Forever Love (Now & Forever) Page 9

  She tried to dress Emma and move around all the packed boxes in their bedroom. She couldn’t wait to move into her new apartment on Saturday and stop living out of boxes. Emma was cranky and fighting with her at every turn.

  Emily sat on her bed and took a deep breath. Her mom passed by the door and smiled at her. “Emily, it’s ok. She’s a child. She’s going to have bad days.”

  “I don’t want to be late, Mom. But, I can’t keep fighting with her.”

  Her mother laughed as if she knew a secret joke. “Emily, I can take care of her and drop her off at Mrs. Mason’s house.”

  Emily shook her head. “Mom, I need to do this for myself. I will be moving this week and I need to get used to handling her breakdowns on my own.”

  Her mother smiled at her. “I completely understand, Emily. Well, if you need me, I’m right down the hall.”

  Emily took a deep breath and continued to struggle with Emma. When they were both dressed, they headed downstairs for breakfast. Paul had breakfast ready and gave Emily a small smile. “I’m proud of you, Emily.”

  Emily nodded as she walked into the kitchen and leaned against the counter. She was nervous about going to work. She looked down at her outfit and rubbed her hands across her black skirt and fixed her tucked in blouse. She took another deep breath as she grabbed some breakfast and headed back into the dining room.

  “You look beautiful, Emily. Doesn’t your mommy look beautiful, Emma?”

  Emma smiled, nodded and quickly went back to her breakfast. Emily sat down next to her and quickly ate her breakfast.

  As she finished up, she cleaned up Emma and said her goodbyes. She was still determined not to be late on her first day.

  She pulled in front of the Mason’s and pulled Emma from her child seat. “Emma, I want you to be a good girl today? Grandma loves spending time with you. I will be back later to pick you up, ok?”

  Emma ran towards the front door as Mrs. Mason greeted her with a hug. “Good Morning, Ladies. Emma, you can go inside and play.”

  Emily smiled as she handed Emma’s bag to Mrs. Mason. “Thank you again for watching her. I’m so nervous about being late today.”

  “It’s always my pleasure, Emily. I love that little girl. You will be great today, you look very professional.”

  Emily smiled and felt a huge sense of relief come over her. “Have you talked with Eric lately?”

  Mrs. Mason nodded. “Yes, he’s doing well. He’s practicing with the team and slowly buying furniture and other items for his house.”

  “He bought a house?”

  “Yes, he didn’t tell you?”

  Emily shook her head. “No. I’m not surprised, we haven’t been on the same page for awhile now. I’m happy for him though. That’s big step.”

  Mrs. Mason sighed and hugged Emily. “Sweetie, call him. I know it would mean a lot to him.”

  Emily smiled and waved good bye to Emma, who was playing in the hallway behind them. She walked back to her car and just sat there thinking about her life. She was embarking on a new adventure today but she couldn’t help but wonder what Eric was doing in Denver.

  She drove towards the museum and found the employee parking lot. As she got out of her car and headed into the building, she passed by Alex’s car. She couldn’t help but smile and quickly felt better.

  She entered the employee elevator and took a deep breath as she stepped out onto her floor. She quickly looked around and spotted Sue rushing towards her.

  “Good Morning, Emily! Welcome to our happy little family. Alex wanted me to make sure I got you settled in this morning and show you the ropes.”

  “Good Morning, Sue. Lead the way.”

  She smiled as Emily followed her to her new desk. George was already there as he waved to Emily through the glass.

  “I had the cleaning staff scrub your desk and clean out all the drawers for you. So, make it your own. Of course, we ask people to keep their area respectful but we encourage you to bring in pictures and feel at home.” Emily smiled as Sue continued, “You have an hour lunch and feel free to take that whenever you want, you may just want to touch base with George before you leave.”

  Emily smiled. “That sounds good, anything else I should know?”

  “I need to take you down to human resources to have you fill out your paperwork. But, we can do that a little bit later.”

