Chapter 10: Now or Never

Emily was not supposed to go out by herself anymore, especially at night as part of the plan to avoid Josh. It was slightly annoying, but she felt so cared about and protected by her friend Pam that she didn't mind.

Pam picked her up to take her to the charity event. Emily wore the dress she made from her own design. It was one of her boldest creations, divided by a black line down the middle of her body with rose fabric on the left and mauve on the right. Her hair was pulled up into a high bun, and a couple of bright colored hairclips decorated both sides of her head. Pam wore a rose gold dress that complimented her toned figure and sun-tanned skin. Her dark blond hair cascaded down in loose waves.

The two ladies were completely set to conquer the gala.

As they entered the old-fashioned building of the hotel, the glamor of the place amazed them. From the classic decor and chandeliers to the fashionable guests, it was even more luxurious than Emily had expected.

The main hall was already filled with men in tuxedos and women in dazzling ball gowns. Emily tried to spot Byron, but he wasn't there.

The air smelled like perfume and... puppies? Emily was distracted from her thoughts of the man she had come to see by a small cordoned-off area where shelter volunteers played with five young mastiffs.

"You probably want to see those," Pam said, "while I'll get us drinks."

Emily rushed over to the puppy area, where a volunteer told her that they were available for adoption and guests were allowed to pet them. Sadly, she could not take any dogs home as most of the apartments in the city had a no-pet policy.

Emily reached into the enclosure, and the eager pups licked her hand with their warm tongues.

She loved the feel of their soft fur, and she was so distracted with the dogs that she hardly noticed Pam coming up with two glasses of wine.

"He's here," Pam sang out.

Emily's gaze moved to the far side of the hall, where Byron was walking around in a tuxedo with a glamorous blond woman on his arm.

"He's got someone with him. I don't want to ruin his date if I approach him now."

"That could be his aunt for all you know," Pam said.

"Looks a bit young to be his aunt..."

"Just go," Pam said in exasperation. "Lots of other people are talking to him, and so can you. Push that damn woman aside if you have to."

Pam was right, and Emily resolved to go. All she needed to do was apologize, even if he was dating someone else.

Emily walked through the crowd towards him, but suddenly the sound of a chiming bell filled the hall, and Byron walked up to the podium at the front of the room.

She couldn't very well speak to him now, so she returned to Pam, and they sat down at a table while Byron welcomed everyone to the event.

Emily had half-expected to be bored, but Byron's speech was so good! It was not some carefully-crafted bit of oratory. The words and ideas were simple and straightforward. She had a feeling that he meant everything he said. He truly cared about saving animals who had suffered abuse and neglect.

Emily felt like a little piece of her heart fluttered away from her body and up to the strikingly handsome man with the warm, enchanting voice.

"You're glowing," Pam whispered to her, giving her shoulder a light slap in pretend annoyance, "like a pregnant woman. Stop it!"

"It's a good speech," Emily whispered back.

"Right..."

Byron concluded by saying, "Animals not only bring joy into our lives but also teach us important lessons about love and forgiveness. They're innocent creatures who are quick to forgive and forget, living in the moment and enjoying life to the fullest."

Emily just hoped he would follow his own advice and find forgiveness for her.

After the speech ended, many of the guests got up to mingle.

"Now is your chance to talk to him," Pam said.

Byron had left the podium and was wandering among the crowd, but unfortunately that blond woman in a stunning red sheath dress was still with him.

"It'll be awkward," Emily said, "but I guess it's now or never."

"Don't be shy," Pam encouraged her, "Just go over there and say what you have to say."

"I'll never by shy again. I've made up my mind to be tough, like you." Emily lifted her fist in the air, even though it looked pretty small and non-threatening.

"I like this new attitude, girl," Pam said. "But you don't have to be like me. You've always been tough. You just didn't know it yet."