Forever Love (Now & Forever) Read online

  “Honey, I just want to see you happy.”

  Emily turned and looked at her Mom. “I will be but I need to talk to Alex. I know I just came home but can you babysit for an hour?”

  She nodded. “Go do what you have to do.”

  Emily kissed Emma and ran out the front door. She hopped into her car and headed towards Alex’s house. She prayed he would be home and not at the office. She thought about calling him but wanted to make it a surprise for him instead.

  She pulled into his driveway and saw his car parked by the house along with Sue’s. She sighed. What was with her? She must have been waiting for him at home.

  Emily walked up the front path and rang the doorbell. Sue opened the door. “Emily, how are you? Was Alex expecting you?”

  “No, I just needed to speak with him. Is he around?”

  “Yes but he’s on a business call in his office. Can I leave him a message for him?”

  Emily stared at her in disbelief. “No, I can wait or I can just sneak in for a minute.”

  Sue shot her a nasty look. “I couldn’t allow that.”

  “Allow that? Sue, I’m his girlfriend. I have the right to see him!” Emily found herself shouting.

  “Emily?” Alex asked as he walked towards her. “What’s going on?”

  “She won’t let me see you!”

  “Sue?” he asked.

  “You were on your business call. I didn’t want anything to disturb you.”

  “Sue, when Emily wants to see me, here or at work, she will be allowed to do so. Thanks for bringing the contracts over, we will speak tomorrow.” Alex grabbed Emily’s hand and pulled her into his living room as Sue left.

  He bent down and kissed her. Her lips immediately felt at home again. “Is everything ok? I figured you would want to be with Emma today.”

  “I do, believe me but I needed to say something to you first.”

  Alex pointed to the couch. “Have a seat. What’s on your mind?”

  “Eric dropped Emma off today and we packed up the rest of his things that were still at my house. He told me that he still loved me and wanted to give us another chance.”

  Alex looked away from her. She touched the side of his face and turned his head back towards her.

  “Alex, he kissed me and I kissed him back. Please listen to me though. I realized something with that kiss.”

  Alex sighed. “Emily, please just tell me. Are you going back to him?”

  Emily looked at him intently. “As we were kissing I realized that I missed you, your lips and your body. You. Eric is my past. Yes, he will always be in my life but you are my future. I want to build on our relationship, I want to share my world with you and that includes my body.”

  Alex smirked and then smiled. “You amaze me more and more every day Emily, I want to share my life with you also. That’s why I want to invite you and Emma to dinner Friday night with my family.”

  Emily smiled and accepted. She stood up and started to make her exit. “I need to go see my baby girl. I’m serious Alex. I’m done with Eric and today just reassured me of that.”

  Alex soundly kissed her. “I will call you soon, ok?” Emily said as she opened the front door.

  “I’m sorry about Sue. We are going to have a talk tomorrow.”

  “I told you that she had a crush on you. I can’t blame her though.”

  Alex blushed and walked her back to her car. They kissed again and Emily headed home.

  When she arrived, she grabbed Emma and they played all night long. They had a family dinner and things felt right again. Emily gave Emma a bath and dressed her in her princess pajamas. As she tucked her in, she wanted to talk with her.

  “Emma, starting tomorrow, mommy is going to start looking for a new home for us.”

  “What about Grandma?” She asked.

  “She’s going to stay here with Paul. It’s just going to be you and me. Is that ok?”

  “What about Daddy?”

  “No, Daddy is going to be playing football. You know how much he loves doing that.”

  “I miss Daddy,” She yawned.

  “I know you do. We are going to try and see him soon. Do you remember Mr. Alex?”

  “Yes, he’s nice.”

  Emily smiled. “I think so too. We are going to have dinner with him soon, ok?”

  “Ok, night Mommy.” Emily laughed and took that as her cue to leave.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Emily woke up Monday morning feeling slightly disorientated. She was done with school, she needed a job and she was moving out on her own with Emma. It was a lot to take in all at once.

  She woke up and saw that Emma was gone. Her mom let her sleep in by taking Emma and feeding her breakfast but she felt uneasy. She needed to start doing everything on her own, how else would she survive when it was just her and Emma. She knew her mom meant well but it was time for her to take control of her life.

  She headed downstairs in her pj’s and found everyone at the breakfast table. She kissed Emma good morning and found her breakfast waiting for her in the kitchen.

  “What’s on the agenda today, Emily?” Paul asked.

  “Finding an apartment and a job, I need to call the museum and set up an interview and then I have a walk through around the corner at that cute apartment complex. It’s two bedrooms and plenty of room for toys and the important stuff, right Emma?”

  “Right,” Emma said as she played with her cereal.

  They laughed as Emily continued, “I’m trying to remain excited about all of this but it’s hard. I’m so nervous about being on my own with Emma.”

  “I’m right here, Emily.” Her mom piped in.

  “Mom, you have been awesome but you have also taken on a lot so I could get through college. I need to start figuring out this stuff on my own. I know you will always be here for us and believe me, I will be calling you and coming over but it’s time for me to start handling this stuff on my own.”

  Her mom started to tear up. “When did you grow up, Emily?”

