream cheese with Starbucks Coffee. "I knew there was a reason for keeping you close big guy" she purred in his ear as he read the Times. He met her lips with a distracted air and asked "Shall we meet with wedding planners this afternoon?"

Christine nearly spit her coffee out. "So soon? Darling, we just got engaged yesterday."

"Christine, neither of us is getting any younger" she gave him a sour look. "I think we should, how do you say it? Take the bull by the horns? And get started." He gave her a winning smile.

"Alright I'll see who's available at the moment." She placed a kiss on the top of his head on her way to the sink. "Erik," she said as if just thinking about it.

"Yes, love?" he looked up.

"I heard through the grapevine that Harrison and Sons are looking for some new blood to spice things up a bit. I think you ought to consider putting in your resume."

"The biggest architectural firm in Manhattan? Cherie, I have a job with Merrick and Co. I have no wish to change."

"But think of the prestige that Harrison and Sons would give you! Your designs would be used all over the world! Dignitaries, movie stars and moguls would all be clamoring for an Erik Destler design!" he laughed at her earnest expression.

"These things mean nothing to me. I want only to bring beauty to those around me through my designs, not use them for my own selfish gain."

"Of course, darling. I know that. Promise me you'll think about it?" she sat in his lap and played with his dark locks.

"My mind is made up. I shall not yield." Erik's tone was final.

We'll see about that, my love. I'm not going into this farce of a marriage getting nothing. "Of course darling, I understand." She accepted his kiss and profession of love before he went off to work. Picking up the phone she dialed a number. "Barry, sweetheart. Yes, the coast is clear. I can't wait. Mmmm. I just love it when you talk dirty. Be here in 15, I have an 11:30 appointment. Bye baby." With a lusty sigh she went upstairs to strip and wait in bed for one of her lovers.

Emma decided that she must be in love. Why else would she feel so damned miserable? She couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, and, having found a t-shirt that Erik inadvertently left behind, found herself cuddling it just for its scent. Polo Black, she remembered when she brought that for him. Just smelling it made her want to climb astride him and…whoa time out Emma. He's about to be a married man. Fantasizing about him when he was single was acceptable but she needed to get her head around this new aspect. As days turned into weeks she rarely saw Erik, only at the firm when she stopped by to see her father, which she did more frequently now. Joseph noticed that as well. "Not that I'm complaining my dear. Is there something you want to tell your old man?"

"If I had an old man I don't think I'd have anything much to tell him." He smiled at the compliment. "Umm, is Erik around?"

Oh, what have we here? "I believe he went out to lunch with that lovely Miss Desmond, they may be back by now, would you like me to see?"

"No, no! I was just wondering. So you think she's lovely too."

"Why yes, they make a dashing pair do they not?" he watched her closely.

"Yes, I suppose they do." She replied listlessly.

"Sweetheart, what's wrong?" his eyes were kind and loving. Against her will her own begin to fill.

"Oh, daddy. I love him so much and he's making such a huge mistake. She'll rip his heart out and I'm afraid he'll never trust enough to give it again."

"Then my dove, you must try to tell him how you feel. Show him your heart Emma. You have such a great capacity for love. I always felt it a shame that you wasted it on that jackass Dominic Edwards the Third." As he intended her to do, Emma laughed.

On the night of Erik and Christine's engagement party Emma dressed with care. She wore an emerald green spaghetti strap gown with a-symmetrical hemline. She draped a beautiful black silk shawl over her shoulders and stepped into her mile high sandals. She had her hair piled on top of her head in a careless knot and long dangling earrings in antique gold. Looking at her own reflection she shivered, feeling cold all of the sudden. Was she coming down with something? Her throat hurt a little, probably just nerves. She took Tylenol and headed out to call a cab.

The Hall was beautiful. As per instructions the Dining Area was filled to capacity with every kind of flower imaginable. A fairy garden come to life. Christine was not impressed. "Hasn't he ever heard of allergies?" she sneezed again. "Damn the man! I'm going to spend the rest of my party in the bathroom sneezing my freaking head off!"

Emma was bowled over the moment she walked in. It was what she always wanted. A fairytale come true. She realized then how much Erik loved Christine, to do all of this for her. Heart sinking she watched him speak to the pianist who would be performing that evening. Glancing up his eyes caught Emma's and held. He excused himself quickly and made his way across the floor. Mesmerized, she watched him move with his easy masculine grace. "Emma, mon amie I have missed your face." He cupped it in his hands, her eyes drifted closed.

"Why Emma love, so glad you could come" Not. You're not going to ruin this you little witch. Not when I've worked this hard. "Erik and I are so pleased to see you. Erik, love. The pianist simply won't do. I've heard him before and he's really mediocre."

"My heart, it's George Winston, I can assure you he came highly recommended…"

"No, no. My mind is quite made up. I would like for Emma to play. She is a proficient jazz pianist and will do nicely for entertainment!"

"My dear, Emma is here as a guest not as entertainment" Erik was beginning to get on her nerves.

"I know my love, but surely she will do this for a friend." With a stress on the last word she shot Emma a nasty smile unseen by her fiancé.

Wanting only to end this farce Emma agreed. "Of course Erik, I would be happy to help out."

"Cherie…" he stretched his hand out only to have it snatched up by Christine.

"Come love, our guests are arriving."