I turned to the security guard who had been watching the whole scene unfold.
“I think she’s causing a disturbance. Maybe she shouldn’t be here after all.”
The security guard hesitated, looking between us. He knew I was the owner. He knew I wasn’t serious. But Emily, she didn’t.
Emily’s face crumbled.
“Jake, please,” she said, her voice suddenly much softer, almost pleading. “Don’t do this.”
“Not tonight?”
I urched an eyebrow.
“Why not? You were happy to throw me out in front of all these people.”
Didn’t even hesitate.
“That was a mistake,” she rushed to say, her voice cracking. “I… I didn’t know it was you.”
I feigned a thoughtful expression.
“Oh, I see. So, if I was just some random nobody, it would have been fine to humiliate me.”
I let the words sink in before shaking my head.
“Wow, Emily, that’s a great look for you.”
Emily swallowed hard, her hands clenching into fists at her sides.
“Look, I…”
“Save it.”
I cut in, waving a hand dismissively.
“You spent your whole life treating me like trash. And now that the tables have turned, suddenly you’re acting all nice.”
I let out a mocking laugh.
“You must really think I’m stupid.”
Emily’s face was bright red now. Whether from anger or embarrassment, I wasn’t sure. Maybe both.
She glanced at her parents, my aunt and uncle, who had been standing awkwardly nearby, unsure whether to intervene, but they knew better than to push me now.
“Jake, please.”
Emily tried again, this time in a hushed whisper.
“This is my birthday. Don’t ruin it.”
I gave her a long considering look.
“I’m ruining it? Kind of like how you tried to ruin mine just now.”
She winced.
“I was wrong. Okay, I admit it. Just please don’t make me leave.”
I tapped my chin, pretending to think it over. Then I smirked.