My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 862

Amelia’s voice was icy. “So, you’ve chosen Emily Blair, then?”

Tanner looked utterly lost. “Wait, what? Chosen who? Hold on, just calm down. Let’s talk this through.”

But Amelia spun on her heel and stormed off. Tanner hurried after her, trying to catch her hand, but she shook him off every time.

Their friends, clustered nearby, exchanged bewildered glances.

With so many people watching, Tanner’s pride wouldn’t let him chase after a woman he was only half interested in. He stopped, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.

He shuffled back toward Emily, throwing his hands up with a helpless look. “Can someone please explain to me what just happened?”

Emily felt a pang of guilt—after all, she was friends with Tristan. She kept it brief. “Amelia and I have some… issues. Sorry you got caught in the middle.”

Tanner pulled a face like he’d just bitten into a lemon, scrubbing his hands over his cheeks. “Seriously, what the hell? I was going to confess to her tonight, right in front of everyone. Now she’s gone.”

Emily pressed her lips together. “Well… I could leave too, if that helps?”

He waved her off, looking defeated. “No, please. One person’s already left; if you go too, there’ll be nobody left at my party.”

Emily shot Tristan a look, and he handed a small gift box to Tanner.

Emily said, “I almost forgot to say—happy birthday. This is from me. Hope you have a good one.”

Tanner took the gift and let out a heavy sigh. “Thanks, you two. Go ahead and have a seat. I still need to look after the other guests.”

Tristan gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Happy birthday, man. Try to cheer up. It’s your party, after all.”

Tanner’s expression didn’t budge. “I’ll try.”

Emily and Tristan settled into a corner, watching as Tanner collected the last of his gifts and finally made his way over to them.

Tanner buried his face in his hands, sighing. “Forget it. I’ll try talking to her later. If it still doesn’t work out, then I guess I’m out of luck.”

Tristan nudged him. “How’d you two even meet, anyway?”

Tanner managed a faint smile. “We met at a bar overseas. She looked amazing that night, and I was hooked from the moment I saw her. Got her number, and I swear she was interested too.”

A wistful look crossed his face, quickly fading.

“Ah, whatever. There are plenty of fish in the sea, right? If it’s not meant to be… I’ll just have to move on.”

Meanwhile, Amelia stormed out of the banquet hall, yanked out her phone, and dialed her friend.

“Come pick me up. I’m done with Tanner’s birthday party, and I’m not sticking around a second longer!”