  She laughed. “I’m not sure and I don't think I like it.”

  Emily cleaned Emma up and let her go play. She headed upstairs to shower and change her clothes. She looked down at her cell phone and noticed she had a text waiting for her.

  I talked to George this morning. He’s waiting on your phone call. Hope you slept well – Alex

  Emily smiled at his text. She quickly responded back to him.

  Slept well, I will call George shortly - Emily

  She took her shower and went to check on Emma. She was still happy playing with her dolls.

  Emily looked at her mother. "Are you going to work?"

  "Yes, just later. I worked a lot this weekend. Are you taking Emma with you today?"

  "Yes, she should see the apartment too. I want her to be involved throughout the entire move."

  "We need to start thinking about her birthday party."

  Emily smiled. "I can't believe she is going to be three already." She watched as Emma moved in front of the television.

  "Why don't you make your phone call while I'm still here to watch her?"

  Emily smiled and went into the other room. She dialed the number for George and tried to calm her nerves.

  "George speaking," He said as he picked up.

  "Good Morning, George. This is Emily Stone. I was told to call you this morning."

  "Hello Emily."

  "How are you?" Emily asked.

  "I'm well. Alex told me that you are looking for a position at the museum. He said you just graduated from UB. Congratulations."

  "Thank you. Yes, I would love to speak with you about the current opening in your department."

  "I have an available time tomorrow morning at nine a.m., would that be ok?"

  "Absolutely, how will I find you?"

  They discussed the details of the interview and said their good byes. Emily hung up the phone and realized she needed a babysitter.

  She entered the living room a
nd Paul was watching cartoons with Emma.

  "Paul, is there any chance you will be home tomorrow morning?"

  "I think so, I can watch her. Did you get the interview?"

  "Yes, I will come home right afterwards to relieve you."

  "No problem at all," Paul smiled. "We will catch up on some cartoons."

  Emily smiled. "Hey Emma, wanna help Mommy pick out a nice outfit for tomorrow?"

  "Sure." Emma ran over to her and they headed upstairs.

  The rest of the morning, Emily worked on her resume and practiced her interviewing skills with Paul. She missed Alex though. She grabbed her cell phone and sent him a quick text message.

  Hi - Emily

  Hi yourself - Alex

  Emily smiled as she quickly responded.

  What R U doing? - Emily

  In a meeting listening how to increase profits, I'm bored - Alex

  You should be paying attention - Emily

  I was - U texted me - Alex

  Emily laughed as Paul looked up from his newspaper, "Sorry." She blushed.

  Can I C U 2nite - Emily

  Yes, when? - Alex

  8? After Emma is asleep - Emily

  Sounds good - C U later - Alex

  Emily smiled as she looked at the clock and realized she needed to get moving. She grabbed Emma and got her changed into a cute flowery sundress.

  They drove down the street and around the corner. The apartment complex had four apartments per building. She grabbed Emma's hand as they walked into the building. She knocked on the manager's door and an older lady answered, "How can I help you, Honey?"

  "Hi, I'm Emily and this is my daughter, Emma. I spoke with you on the phone about the available apartment."

  "Of course, hi Emma, do you like kittens? My cat just had babies. Did you want to see them?"

  Emma gasped in excitement and looked at Emily. "We can look, follow…I'm sorry, what was your name?" Emily asked.

  "Mrs. Jones, Honey. I oversee a few of the buildings here."

  Mrs. Jones led them through her apartment and back to a large crate which held several small kittens.

  "Emma, aren't they cute?"

  "Mommy, I want one."

  Emily laughed. "Oh Sweetie, you can look but we can't get one."

  Emma pouted and stared at the kitten's sleeping. She started to cry when Emily said it was time to leave. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Jones. She's normally so well behaved."

  "Oh Honey, she's just being a child." She smiled as she led them to the available apartment.

  Emily really liked the flow of the apartment. The living room was a decent size which had sliding doors to a small balcony and the kitchen had all the major appliances that she needed. Emma ran around the hallway and explored each room. The room that would be Emma's was perfect. She had enough room for a bed, all her toys and she imagined all the cute pink little girl furniture that would fill it.

  Emily turned to Mrs. Jones. "I want it. When can I move in?"

  "Well, we need to go over the contract and I need first and last month's rent plus security deposit."

  "No problem, I can get all of that for you."

  Mrs. Jones smiled. "Well, as soon as you sign the contract, you can move in on the first."

  Emily smiled, she had done it. She found a new home for her and Emma.

  "Let's go celebrate with some ice cream, Emma!"

  When they returned home, Emily told her mother all the daily news. After dinner, they all watched a movie together and Emma fell asleep on the couch. Emily wrapped her in her arms and took her upstairs to bed.

  It was almost eight p.m.; Emily cleaned herself up and headed downstairs as his car pulled into the driveway.

  She excused herself and went outside to meet him, "Good Evening."

  Alex smiled as he got out of her car. He looked different. He was dressed in a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. He still looked sexy as hell.

  "Good Evening, Baby." Alex leaned down and kissed her soundly.

  "You look so good. I love seeing the causal side of you," Emily said.

  Alex smiled as she walked him to the front porch and sat down on the stairs next to him.

