71. Take charge

"What do you want, Zachary?" I asked flatly. My patience with Zachary was already paper thin.

"Emily, I need your help," he pleaded. A mirthless laugh escaped my lips.

"I'm hanging up. I warned you never to contact me again." I moved to end the call.

"No, wait! Emily, please don't hang up on me!" There was an almost frantic edge to his words now. Against my better judgment, I paused, curiosity getting the better of me.

"Fine, what is it Zachary?" I practically spat the question.

"I need you to be my escort to a family dinner." He paused, then added in a rush, "I...broke up with my fiancée." He says more like an order than a request.

The absurdity of his request hit me like a slap in the face. An unbridled laugh burst from deep in my chest.

"Are you kidding me right now? Are you actually stupid?" I shook my head in disbelief. "I'm married now, Zachary. Happily married. Why the hell did you think I'll do that for you?"

"I know, I know," he pleaded frantically. "But I need a date to bri