“Why are you packing now?” Emily asked. “I thought you two weren’t leaving until after three.”
Olivia tossed the last of her items into her backpack. “Tina’s mom is sick, so she called asking if we could get out there earlier to help cook.” She stretched her body out. “Ugh, I’m really not looking forward to this drive back either.”
Emily pressed her lips into a tight line and sank down onto the bed. Letting out a sigh, she leaned against a pillow, noticeably flustered.
Olivia looked at her. “Why do you look so freaked out about us leaving? You knew I wasn’t staying the whole weekend.”
“Because he didn’t go fishing with everyone else, and I’ll be stuck here alone—with him.”
“That’s right—the whole seasick thing. I forgot.” A mischievous grin slid across Olivia’s mouth. “Why would you be upset about being here alone with him? I say it’s the perfect opportunity to get a little taste of something…yummy,” she laughed.
“Damn it, Olivia!” Emily spat. “I’m not kidding anymore! Stop with your bullshit!”
Olivia stood aghast, like a deer in headlights, as Emily pushed to her feet and tore past her. Stalking down the hallway, Emily entered her room, tossed her suitcase on the bed, and started packing her things.
Olivia cautiously entered the room. “What the hell are you doing, Em?”
“I’m leaving with you guys,” she hastily answered. “I’m not staying here alone with him.”
Olivia walked over to her and grabbed her by the shoulders. “Friend, calm the fuck down, okay?” Emily pulled away and continued to pack. “Em, his mother, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew should be here soon. It’s not like it’s just going to be the two of you.”
Emily abruptly stopped packing. She flopped herself onto the bed, placing her fingers on her temples in an attempt to relax her racing thoughts.
Olivia sat next to her. “What’s going through your mind?”
Emily shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. “I hate that I actually like the way he stares at me, Liv. I hate the way I can’t stop myself from staring back. I hate that he’s Dillon’s friend and that we’re all here this weekend.” She looked into Olivia’s eyes and paused a moment. “And I hate that I have any of these thoughts to begin with. I owe so much to Dillon. I shouldn’t be thinking anything about his friend.”
Placing her hand on Emily’s shoulder, Olivia’s face softened. “First, you need to stop feeling like you’re completely indebted to Dumbass, Emily. He did what any good boyfriend would’ve done. Nothing special.” Emily closed her eyes and swallowed, feeling that Dillon went beyond her expectations. However, she wasn’t going to argue the issue, so the point was moot. “But really, Gavin’s family will be here soon. Also, how would you explain to Dick that you just left out of nowhere?”
Emily contemplated her question. She was right. When Dillon returned, even if she were to use the playing-sick card, she knew it would just cause him to miss a great day because he’d drive back to the city to be with her.
Emily nodded, seeming to calm down. Drawing in a much-needed deep breath, she rose to her feet and pulled a book from her belongings. “Well, I’m just going to stay in here and read this until I hear them arrive.”
Olivia smiled and stood up. “Okay, you do what you have to do then.” She walked over to the door after hugging Emily. “I love you.”
Emily curled up on the bed, flipped open the book, and tried to relax. “I love you, too, Liv.”
And that’s exactly what Emily did. She read that book. Hell, she finished it and started reading it again, but eventually dozed off during her second attempt of keeping her mind off the threat that was behind the door. It was just past noon when she heard car doors closing. From a corner window, she peered down and saw two women walking toward the home with two young children following behind them.
Recovering from her earlier state of panic, Emily made her way downstairs. Gavin was correct. The house was buzzing with caterers dressed in black and white, preparing a smorgasbord of food. When she couldn’t find him among the frenzied scene, she strolled out to the backyard. Under a dozen large white tents, workers draped red, white, and blue linens onto tables while hollering out song requests to a DJ that was setting up in the corner. Huge festive centerpieces consisting of silver stars anchored a patriotic array of balloons at each table.
Emily scanned the crowd and locked eyes with Gavin from across the yard. He immediately smiled and motioned for her to join him.
As she approached, he looked concerned and leaned into her ear. “Are you alright?” he whispered. “Olivia said you didn’t feel well when she left.”
“Yeah, I felt a little ill earlier, but I’m better now.”
He cocked a disbelieving brow. “Are you sure?”
With an answering smile, she nodded.
“Well, let me know if you need anything, okay?”
“I will, thank you.”
“Not a problem.” He smiled and turned in the direction of one of the women Emily saw pull up to the house. “Mom, I’d like to introduce you to Dillon’s girlfriend, Emily. Emily, this is my mother, Lillian.”
“It’s very nice to meet you, Mrs. Blake.” Emily offered to shake her hand but felt pleasantly surprised when the woman leaned in to hug her.
“Call me Lillian, kiddo,” she exclaimed, her large green eyes twinkling when she released her hold on Emily. “Mrs. Blake makes me feel old, and I’m far from it.”