The sound of lounge music filled the air, accompanied by the deep murmur of voices, and the occasional boom of laughter. Sam's promotion party was well under way, and the wine was flowing. Phoebe was running around doing her best to fulfill all her duties as hostess, meanwhile Gemma was basking in the attention of all Sam's single lawyer friends. And a few of the married ones. She looked stunning in a fuschia dress that framed her body perfectly it was fitted around her waist and then opened out into a full skirt. Her hair was straightened and she was wearing it over one shoulder. As she spoke, she was twirling her hair around a perfectly manicured fingertip.
At the other end of the room, Sam was telling some of his other colleagues and friends and their respective spouses about how he got his first job, a story that Phoebe had heard a million times before. She looked over at her husband, brimming with pride. He'd really earned this promotion. She went over to speak with Rachel and Chris, who was flying solo tonight.
Gemma distractedly looked around the room. She hated herself for doing so, but she wanted to see Ryan. They hadn't spoken all week and she missed him terribly. She hoped that they could have a serious conversation about what was happening between them so that they didn't put their friendship in jeopardy. She'd planned what she was going to say and she wanted some space to go over her rehearsed speech. She gestured towards the empty glasses held by the men around her, and excused herself under the pretense of getting more wine. Phoebe and Rachel swiftly followed Gemma into the kitchen, and the three ladies prepared some more canapes to replenish the platters that Phoebe had prepared earlier. As they rejoined the party, they could hear Ryan's voice echoing through the house.
"There's the man of the moment! Get over here, Sammy boy." Ryan called across the room. They shared a hug and then Ryan insisted on hearing how the good news had been delivered, what the new job entailed and all the other details. While Sam was midway through explaining, they were interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat.
A slender, willowy woman in a black dress stood there with her hands on her boyish hips.
"Aren't you going to introduce me?"
...
Chris, Sam, Phoebe and Rachel watched as Rose clung desperately to Ryan's side for half an hour. Her laugh was so obnoxious that even Ryan flinched whenever she cackled at her own jokes. Her mousy brown hair was cut into a long, limp bob and while she was usually an attractive lady, she didn't look it tonight. Ryan had had half a mind to ditch her when he first saw her that evening. She was wearing red lipstick that looked harsh and mean on her thin lips. Her eye make up was a touch too heavy, and her dress was ill-fitting and did nothing to emphasise her femininity. Ryan deeply regretted bringing her along.
While Rose was narrating another sinfully boring tale, Ryan craned his neck, searching for Gemma and her mystery date. He thought he caught a glimpse of her caramel coloured skin and dark hair, surrounded by men in suits. He looked down at himself in jeans and a shirt and cursed himself for his laid-back attitude. She was clearly looking for someone more polished than he was. He scrutinised her admirers, trying to decipher their body language, trying to determine who her date was. He was disgruntled to see all these men trying to stake their territory. He grabbed Rose by the elbow and led her towards Gemma.
...
"Ryan!" Gemma called out to him as she saw him making his way to her. She jumped out of her seat and gave him a hug. She'd planned on being cool; calm and collected, but seeing him made her realise that she'd really missed him. She looked him up and down and smiled in approval. He looked great. It was refreshing to see his casual style amidst all the men in their drab suits. The men all dispersed when Gemma left their little huddle. Suddenly, Ryan's face dropped as he realised she hadn't brought a date. He wanted the world to open up and swallow him whole. Or even better, for it to take Rose.
"Gem... hey." Ryan held her close to him. When she looked up into his eyes he felt his heart melt.
"Can we go somewhere more quiet? I want to talk to you" Gemma struggled to remember how to begin her speech. Just then, one of Sam's rather drunk co-workers bounded towards her.
Seeing his opportunity, Ryan took Rose aside and asked her to get him another drink. She looked at the half glass of red wine in his hand and refused. Gemma had almost successfully rid herself of the man pestering her, and Ryan saw no other option. He took a step backwards so that he was jostled by the person behind him, and he watched as the contents of his glass spilled onto Rose. He shrugged apologetically.
Gemma looked flustered. "Where was I?"
"You wanted to talk to me?" Ryan prompted, eager to know what she had to say. She seemed nervous, and for someone who naturally exuded confidence, this was rare.
"Yeah, why didn't you call me this week? You know, after... everything..." She slid her arm into Ryan's.
"I..." Ryan began.
He saw Rose stomping towards them, and he hoped that she would exercise some restraint. He needed to have this conversation with Gemma, more than anything. She tapped her foot expectantly, unhappy that her date was ignoring her to talk to another woman.
"Don't tell me I have to introduce myself yet again. Ryan, you really are useless."
"Sorry, I don't think we've met. I'm Gemma." she spoke cautiously, unsure of what was unfolding.
"I'm Rose"
"Rose?" Gemma asked, confused.
"Yes, Rose. Ryan's girlfriend." Rose giggled. Ryan's eyebrows shot up. He was gobsmacked. His girlfriend? Hardly. He was about to offer a clarification when he saw Gemma spin around on her heels and dash for the door. He made to follow her, but by the time he got to the front door she was nowhere in sight. He looked to his side and saw Rose standing there, with a victorious smirk on her face. He was seething.
...
The hot tears stung Gemma's eyes as she sat on the pavement a few roads away from Sam and Phoebe's house. She had left her bag in their guest bedroom and knew she'd have to go back eventually. She silently berated herself for being such an idiot. He wasn't interested in her. He had a fucking girlfriend! She tried to gather her composure, but she could still hear Rose's voice mocking her.
"Can I sit here?" Chris asked. She smiled up at him as he passed over his wine glass.
"What are you doing out here?"
"I overheard what happened, thought you might want some company."
Gemma put her head on his shoulder and let the tears roll down her face. Chris wanted nothing more than to bang Gemma and Ryan's heads together and put them on the right track, but he knew as well as anyone that they needed to realise for themselves what everyone else had always known. Gemma wondered if Chris knew why she was upset. And when she gave him a questioning look he just chuckled in response.
"Maybe I should get going. Do you think you could get my bag for me?" Gemma pleaded.
"You can't avoid him forever." Chris reasoned, instead offering his arm for her to lean on as they slowly walked back to the party.
Back inside, things were starting to wind down, and the crowd had thinned somewhat. Those who remained looked ready to call it a night. Gemma half-heartedly laughed at yet more lawyer jokes, and Ryan was relieved to see that she was back. She looked so vunerable, and suddenly he felt ashamed for playing games. He wondered whether her reaction to Rose had been good news for him, whether it meant he had a chance with her. He just needed to know.
"I'm going to help clean up here, so why don't you get a lift with one of your new friends." Ryan told Rose, thrusting her jacket into her arms as he ushered her out of the front door. "I'll call you sometime."