  "How was your day?" He asked.

  "I found an apartment."

  "That's wonderful. Tell me when you need the moving van and please don't argue with me." Alex smirked.

  Emily laughed. "Fine and I talked to George."

  "I heard, I told him when you were done with your interview to drop you off at my office."

  "I feel guilty though, I never stopped to see Henry. Alex, it's been weeks since I worked on my drawings. I don't even have room for it at my new apartment."

  "Don’t worry about it. We will figure it all out in time. Baby steps, ok?"

  Emily nodded. "I know, just nervous about tomorrow."

  Alex kissed her softly. "You will be wonderful."

  "If I get this job, would I be in your office?"

  Alex smiled. "Yes, I have the big office at the end of the hallway. Sue is in front of my office and everyone else who works on the business side of the museum is scattered around. You would be sitting with George which is right around the corner from me."

  Emily nodded. "Did you speak with Sue today?"

  "Yes, she shouldn't be a problem anymore."

  "I hope you weren't too harsh with her."

  "Emily, she was out of line. I needed to correct that." Alex traced the side of her face with his hand. "When my girlfriend needs me, I will be there."

  Emily smiled hearing that, she was about to tell him more about the apartment when her phone rang. She looked at Alex. "It's Eric, hang on a second." She walked away from Alex, "Hey Eric."

  "Hey, just wanted to say good bye. I'm leaving in the morning."

  "Good luck with everything, Eric. I really do wish you the best of luck in Denver. As soon as we can figure something out, I will fly Emma out there."

  "Thank you, Emily. Is Alex there?"

  Emily glanced over at him. "Yes why?"

  “I would like to speak with him, if that’s ok.”

  “Um, I guess so, hang on.” Emily lowered the phone and walked back towards Alex. “He would like to speak with you.”

  Alex looked at her. “Why?”

  Emily shrugged. “I don’t know.” She handed him her phone as she listened to them speak to each other. She tried to figure out what was being said. They said good bye and he handed her the phone back.

  “Well?” She asked sitting back down.

  “He wanted to tell me to look out for you and Emma. He said that if you trusted me than he would also. He says that he loves you but for now he will let you go.”

  Emily looked surprised. “For now?”

  Alex nodded. “That’s what he said. Emily, I don’t blame him. If I was him, I would be fighting for you also.”

  Emily shook her head. “I don’t know why.”

  Alex stood up and pulled her onto her feet. He looked down at her. “Emily Stone, you are an amazing woman. You are intelligent, wise and brave enough to raise a child at the age of eighteen. When are you going to realize how special you are?”

  Emily started to tear up. “If I’m so special and wonderful, why did he cheat on me?”

  Alex sighed. “I don’t have the answer to that. I can only assume that the pressures that he was under made him snap. We all make stupid mistakes.”

  Emily started to cry as all the memories came flooding back to her. She snuggled into his chest as he tightened his arms around her.

  “Please don’t cry. You are starting your new life. Everyone is proud of you. Let the past be the past.”

  Emily backed away and wiped her eyes. “Sorry, bad moment.”

  Alex smiled down at her. “We all have them,” he paused, “There were days when I thought of Amy and broke down. I didn’t want to go to work or get out of bed.”

  “How did you get through it?” Emily asked.

  “Family, friends and then I met this incredible new artist wh
o just shook my world.”

  Emily blushed and softly said, “You are wonderful.”

  “So are you, Emily. I should let you get to bed. Good luck tomorrow.”

  “Thank you.” She replied as she kissed him. He returned her kiss as his hand slid up into her hair. She moaned softly as she pulled away. He placed his forehead on hers.

  “Good night, Baby.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  Emily woke up and managed to feed Emma as well as herself. Paul helped her distract Emma as she dressed for her interview. Her mother surprised her with a new dress for the occasion. She zipped up the light blue dress and found a pair of matching heels. She twisted her hair up into a bun on her head and smiled as she applied her makeup.

  She looked older, more professional but she knew she could get used to it. She stood up and looked one more time in the mirror. She grabbed her purse and headed out the front door.

  When she arrived at the museum, she entered through the main doors and smiled as she remembered the night Alex brought her there for their first date. The lobby was filled with school children and tour groups. She approached the security desk and received her visitor tag. She headed towards the elevator and joined a group of employees heading towards their offices.

  When the elevators doors opened, her eyes glanced around. She spotted the receptionist’s desk and explained that she was there for an interview with George. She smiled and offered Emily a seat in the waiting area.

  Emily looked around the beautiful office, she spotted that each office had an assistant who sat in front of it. Her eyes glanced down the hallway at a set of heavy oak doors. She smiled as she assumed that was Alex’s office. Her suspicions were proved true when Sue stepped out into the hallway and sat at her desk in front of them.

  Emily’s stomach tensed when Sue spotted her and smiled. She got up from her desk and walked down the hallway. “Good Morning, Emily.”

  Emily stood up to greet her. “Good Morning, Sue. How are you?”

  “I’m great. I wanted to take a moment and apologize for my actions. Sometimes I get caught up in my job and I forget that other people have personal lives. I didn’t mean any harm the other day.”