Three Thousand Miles(68)

“Emma your brother is a millionaire and although he does sometimes annoy me when he buys over-expensive things, but I have come to realise that is just who he is. He loves to give and he never asks for anything in return and I know that if you accept his generosity it would make him so happy.” Emma again smiles at me and I watch as she stares at her mother. Maggie is smiling and I immediately turn to look at Adrian. His eyes are glowing and he gently gives me a wink. I melt at the sight of him and I cannot contain my smile.

“Well, I don’t know what to say, thanks Adrian you don’t know how much this means to me.” Emma bounces from her seat and she rushes over to Adrian. He quickly stands and I watch as Emma gives him a tight hug. He smiles and then I notice that he is a little uncomfortable. He pulls back from her and Emma looks confused. Again, Adrian looks at me and I know that he wants me to fill Emma in on his affection issues.

“Oh something else you should know,about your brother, is that he has some affection issues and don’t be offended. It took him forever to finally kiss me but when he does open up, you will soon realise that he is worth the wait.” I say as Adrian glides over to me. Maggie jumps from her seat and she claps her hands in joy.

“Who fancies a little celebration drink?” I giggle at Maggie’s extravagant actions and I reply.

“I would love one; do you need some help in the kitchen?” I make her a face and she soon realises my intentions.

“Thanks Alanna,” she says as she wickedly smiles at me. Adrian gently squeezes my hand as I get up from the sofa. I glance back at the siblings and my heart skips a beat at the sight of them.

“Adrian frightened me when he walked in.” Maggie confesses as she pours champagne into four, tall stemmed glasses.

“Why?” I ask as Maggie hands me my drink.

“He is the spitting image of Edward and seeing him has brought back so many memories.” Maggie takes a massive sip of champagne as she shakes her head in disbelief.

“I know it must be hard for you. But at least Emma and Adrian seem be getting along.” I say as I take a sip of the sour champagne.

“He seems like a really wonderful guy and I cannot thank him enough for his generosity. Emma was heartbroken when she couldn’t attend Yale but now she gets her dream and I will always owe Adrian for that.” Maggie beams at her own words and I again think of Dr James. I stare deeply at her and I wonder if she feels guilty for not letting her daughter be in love. I could never imagine my mom standing in the way of Adrian and me so it is a little hard for me to understand. Even though I know about Maggie’s past, I still feel as if it is just an excuse. After all, she is now with Ryan and she said that he made her believe in love again. So why is she refusing to let her daughter experience love?

“He is amazing and I am completely in love with him.” I say. Maggie gazes at me and I wonder what her reaction to my confession might be.

“I can see that you love him and it is clear that he feels the same way. However, I still want you to focus on your career and I feel that Adrian would not stand in your way. Do you still want a career in social work?” I slightly shake my head at her and I feel a little annoyed with her. However, I hold back my true feelings and I answer her questions.

“Yes, I am still very passionate about social work. Actually I am volunteering tomorrow at the local community centre.” Maggie cannot hold back her smile as she hears my words.

“That’s wonderful, are you going to graduate this year?”

“Yes, graduation is next week and I am very excited and sad about that. My college years are ending and I have to think about growing up. I am scared about entering the real world but I will have Adrian by my side and as long as I have him, I will be happy. ” I take another sip of champagne and I hear Emma hollering from the lounge area.

“Mom where is that drink?” Maggie quickly lifts two glasses of champagne from the counter. I quickly realise that one is for Adrian and I stop her before she gives it to him.

“Maggie, Adrian does not drink alcohol.” She quickly frowns at me and says.

“Then what does he drink? I noticed that he did not like my coffee either.” Maggie says a little harshly. I feel that maybe I have offended her, but I know how Adrian feels about alcohol therefore I could not let her give him that champagne.

“He only drinks water or tea,” I inform her. Maggie quickly puts the glasses down onto the counter and she switches on her kettle. I watch as she rummages through her cupboards. Maggie finally pulls out a small black box of earl grey tea. She smiles at me.

“The British and their tea,” Maggie smiles at her words and I press a little smirk from my lips. As soon as Maggie makes Adrian his tea, I quickly help her to carry the drinks into the lounge.