Private Emotions – Invitations (The Private Emotions Trilogy) by Elize Amornette Read Free Book Online

secret but Sophie being Sophie paid no attention to him.
    “I don’t know, I thought this was a going away dinner and not anything else.”
    “Oh, you know what they say, anything can happen, and usually does with me.” Ethan opened the wine while Sophie made a point of cutting the fresh veggies as I stood there watching them exchange furtive glances.
    “You can get the chicken out of the fridge and I’ll cook it while you two finish up in the kitchen.” He went through the kitchen and threw open the patio doors to reveal a huge BBQ pit out back. He lit the pit and tossed the seasoned meat on the grill. It made a sizzling sound that took me back to the days when my father made steaks that melted in your mouth. It was one of the greatest memories of my childhood and it made me smile just thinking about it. I remembered how my favorite cousin, Matt, would be the first in line to get his share. Matt loved his meat, especially the barbequed kind.
    The bathroom was down the hall and I went there to freshen up to make sure everything was in place. It felt great being here with Ethan and Sophie. They were two people who had a way of making me feel relaxed, well, most of the time anyway. I returned to the kitchen and saw the two of them huddled in the corner but they separated when I came in. Was it my imagination or were these two ‘friends’ of mine talking behind my back?
    The barbeque chicken was sumptuous and the wine was flowing freely as was the conversation. It was when Ethan stretched out his hand to Sophie that I got an inkling that they knew each other on a more intimate level than just friends.
    “Emily, those dresses you made were a work of art and should be hung in every boutique in the city. You really should consider opening your own place.”
    “You don’t have to say that and you certainly didn’t have to buy ten dresses. Thank you though, it was a lovely gesture. I mean, I know I’m good but I am definitely not in the same league as some of the greats.”
    “I disagree and if you knew me at all you would know that I don’t just throw my money around for anyone. Those designs would give some of the greats, as you put it, a run for their money. They may have talent little lady but you have both talent and a gift of knowing what works. Many would kill to have that and don’t you ever forget it.”
    “Sophie, you can’t expect her to know how great she really is considering most artists don’t see their true greatness until someone points it out to them. I’ve seen the dresses you bought and they are better than some on the catwalk during fashion week.”
    “I know. It’s just too bad that she won’t be a part of that scene but maybe in time. I could imagine myself sitting at the office doing an all-nighter and turning on the television only to see her dresses on the catwalk. It would make me so proud to see your art immortalized, Emily.” She lifted my hands, kissed my palms and went back to sipping her wine. It was odd hearing someone else talk up my talents and I could tell that they believed what they were saying. I could usually tell when people were just giving me lip service.
    “Okay, okay, you better stop or I’m going to get a swollen head, besides this night isn’t about me. It’s about a wonderful woman and her send-off that she absolutely deserves.” I felt a little tear coming about but I sucked it back and raised my glass. “Tell us, has the news really set in yet or is it all just a blur?”
    She peered at me over the edge of her wine glass, sighed and said, “I know it’s happening and I really am looking forward to the challenge but it’s kind of bitter sweet. It will be a new state, a new office, hell, a new everything. I won’t know anybody and will be literally starting over.”
    “Sophie, you’ve done this before so stop making it sound like you’re going to war or something. I’ll be visiting often and I’m sure that Emily will join me and besides, you’ll