Blossom Again

The morning air was crisp and refreshing. Emily sat cross-legged on her yoga mat, letting soft soul music wash over her as she took in the scent of fresh flowers. Her thoughts, however, weren't as peaceful—they were all about Ryan. Somehow, he had taken over her mind, occupying space without her permission. A small smile played on her lips as her mind wandered back to yesterday. She could still feel the tingling sensation from when he had taken her hand and gently guided her into his car.

Bang! Bang! A loud noise jolted Emily out of her thoughts.

"What on earth?" she muttered, standing up from her mat and heading to the door.

When she opened it, she was surprised to find Ashley, her best friend, standing there.

"Good morning, Ashley. Did you even sleep at home?" Emily asked, puzzled.

Without answering, Ashley pushed past her and stormed into the house.

Emily blinked in surprise. "What's wrong with you this morning?"

Ashley turned to face her, arms crossed and a frown on her face. "I thought we were friends, Emily."

"We are! What's going on?" Emily asked, confused.

"How come everyone's talking about you hanging out with New York's biggest playboy, Ryan Andrews, and I had to hear it from them instead of you?" Ashley demanded, pulling out her phone. She shoved it toward Emily, showing a gossip article filled with pictures of Emily and Ryan.

"Oh my gosh," Emily gasped, her eyes wide. "It's in the tabloids?"

"Yes, it is," Ashley snapped. "And I'm wondering why my so-called best friend didn't tell me."

Emily sighed and placed a hand on Ashley's shoulder. "Ashley, calm down. It's not what it looks like."

Ashley raised an eyebrow. "Not what it looks like? Really? " Have you checked the company's group chat today?

Emily nodded negative. "No".

"Everyone is talking about how the famous Ryan whisked you away at work. There's even a short video of you guys".

"It's nothing serious "Emily sighed.

"I don't believe that".

"Why don't you sit down, and I'll explain," Emily said, gesturing toward the couch.

Ashley flopped into a pink armchair. "Juice or coffee?" Emily offered.

Ashley rolled her eyes, stood up, and grabbed a bottle of wine from the bar instead. "Who's doing juice or coffee right now?" she muttered, pouring two glasses of white wine.

Emily laughed. "Typical Ashley."

Ashley handed Emily a glass and sat back down. "Now, spill it, girl."

Emily sighed. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I've been so busy with work. But trust me, you'd have been the first to know."

Ashley took a sip of wine. "Apology accepted. Now, tell me everything. How did this even happen?"

"Alright, alright," Emily said with a laugh. "You love your gossip, don't you?" She went on to explain how she'd met Ryan and how they'd agreed to a "fake relationship."

When Emily finished, Ashley's face lit up. "Wow! You're so lucky!" she said, clapping her hands.

Emily rolled her eyes. "It's fake, Ashley. Nothing serious."

Ashley leaned forward, grinning. "Fake or not, I can already tell you two are going to fall for each other."

Emily scoffed. "Please. Ryan is a total playboy. And playboys don't fall in love."

"Keep telling yourself that," Ashley said, downing the rest of her wine. Then she asked, "Have you looked at yourself in the mirror? Emily, you're fucking beautiful, sexy, and attractive; you can have any man you want, any man would kill you, and that includes playboy Ryan.

Emily laughed. "You sure do know how to hype me with your sweet words".

"That's why I'm your bestie ".

"Sure you are. The best best friend in the world ", Emily wrapped Ashley in a bear hug.

"By the way, do you have a lucky charm bracelet? Ashley asked, pulling out of the hug.

Emily shook her head, laughing. With Ashley around, life was never boring.

************

"Can you accompany me to the salon",Ashley said, reading a fashion nova magazine."I need to change my hair".

"I want you to come with me to the salon," Ashley said, flipping through a Fashion Nova magazine. "I need to get my hair done."

Emily rubbed lotion into her hands. "I'd love to come, bestie, but Ryan invited me to dinner at his dad's house. Apparently, his old man wants to meet me."

"Wow! Look who said relationships weren't serious," Ashley teased, tossing the magazine aside and rushing over to Emily.

"It's just a meeting," Emily groaned.

"Spare me the excuses," Ashley said with a playful wave of her hand. She grabbed Emily and sat her down in front of the vanity mirror. "We need to get you ready!"

"But we don't have—" Emily began, only to be interrupted as Ashley started dabbing concealer on her face. With her skilled hands, Ashley worked her magic, transforming Emily with flawless makeup. She even styled Emily's black curls into perfect waves.

When Ashley stepped back, Emily blinked at her reflection. The woman staring back at her in the mirror was stunning.

"Now, it's time for the dress!" Ashley declared and left the room, giving Emily a moment.

Emily returned from her closet in a breathtaking royal blue gown. The dress flowed elegantly, with a thigh-high slit that showed off her long legs. The open-back design stopped just below her midriff, adding a touch of allure. She carried a silver Chanel purse in one hand, her beauty radiating confidence.

"Wow, you look incredible!" Ashley squealed.

"Thanks, bestie," Emily said with a nervous smile. "Ryan should be here any minute."

Ashley noticed Emily fidgeting and took her hands. "Calm down, darling. You've got this, okay?"

Emily nodded, taking a deep breath. "Okay."

"I'm telling you," Ashley said, grinning, "the moment Ryan sees you, this room is going to feel too hot to handle."

Emily rolled her eyes, laughing. "You and your silly jokes."

The sound of a car pulling into the driveway interrupted them. Emily peeked out the window and saw Ryan's Rolls Royce

"That's him," she said nervously, adjusting her dress before heading to the door.

Ryan stood on the porch holding a bouquet of flowers, his jaw dropping when he saw Emily. He was frozen in place, completely captivated by her beauty.

"Are those for me?" Emily asked with a shy smile, taking the flowers from his hands.

"You… you're stunning," Ryan finally managed to say.

"Thank you," Emily said softly, her cheeks turning pink.

They stood there for a moment, silently staring at each other. Ryan looked dashing in a sleek grey three-piece suit.

"Ahem!" Ashley cleared her throat, breaking the spell. "I'm still here, you know."

Emily snapped out of it. "Oh, forgive me. Please, come in," she said, stepping aside.

She introduced them. "Ryan, this is my friend Ashley. Ashley, meet Ryan… my boyfriend."

"Nice to meet you, Ashley," Ryan said warmly.

Ashley grinned mischievously. "The pleasure's all mine. I've heard a lot about you."

Emily gave Ashley a quick wink, silently pleading for her to behave.

Ryan raised an eyebrow, sensing the silent exchange. "Ashley," he said, "I hope you won't mind if I steal Emily away now."

"Go ahead, she's all yours," Ashley replied with a smirk.

Before they left, Emily turned to Ryan. "Could you give Ashley a ride to her next stop? She was just about to leave."

"Of course," Ryan agreed.

Ashley beamed as she grabbed her things. "Thanks! I've always wanted to ride in a luxury car."