Emery's POV:

I made my way to the bus stop slowly after the restaurant closed. It was one in the morning and I had been up since five. My feet dragged and my eyes struggled to stay open. I got to the stop and didn't have to wait long before the bus arrived. I trudged up the steps and sat on the first seat I saw. I leaned my head back against the glass and sighed, too tired to even pull out my headphones.

Those weird guys came by again before leaving, repeatedly asking if I would call the next day and praising me. The whole thing felt awfully suspicious so I had a hard time believing anything they said had merit to it. That and the mention of Estele Maribela. She was a cellist legend, there was no way they would have me perform as a replacement for her. I reached into my purse and pulled out the business card. I would have to look them up online.

Also inside my purse was the money from tips tonight. I didn't bother to count as those two weirdos were the only ones that approached me to say anything. I quickly thumbed through the cash and near choked on my own spit upon seeing five, five, hundred dollar bills folded up into a five dollar bill. I checked again and I rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. As I unfolded them another business card fell out. It had Milo Sanders on it. I flipped it over and there was a handwritten note on the back.

We aren't messing with you. You have an extraordinary gift you owe to yourself and to others to display

I reread it a few times and flipped the card over again. I frowned in confusion then checked the hundreds again. My heart started to race as I began to consider the possibility they weren't just messing with me. I tried to calm myself. No way two rich guys just walked in a restaurant and happened to need a cellist and I happened to be there and they happened to like my playing. I needed to do some serious research. I was exhausted but if this was real... Yeah, I'd be hopping on my laptop the moment I got home.

I got off the bus at my stop and was suddenly hyper aware of the amount of cash in my bag. I clung it closely to me and hurried to my apartment building. I just need to look these guys up and see if they're legit in the business world or not. I sped up the steps to the apartment and found our door unlocked. I stepped in and kicked off my shoes, looking down at the business card again. I was halfway to the bedroom when I paused and looked around.

The house was clean and there was a vase of roses sitting on top of the kitchen bar. Candles were lit and spread all round the apartment. Two plates of delicious smelling food sat on the kitchen bar as well as two glasses with wine.

"Hey," Ty said.

I turned to find him all dressed up with slacks and a button up shirt.

"Hi," I breathed out, smiling weakly. "What this for?" I asked.

"Because you're amazing," he took a step towards me. "And incredible," another step. "And I don't deserve you," another step and he set his hands on my shoulders. "You work so hard, and I just... I can't thank you enough. I hate I'm a burden on you. I swear tomorrow I'm finding a part time job, at least part time. I can't let you overwork yourself like this. I'm sorry I've been such a jackass. You're worth so much more than that," he said, sliding his hand over to cup my cheek.

This was what was so hard. He seemed so genuine and I did love him.

"I'm sorry, Em," he said, kissing my forehead. "I'm really sorry. I've been so stressed and focused on myself but that's bullshit," he said, running his thumb over my cheek. "You're an angel for putting up with my shit, Em but it's not going to continue. If I want to be with someone as amazing as you, I have to step up my game by like, a thousand percent," he said, pulling me into a hug. "I'm sorry, baby. I'll look for a job tomorrow and you'll get a day off like you damn well deserve."

I smiled and sighed, melting into him. "You promise?"

"I promise," he said, taking another step and covering my lips with his.

He kissed me for a few moments and the exhaustion from the day hit me, I wrapped my arms around him.

"I'm so tired," I admitted.

"I know. I'm sorry, baby. I'll be better I promise," he said, kissing the side of my head and hugging me closely.

"That smells amazing," I said, nodding towards the food.

"It better be I had to watch a ton of videos online," Ty said with a grin. "Something tells me you'd possibly rather eat this on the couch after the day you've had," he guessed.

I smiled and nodded.

"This is beautiful," I said, gesturing towards the setup. "I just feel like I might fall off the stool if I try to sit there."

He smiled and nodded. He untangled from me and grabbed the plates and forks. I grabbed the wine and we plopped on couch and dug into the pasta he made.

"Oh my God," I moaned. "So good. Thank you," I said, stuffing the food in my mouth.

"Hungry?" He asked with a chuckle.

"Shut up, I haven't properly eaten all day," I whined, shoveling the food in.

We ate in relative silence, mostly because I spent most the time stuffing my face. We finished eating and he took our dishes to the kitchen.

I made my way slowly towards the bedroom and shimmied out of my dress. I removed my bra and was about to slip on my nightgown when Tyler's hands landed on my hips. He pressed a kiss to my shoulder and reached for the nightgown I was about to slide on.

"Mmm, leave it off," he whispered, tugging the nightgown out of my hand and tossing it to the side.