  George walked out of his office. “Emily! Welcome! Why don’t you come into my office and we will go through some details. Once you are sick of me, Sue can show you down to human resources and finish up your paperwork.”

  Sue headed back towards Alex’s office as Emily followed George. “I’m so excited to be working here. I was so nervous about being late this morning and my daughter wanted to fight with me all morning long.”

  George laughed. “I’ve been there. Luckily, my wife is a stay at home mother so she has to deal with all the drama in the morning. But, the deal is I have to deal with it at night.”

  Emily smiled and nodded. “That sounds fair to me.”

  “Well, let’s go over some small details and how I would like things done. Feel free to give me your input and we will see how the first week goes. I want you to feel at ease with me, Emily. I’m an easy going guy as long as Alex isn’t on my back about things. We will have a fine working relationship.”

  Emily smiled. “That sounds good to me!”

  Over the next hour, they discussed his work and travel schedule. George explained the way that he liked his office run and Emily made sure he understood that she would do everything in her power to make his desk run smoothly.

  As they were finishing their conversation, there was a small knock on the door. Emily turned around and saw Sue waiting for her. “Can I steal Emily away for a little bit? We want to get her paperwork filled out.”

  “Of course, Sue. We will just finish our chat later this afternoon.” George went back to his work as Emily walked out of the office with Sue. They headed down the hallway and Sue pushed the button on the elevator.

  “I think you will enjoy it here. People are so nice and I’m so lucky to be working directly with Alex.”

  Emily nodded but couldn’t help but feel uneasy. “He is wonderful. I haven’t seen him yet.”

  Sue leaned closer to Emily and whispered. “He wanted to keep your relationship quiet around the office so I’m sure he will keep his distance from you.”

  Emily nodded but really started to feel uncomfortable around her. The elevator doors opened and Alex stood in the middle surrounded by other fashionably dressed males.

  He stepped out of the elevator and gave Emily a quick wink as she heard one of the men say something to Sue. “Alex’s schedule is clear for the rest of the day. I believe he is taking you to lunch this afternoon.”

  “Thank you for clearing my schedule. Mr. Potts would like a tour of the new wing later this morning.”

  “Of course, I would love to take you down there and show you all the improvements that we have done.”

  “Sounds like a plan Sue and who is this young lady?”

  Sue started to open her mouth but Alex quickly jumped in. “This is Emily Stone. She joined our team as of this morning and will be on George’s desk. She is actually a very talented artist herself.”

  Emily smiled and felt her shyness start to consume her. Mr. Potts quickly stepped into the conversation. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Stone.” He reached out and shook her hand, “I would love to see your work sometime.”

  Alex spoke up again. “Mr. Potts is a member of the museum board and has a great passion for the arts.”

  Emily finally found her voice. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Potts. I’m looking forward to working here and learning as much as I can.”

  “I love that attitude, Emily. We need more of that around here.” He turned towards Alex, “I would keep my eye on this one, Alex.”

  Alex smirked at her. “Oh, I plan on doing just that, Sir.”

  Emily finis
hed up her first day and smiled as she said good night to George. She headed down the elevator with her co-workers and said her goodbye’s as she walked to her car. She heard her cell phone beep as she pulled it out of her purse.

  Hope your first day went well - Eric

  Emily smiled realizing that his mother must have told him the news. She typed back. It was great - I survived - Emily

  She reached her car and heard someone clear his voice behind her as she spun around and found Alex staring at her.

  “Oh my God Alex, don’t scare me like that!”

  “Sorry, I wanted to catch you before you left but you were out of there right at five.”

  Emily smirked. “I’m looking forward to getting home and seeing Emma. I miss her.”

  Alex leaned against her car. “I’m sure you do, how did today go?”

  Emily smiled. “It was great. George is so nice and we worked well together. Sue showed me around and I met a lot of new people. It was a good day.”

