I’ve finished my food by the time they come back. Emma slides back into the booth and the mysterious man sits down next to her. “Josh, this is Layton. He’s one of my best friends and swears he won’t say anything.”
I look at him and smile, reaching out my hand. “Nice to meet you, Lay….”
“Oh, no! Lawdy, it’s my pleasure. You know, I saw you in the parking lot and I thought, No way is that Mr.…” Emma hits him in the ribs with her elbow and I laugh. “I wasn’t gonna say it loud. Geez, girl. Get your panties unbunched.”
“Well, it’s a pleasure meeting you, Layton.” He shakes my hand, and Emma smiles again at me. “So what brings you all the way out here?” I take a sip of my coffee and flash my eyes over to Emma, who is sitting pretty uncomfortably squirming in her seat.
“Oh! My dad lives out here. I visit on weekends when I can. I was certainly surprised to see Em. She rarely leaves her apartment.” He gets up from the table, and I watch him hit her on her shoulder softly. “Well I gotta go. You all have fun,” he says with a wink, and she scowls at him when he turns and walks away.
“You okay, Em?”
Her head turns and her smile is definitely fake. “Yes. I guess. He just makes me crazy and he’s a freakin’ blabbermouth. Ugh!”
I reach across the table and take her hand that’s resting there. “Emma. It will all be okay. Quit worrying so much.” Her body relaxes, and her smile turns genuine.
We finish our breakfast, and I drive her home. It’s quiet on the way there. I can tell she’s uncomfortable with the situation, and I hate that. I feel like our night was ruined. I don’t know what else to say to her, to calm her. I drop her off, not walking her to her door. She said she was fine and that she’ll talk to me later, only kissing me on my cheek. Things are not fine. I leave sadly and go home. Alone.
Chapter Six
I’m pacing the floor. Layton. It will be all over that he saw Josh and me, I know it. He said he wouldn’t say anything, but he is notorious for blabbing even without meaning to. I’ve been home for a couple of hours, not knowing what to do with myself. I had tonight off, but I called Randy and told him I wanted to work. I need something to do to occupy my time. A knock sounds on my front door and startles me. What now? I walk quickly and open the door. A young man stands there holding a vase of beautiful roses, various colors, and a box with a ribbon tied around it.
“Emma Danielson?” I nod and he practically shoves the vase into my arms and hands me the box. “Have a good day.” He leaves before I can turn around to get my purse, so I could tip him. I slowly close the door and hold the flowers up to my nose, breathing in the luscious aroma.
I take the vase and set it down on the breakfast bar and spot a small card attached. I set the box down and take the card, open it and tears instantly form in my eyes.
Emma,
Please don’t be upset. I had more than a wonderful time and miss you already. I wish I would have told you then, but I love you.
Yours always,
Josh
Damn him! He got me with a card. I set the card down on the counter when a muffled ringing sound comes from the box. What the hell? I quickly untie the ribbon and open the lid. The ringing becomes louder as I fumble through tissue paper. I cover my mouth with a gasp when I see a box, nestled in the paper, with a cellphone inside, and it begins ringing again. Slowly, I pick it up and laugh when I swipe the front and see a picture of Josh then put it up to my ear.
“This is too much, Josh.” I hear his laughter on the other end and I sigh. God, I miss him.
He stops and sighs. “It’s not enough. I miss you. Can I see you again tonight? Please?” Damn! I wish I hadn’t called in to work.
“I have to work tonight. I’m sorry.” It’s quiet but I can hear his breathing and can imagine him on the other end. “Josh, look. The flowers are lovely, our night last night…. It was beyond amazing but….” What do I say? I’m so confused. I don’t want to be selfish but I also don’t want him to lose his job. “Maybe we should take a step back.”
“Em….”
“I don’t want you to lose your job over me, Josh. It’s not fair. I can’t do that to you. I won’t. I’m scared, confused. I also know that you mean more to me than anything. Can’t you understand?” Tears are flowing down my face now. My insides are knotting with the thought that I wouldn’t see him again, hold him in my arms, or kiss those full lips.
“Emma. I…. Nothing means anything to me without you. Don’t you understand? I will respect your wishes but know that I’m always here for you. Always. I wish you wouldn’t do this. A job is just a job but you, you’re…. you’re everything. Don’t you know that?” I can hear the quaking in his voice and feel worse than I already do.