I turned in his arms and he kissed me feverishly. We made our way over to the bed and it wasn't long before his clothes were off too and I was under him, him inside of me. I panted softly as he moved and I clutched his shoulders with each thrust. He murmured something as he finished and rolled off me, but I was so exhausted I turned onto my side and fell asleep immediately after.

I woke up the next morning before I wanted to. Ty was still sleeping when I rolled out of bed and started getting dressed for work. I changed quickly once I noticed I woke up late. At least I didn't have to be the diner as early today since I wasn't opening. I pulled on a clean uniform and slipped on tennis shoes. I tied my hair back and grabbed my purse, crossing the long strap over my chest before grabbing my bike.

I got to work and it was a relatively slow day, thank God. I didn't get as much sleep as I wanted. I was sitting at the bar chatting with my manager when I remembered the strange encounter from the night before. Shit, I never even had a chance to look them up because Ty distracted me.

"Oh yeah, so these two weirdos approached me last night at Ruth's," I said to Linda, picking up a fry from the to-go order someone cancelled after we'd already made it. I wasn't complaining, I would never turn down free food. "They came up after a song and started going off about wanting to discover new blood and have me debut at some charity gala that was going to feature freaking Estele Maribela but she can't and now they want me. Does that not sound like the most made up thing you've ever heard?" I asked.

"I don't know who Estele whatever is, but no, I believe you're good enough to grab someone's attention," Linda responded, wiping down the countertop of the bar.

"I'm being serious," I scolded.

"So am I," she retorted. "Who are they anyway? Did you get their names?"

"Yeah I got business cards," I nodded.

"Well, hand them over," she said, holding out her hand.

"Hold on, they're in my purse," I sighed, heading into the back and retrieving the first card I found. I returned and I handed it to her and glanced around the near empty diner. It was Linda choking on her water then spitting it out that drew my attention back.

"Ew!" I squealed, jumping back and using a towel to wipe off my arm.

"Emery," Linda said quickly.

"Linda," I said back, gesturing to the water everywhere.

"Do you not know who Milo Sanders is?" She asked with wide eyes.

"Uh, should I?" I asked, furrowing my brows in confusion.

"He's only one of the top business moguls in the country, possibly the world. He was just on the cover of Time," she explained, rushing off to her office.

I stayed where I was and processed the information. Linda returned, waving a magazine around before slapping it down on the counter. I scanned over the cover and let out a small gasp.

"Hey, that's him! The rude one!" I exclaimed, pointing at his face.

"That's what I'm saying. And their charity event is mentioned in this interview," Linda said, opening the magazine and flipping through the pages. "Here," she said, setting it down in front of me.

I skimmed through the interview until I saw the word "charity". I quickly read through it and it all sounded legitimate. My heart started to race and my eyes widened. "Oh my God," I whispered.

"Emery, call them. Now," Linda ordered, handing me her phone.

I stared at it for a second then glanced at her. She gave me an encouraging smile and I took the phone. I picked up the business cards and dialed the number.

"I'm gonna hyperventilate," I breathed.

"No you're not. Relax," Linda said, practically bouncing as we both waited.

"Sanders," Milo's voice came over the phone and the breath caught in my lungs. "Hello?" His voice was irritated, I needed to speak.

"Uh, hi. This is Emery," I stammered out. "Emery Barner," I clarified. "From last night."

"I'm aware of who you are. Stop finding different ways to identify yourself," Milo scolded.

I frowned as I heard some arguing and what sounded like the phone dropping on the other end.

"Emery!" The friendlier one's voice came over the phone. "So glad you called, when can we meet with you? Can you come to our office today?" He asked.

I froze and looked at Linda.

"What?" She asked impatiently.

"I. Uh. Um. They want to meet today," I hissed, covering the mouthpiece of the phone.

"So say yes!" Linda hissed back.

"When?" I asked, my voice breaking.

I was starting to panic. If this was real, this could be my chance. My chance to actually play the cello as a professional. Like, for real. Not just a dream. No more feeling like I was constantly drowning...

"Any time! You can go if they ask right now!" Linda said, crossing around the counter and scooching her face in close to mine so she could listen in.

I rolled my eyes and took a deep breath, moving my hand away from the speaker.

"Emery, are you there?" He asked.

"Yes, sorry. I can come in today," I said, glancing nervously at Linda.

"Great. I hate to ask, but could you make your way over now? I'm not sure where you are but we have a full day. I could send a car to you," he offered.

"No!" I said quickly.

The last thing I wanted was them seeing me in my uniform and where I worked. For all I knew they were the type of rich people that would be off put by the way my life was right now. Especially Milo, that one seemed like a real asshole. I guessed he would just be my new Pierre.