  “I’m happy to hear that. I won’t keep you. Go see your little girl. See you tomorrow?”

  Emily nodded. “I will be here.”

  Alex smiled and whispered. “I want to kiss you good night so badly but people are everywhere.”

  Emily smirked at him. “I know. Just know I love you.”

  “Love you too Emily, night.”

  She got into her car and looked down at her phone. Eric sent her a message back. I’m proud of you and miss you - Eric

  Emily sighed as she started up her car and drove home to her family.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Emily finished her first week at the museum and enjoyed the feeling of having a full time job and being able to support her family. All her co-workers showed her the ropes and George was very supportive and patient with her.

  When Saturday rolled around, she watched the moving truck back into the driveway and heard her mother crying as she watched the boxes fill up the back of it.

  “Mom, I’m right around the corner. You can visit me whenever you want, ok? Aren’t you excited to finally be alone with Paul?”

  Her mom nodded and smiled at her. “Yes, of course I am but I’m going to miss you so much, Emily. We have been through so much together and now you are starting your life with Emma. I’m proud of you.”

  Emily kissed her mom’s cheek. “Seriously Mom, I will come over for dinner every other night.”

  Paul laughed as he entered the living room with more of Emma’s toys. “She will be just fine, Emily. I will just have to listen to her cry all night. I’m sure she will drive passed your apartment every night to make sure you are safe.”

  Emily shook her head as she headed back upstairs to grab more boxes. She was grateful that Mrs. Mason offered to watch Emma so they could move everything without worrying about her.

  She smiled when she saw Alex climbing up the stairs and entered her room. He didn’t stop until his arms were around her and pulling her close. His lips found hers and kissed her deeply. Her fingers ran up into his hair and pulled him tight against her. When he released her, she licked her lower lip and bit it softly.

  “I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you, too.” Emily told him as she wrapped her arms around him.

  “I’m here to work so tell me what to do.”

  Emily smiled as she pulled away from him and pointed to some boxes in the corner. “Once those boxes are out, we need help getting Emma’s bed into the truck.”

  Alex nodded as he grabbed the boxes and headed down the stairs. Emily felt her cell phone buzz in her pocket. Over the past week, Eric had been sending texts to her, keeping her up to date on his strenuous schedule. She felt as if they had finally reached a place where they could talk and be friends. He asked about her relationship with Alex and they talked about Emma.

  She reached for her phone and saw that he sent her another text. She slowly smiled as she read it.

  I’m home, playing with Emma - can I see you later? - Eric

  Emily sighed slowly as she heard the voice behind her. “Are you going to see him?”

  She spun around to see Alex leaning against the door jamb staring at her. She couldn’t think of the right words to say to him.

  “Emily, it’s ok. You can see him if you want to but I’m a little nervous right now because you are so quiet.”

  “We have been texting each other all week.” Emily watched Alex’s face and tried to judge his reaction.

  “What have you been talking about?” He asked.

  “We talked about his football schedule, Emma and my relationship with you.”

  “So, you are reconnecting with him?”

  Emily shook her head. “I don’t think that’s it. I believe we just found a path where we can talk civilized with each other and raise our daughter.”

  Alex nodded, grabbed the last box and left the room without saying another word.

  Emily sighed again as she quickly sent a text back to Eric.

  I will stop by to pick up Emma later. We will talk then - Emily

  **********************

  Alex didn’t say much the rest of day. He helped load and unload the truck but his entire demeanor had changed since he arrived that morning.

  As they unloaded the last box, she said goodbye to her mother and Paul. “Call us if you need anything, ok?”

  Emily nodded. “Mom, it’s ok. I will miss you too.”

  They hugged goodbye and she was alone with Alex. She turned to face him as he leaned back against her kitchen counter.

  “I can’t believe I have my own place,” Emily said as she tried to break the tension in the room.

  Alex nodded and continued to stare at her. “Do you still love him?”

  Emily froze and whispered, “Alex.”

