Chapter 39 Things Will Get Better From Now On.
Emma's lips coiled as she picked out the perfect outfit for the day. She needed to return to the office after missing it for a week looking put together. Sleep had toyed with her all night, slipping away each time Ezra’s words echoed in her mind. Now, in the morning, she sat before the mirror, her reflection watching her struggle for calm. A few strands fell over her face as she twisted her hair between her fingers, testing styles until one finally felt right. The curling iron hissed. When she finished, she uncapped her lipstick, brushed a hint of color across her lips.
“Emma. I am ready.” Zoe sprinted into the room with her uniform.
“Are you that excited?”
Zoe nodded. “I will see Bella. I am happy.”
Emma smiled and rose to her feet. She reached for her scarf and sunglasses to swather her face for protection. She had been the internet's most popular trend for days, but she didn't want to draw attention at Zoe's school or to be associated with a child on the news. Even though Hidden Towel was a large city, the town she was presently residing in was a small one. A town where news ran faster.
The fact that the news about Ezra Queen's sighting in that small town hadn't been released yet still astounded her. Perhaps Ezra had paid them to take it down the internet.
Emma wore sunglasses and covered her head with her scarf. She reached for her bag and held onto Zoe’s hand then they all left the room. Phoebe left yesterday night after Emma came back in the afternoon. She had bought Zoella some snacks, as promised. When asked why she returned early, she explained to Phoebe that something had come up. She couldn’t have said that it was because Ezra Queen had shown up and talked rudely to his mother about her.
Once they were in front of her class, she waved at Zoella. “Be a good girl.”
“Bye bye.” Zoella waved then rushed into the classroom.
15 minutes later, she arrived at the office. She inhaled deeply and started toward the elevator. Definitely not the one the CEO took every morning. Emma hurried to level one's office as soon as the elevator chirped. Everyone glanced at her.
Emma felt awkward at their looks but she played her happy girl card. "Hey, ladies. I am back.”
“Yes. You are!” Gia exclaimed with excitement as she dashed to Emma. "I have really missed you."
"Gia, it was only a week. And we Facetimed her during her break. Control yourself.” Floria smiled, shaking her head. "Miss Facer, welcome back."
“Oh. Please. Are we not close enough to be called by names now? You should call me by my name.”
“That is silly.” Gia remarked as she walked toward her desk. “You should be treated with respect. You are trending on Twitter as Hashtag 1. You deserve all the respect, ma'am.”
Emma turned around and was surprised to see her desk empty. "What's going on?" She returned her gaze to Gia and Floria.
“Well…Miss Facer, you are no longer in this office.”
“What is that supposed to mean, Floria? I don't believe I've been fired.”
“Not fired.” Floria chuckled. "Promoted to level 6."
Emma gasped. “Really?”
"From now on, you'll be working with Susan, Bea, and the others."
Emma groaned. “I don’t want to. Bea is an asshole to me.”
“You should hold onto it. This is a chance that we all long for. Your payment would increase by 10 times what we earn. I have no doubt that Mr. Queen himself will give you a new car.”
Gia gave Floria a quick look. “Imagine how nice that would be.” She started sobbing like a child.
"And what's with the crying?" Emma asked.
She looked at Emma. “Tears of joy.”
“Miss Facer. Please make us proud." Floria's gaze shifted away from Emma and toward the door when it opened. "And Milan is here."
Emma turned around and saw Milan standing at the door.
“Miss Facer. "Mr. Queen has asked to see you," Milan explained.
Emma glanced at Floria and Gia. "How about you girls join me after work to celebrate this victory?"
"We will be delighted." Floria and Gia both remarked.
Emma approached Milan with a smile on her face. The elevator stopped on the CEO's floor and they both exited. “Please go inside.” Emma gave Milan a nod then she approached Ezra's door. She knocked.