"Well okay, whatever works for you," Owen said, his tone indicating I had surprised him with my insistent 'no'.

"Sorry. I just, I'm not decent right now. Can you give me like thirty minutes?" I asked.

"Of course! Would you like the car?" He asked.

"Oh, um, no thank you," I answered, giggling nervously.

"All right. The address is on the business card, just come to the top floor and give them your name. We'll see you soon, Emery," Owen said cheerfully.

"See you soon," I answered, hanging up the phone.

"I need a ride," I pleaded, putting my hands together in a little prayer to her and doing my best puppy eyes.

"Fine," she rolled her eyes, heading towards the back.

"Yes! Also, do you have anything upstairs I can wear?" I asked, glancing down at my uniform.

"Come on," she said, waving for me to follow her.

I squealed with joy and followed after her. She lived above the diner, it was a place she inherited from her mother who passed away two years ago. I followed her through a door marked "private" and up the stairs. We came to another door, she unlocked it and waved me through. I stepped in and waited for Linda to head to her bedroom.

"What are you thinking?" She asked, opening her closet.

Although Linda's personality was pretty black and white, her fashion choice was not. Her closet was filled with a multitude of bright colors, also pretty unlike her personality. It wasn't that she was a dark brooding person, she was just a little rough around the edges and had a kind of in your face approach. She was the kindest person I knew.

"Do you have anything... not colorful?" I asked meekly, not wanting to offend her.

"Your problem is you don't have enough color in your life. But yes, I have something black for you," she said, thumbing through the various dresses and shirts in her closet. "I usually don't have black since my hair is enough black for me," she explained. "But I do have this," she said, pulling out a rather modest looking black dress with a white collar.

I stepped closer and lifted the bottom of the dress up as Linda held the hanger and looked it over. It would work just fine.

"This is perfect, thank you," I said, grabbing the hanger and taking the dress.

"Bathroom's through that door," she gestured to a door on the opposite side of the room. "Feel free to work on your hair a little if you want," she said before walking out of the room.

I nodded and hurried to the bathroom. I stripped off my uniform and checked myself for any food sediments. Luckily it had been a slow day so I was remarkably still clean. I slipped the dress on and glanced in the mirror.

"Uh oh," I said, frowning. "Linda," I called, opening the bathroom door.

"What is it?" She asked, stepping through the door way with her phone in her hands.

"Do you think it's too short?" I asked, tugging on the ends of the dress.

Linda was a little shorter than me. The dress came just above the knee but I was afraid it would be unprofessional.

"It's fine, do you need me to zip you up?" She asked.

"Please," I nodded, turning.

"Okay, well suck in your boobs, they're bigger than mine," she said.

"Shut up," I said, rolling my eyes.

She zipped up the dress with a little bit of effort in the bust area. I wiggled my shoulders to adjust to the fit and tugged at the bottom of the dress again.

"It's fine, Em. You look lovely," she complimented.

"Damn, what size shoe do you wear?" I asked, looking at my bare feet and wiggling my toes.

"6," she said skeptically, looking down at my feet.

"Shit," I mumbled, staring down at my tennis shoes.

"Your flats will be fine," she encouraged. "Didn't you bring flats? You usually do."

"I did but they're not super clean or black anymore," I said, chewing on my lip.

Linda shrugged and headed out of the bedroom.

"You gonna do anything with that hair?" She called as she entered a different room.

I sighed and went back to the bathroom. My hair was currently in a messy bun. I took it down and brushed it a few times before tying it back in a neat pony tail. Normally I would've let the natural waves flow down but I didn't have time to make it look neat.

I exited the bathroom and made my way back to the entrance. I spotted Linda sitting at the kitchen table scrubbing my shoes. She must've went down and got them for me. Like I said, the kindest person I knew.

"There, that's better," she said triumphantly, holding up my flats.

She had spot cleaned them so although they looked old, they at least weren't dirty.

"You're a life saver. Thank you so much, seriously," I said, walking towards her and taking the shoes.

"Don't worry about it. This could be it for you," she said, smiling at me proudly.

"God, don't say that. I'm trying to not get too excited," I said, slipping off my tennis shoes and pulling my flats on.

"Be excited. They need to see how passionate you are," she encouraged.

"Thank you," I said genuinely.

"Of course," she said with an eye roll, standing abruptly. "Now come on, let's get you over there."

A/N:

Hey loves! Sorry for the late update, I had some family stuff come up I had to take care of. I'm going to thank you for your patience by updating another chapter of this story for you tomorrow ❤ Until then, let me know what you thought of this chapter!

So... Thoughts on Tyler's attempt to make up with Emery?

Thoughts on Linda?

Who's ready for this meeting? 👀

See you tomorrow my loves!! ❤