  “Just answer the question, Emily.”

  “I told you, I will always have feelings for him. He’s Emma’s father. But, I’m in love with you, Alex.”

  “So why didn’t you tell me that you were texting him all week?”

  “Alex, I’ve barely seen you this week. We can’t talk at work because you don’t want things to be weird for me. I’ve been busy at night with packing and getting ready for today.”

  “But, you had time to text Eric.”

  Emily sighed. “Yes, because he’s Emma’s father. We have decisions that we need to make together.”

  Alex’s eyes got dark as he moved away from the counter and approached her. He leaned down and kissed her lips. He softly said her name against her lips as she moaned and opened her lips for him.

  He slowly pulled away and leaned his forehead against hers. “Emily, I love you. I told you from the beginning, you have to be honest with me.”

  Emily nodded. “I’m sorry.”

  Alex smiled and kissed her lightly. “Do you want me to stay and help you unpack?”

  “I actually need to go pick up Emma.”

  Alex nodded. “Say hi to her for me. Talk tomorrow?”

  Emily nodded. “Just so you know I will be seeing Eric. He’s in town.”

  “I know but thank you for telling me.”

  “Thank you again for the truck and all the help. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  He smiled at her and kissed her lightly. He shut the door behind him and left.

  Emily looked around her apartment and smiled. She was on her own but she wasn’t scared. She was proud of herself. It wasn’t much but she was happy.

  She realized that she needed to change her clothes before she picked up Emma. She opened up a few boxes labeled clothes and found a new pair of shorts and a red t-shirt. She grabbed her keys and headed out the door.

  As she knocked on the Mason’s door, she took a deep breath and smiled at Mrs. Mason.

  “Hello, Dear!

  “Hi, Mrs. Mason. How’s Emma doing?”

  “She’s just wonderful. Happy to see Daddy, I think. Come inside.”

  Emily entered the house and heard Emma’s giggles from inside the living
room. She rounded the corner and found Eric giving Emma an airplane ride. She leaned against the wall and smiled. Emma loved her father so much.

  Eric looked at Emily and smiled. “Hey Emma, guess who’s here?” He gently placed her back on the floor and she turned around.

  Emily knelt down and scooped up her little girl. “Have you been a good girl?”

  “Yes! Daddy is here!”

  “I know. I wanted to surprise you. Are you happy to see him?”

  Emma nodded and looked at him. “I miss my Daddy.”

  “I miss you too, Sweetheart.” Eric reached for her and hugged her tight.

  Mrs. Mason entered the living room and reached for her. “Pass her to me while you two catch up.” They disappeared into the kitchen and Eric smiled at Emily.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey.” Emily smiled at him.

  “Did you want to sit on the patio and talk? My parents just remodeled the backyard.”

  Emily nodded. “Sure.”

  Eric led her outside and she gasped, “Wow! It’s beautiful. When did they do all of this?”

  “Over the past few weeks, I received my first paycheck and sent some money home. Mom decided she wanted to upgrade the backyard.”

  Emily looked at new stamped concrete patio that held a brand new patio set, which sat ten people. The backyard was newly landscaped and the pool area was updated with a new pathway and brand new lighting.

  “It’s beautiful. I’m so jealous.”

  Eric laughed. “Why are you jealous?”

  “I just moved into a tiny apartment and still living out of boxes for the foreseeable future.”

  Eric smiled and pointed for Emily to sit down at the table.

  She pulled out a chair and he sat next to her. “How was the flight?”

  “It was good, no delays. Denver is amazing.”

  “I’m happy that you are enjoying it. How’s the new place?”

  “It’s good. Lonely though. After my father heads home, I will have this big house all to myself. But, I have some ideas in mind that should keep me busy.”

  “Have you made any friends?”

  Eric nodded. “The guys on the team have been cool. It’s so different. These guys are pros. I’m nervous for training camp though. I heard they torture the rookies.”