"Come on in." Ezra adjusted his tie and raised his gaze to the door. When it opened, Emma walked inside. He opened his mouth to speak but was unable to do so. He couldn't take his gaze away from her. She looked radiant in that gown and he could feel his heart thump quietly.
“Mr. Queen. You called for me.” His daydream was quickly interrupted when she came up to him.
Ezra looked away from her and toward his table and cleared his throat. “Yes. Yeah. I did. Please sit down." He offered.
Emma sat down, unable to look him in the eyes. The fact that she was in the same room as him made her recall the words he said the day before.
"You're still trending on Twitter. If more money flows into the company's account, it appears that you might end up receiving a gift."
"I'm glad I could assist the company, Mr. Queen." she smiled warmly at him. "But you called me for something else, didn't you?"
“Of course. I was wondering how you like your new office on level six. Your machine has been set since last week. Also—”
“No. I haven't been there yet, Mr. Queen. I'd also like to speak with you about something."
“Shoot.”
"I was hoping you could reschedule the campaign I was unable to attend last week. I am now prepared."
"Are you sure? It's fine if you need more time off.”
“No. I am ready.”
“Alright. I'll have Milan contact the media and arrange everything. It should be done tomorrow.”
"Thank you, sir." Her gaze locked on his. Emma searched his eyes for more words, but Ezra did nothing but stare at her.
They both turned away from each other when they heard a knock. Ezra turned to face the door. “Milan?” he called.
Milan peered through the open door. "Your client, Mrs. Affleck, has arrived, sir. Should I tell her to wait in the lobby?"
Ezra adjusted his tie. “No. You should call her in.” He said.
“Alright, sir.” Milan shut the door behind her.
Emma looked at him. “Mrs. Affleck? Why does that name sound familiar?”
"Miss Facer, this is a big people's company. Celebrities, queens, and royals. You are correct; the name does sound familiar. You must be familiar with her as Scar."
Emma exclaimed and instantly covered her mouth. “Scarlett?”
Ezra nodded. "Indeed, Miss Facer."
She immediately rose to her feet. "I need to get out of here."
“No. I believe you should stay behind because you will be designing her gown."
Emma gasped. “What?”
“You are trending, Miss Facer. Everyone wants to hire you as their designer. I'm glad I put my trust in you and you didn't let me down."
When the door opened, Ezra inhaled deeply. “Scar!” He stood up, approached her, and hugged her. Emma's heart felt like it was going to fall to the ground. This was her first encounter with a well-known celebrity. “Scar. This is Miss Facer.”
“I know. The designer who is currently trending around the world. I know.” Scar reached out a hand to Emma. "It gives me great pleasure to finally meet you."
Emma froze with her eyes wide open.
“It looks like she is stunned to see you; please join me.” Ezra walked over to his chair and sat. “Miss Facer. You can leave. You and Scar can talk about the dress later." Ezra took out his landline and dialed Milan. "Two cups of coffee." He hung up the phone and looked at Emma, who was approaching the door.
Emma's heart was racing as she walked out of Ezra's office. She closed her eyes when the elevator started to move. She took a deep breath with her hand placed on her chest. Then a smile appeared on her face. She would be designing a celebrity dress? She screamed with delight. She positioned herself after the elevator opened and proceeded to the level six office.
The door opened and Emma stepped inside. Of course, Bea's gaze was fixed on her but she couldn't speak rudely like she used to.
“Miss Facer.” Emma turned to see Susan, who was approaching her.
“Mrs. Mayberry. Thank you for what you did. I heard from the doctor."
"It's not a problem. Please join me. Let me show you your own place. Things will get better from now on.” Susan assured.
"Thank you very much, Mrs. Mayberry." Emma trailed close behind. Susan was the only person who was pleasant to her. The rest despised her, and Emma could tell even if they didn't say so. When Emma saw her own workshop, her face lit up. As Mrs. Mayberry had stated. Things will get better from now on. Emma held onto those words.