Emilia's POV

How have I allowed this? Somehow, I'm sat in bar with Nathan and Karina, as well as Antonio and Keith. Pao Lin and Ivan decided to sit out on this occasion but I let Barnaby convince me to come. I am not sure why? These people are technically my clients, I shouldn't be doing this! "So, Emilia," I lifted my head from my drink, Keith catching my attention. "You're always asking us about how we are, what about you? How's your life going?"

Everyone turned their attention to me. Way to make me feel pressured Keith. I sighed, placing my drink down. "Honestly, I'm a bit lonely," I answered feeling my cheeks heat up. Maybe it's the booze. "Barnaby and Kotestu spend all their time together and, yes, I'm happy to be a part of their family again but I don't want to get in the way so I step back. Kaeda is with her friends all the time and I've never really had many friends of my own."

"You need to get laid honey," I gasped at Nathan's sudden comment. "You need a man. A good one, and well, in regards to friends-"

"You always have us," Karina smiled.

"I appreciate that, really I do," I answered. "But please no set ups. Last time Barnaby did that the guy held me hostage."

"I know some wonderful men cutie," I sighed as Nathan talked, slumping into my seat.

"There are some guys at my sponsors who are looking for a date," Antonio joined in and they all started to talk about good men they knew.

I smiled seeing them gossip about these "bachelors" and trying decide the best one. I rolled by eyes, taking this chance to sneak another drink from the bar. I managed to slip away and sat at the corner of the bar, folding my arms and leaning against the oak counter. I caught the bartender's attention who just nodded and started pouring my drink. Anyone would think I'm a regular. I looked up at the TV noticing a pre-recorded interview with the heroes that took place after the latest arrest. Nothing major, just a bank robbery but with the fact they were fast due to a next power, they were hard to catch.

The conversation turned to how Barnaby will be returning to the league sooner and there will be a special press conference after his first episode back. Geez Agnes, you are scary good at your job. I thanked the bar tender as he gave me my drink and i sighed. Turning to go back to the table only to bump into someone, spilling my drink over the gentleman. "I am so so sorry," I gasped, leaning down and grabbing the broken pieces of the glass. 

"Lia?" The gentleman asked? Lia? I haven't been called that since high school. I stood up, looking the gentleman in the face. Piercing red eyes and deep black hair. Wait, I know this guy? "It's Ren, we were in the research club together at school." I blushed deeply. Ren Sanderson? I had the biggest crush on this guy back in the day but I never spoke at school. Literally, all my high school years, I never spoke a word due to selective mutism. In fact my own therapy was why I choose my own career path. "Wow, you certainly have changed." 

I gulped finally getting my courage to speak, "S-says you." I'm sure I'm blushing as red as Nathan's flames. 

He gave a sweet smile and placed a hand on my head. "I never thought I'd get to hear that voice of yours," He chuckled. "It's kind of cute." 

Cute? "Emilia honey," I pushed Ren's hand from my head, Nathan walking over to us, though his eyes were caught by Ren. "Oh, whose this cutie?" 

Ren jumped, Nathan being Nathan and touching Ren's buttocks. Oh, please kill me now! "I-I'm Ren," Somehow Ren started to calm down and it was like a new demeaner took over. "And please, the cute one here is clearly you." 

Nathan fawns over the, touching my shoulders and leaning into my ear. "Honey, if you don't make a move I might," You already did! 

"Oh, Ren, let me give you some money," I stammered, looking for my purse to get him some money to clean his shirt. 

"How about your number instead?" I felt something hit my chest. When was this guy so smooth? What happened to the geek who couldn't finish a sentence without a stutter, who had constant bed hair and big glasses? I froze, unable to answer, not even realising as Nathan gave Ren my number. "Thanks, when she snaps out of it, tell her I'll give her a call." 

"Bye cutie," Nathan waved off, grabbing my wrist mimicking his actions. "You may not be lonely after all honey." 

Big brother, help me!