Throw Away the Key

Chapter 15

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“She's gonna be here any minute.” Emma paced back and forth in the bookstore sitting area. “What if she doesn't show up? What if… what if she’s not really into the event? What if she doesn't like what I wore tonight?”

“Okay, I really need you to chill out,” Zora warned her from her seat next to Granny Marion. “Pump your brakes. She’s gonna show up. And I'm sure she'll appreciate what you wore, but in the grand scheme of things, she isn’t coming for your outfit just like she’s not coming for the event.”

“And she'll enjoy herself–everyone loves open mic night,” Granny added. “Probably in the same way that you two admired the art at the exhibit–this is another form of creative expression that lets everyone put their guard down. I'm sure she'll have a good time.” Granny patted Emma’s arm. “You're doing too much, as the young people say.”

“I feel like they say other things now,” Zora informed her grandmother. “What the current phrase is, I couldn't tell you because I'm not in that generation. I barely know what anyone is talking about on social media anymore.”

Granny’s shoulders bounced. “Every generation is younger than me at this point, so I'm just gonna go with the ones I can remember.”

“Do you really think this outfit is okay? I could go change,” Emma gestured to her pleated floral skirt and her bright plum blouse that was tied at the waist.

“No, I like it. I love the little hint of skin at your midriff. The colors are so you,” Zora twirled her finger in a circle, directing Emma to spin around. “Yeah, this is great. It’s giving sexy artist bawdy in the springtime.”

Emma pulled her braids into a bun with some of the curls at the ends hanging as tendrils on the sides of her face and struck a pose. “Hmm?”

“Perfect,” Granny observed, patting Emma’s hand. “You look beautiful. Don't worry.”

Her nerves couldn’t be calmed. I probably shouldn’t have had that extra latte. “But what if I say the wrong thing? And what if she gives up on me for good?”

“I'm not going to say it's impossible that you could put your foot in your mouth. But the more that you assume you will, the likelier that chance becomes. Just give yourself a couple of deep breaths and let things happen. You're gonna be fine,” Zora soothed.

“Okay, should I change my shoes?” Emma pointed her foot for Z to take a look.

“I think the gold sandals are cute, and they look comfortable–you're always trying to get me to wear heels,” Zora rolled her eyes. “But, I like these. They match your jewelry. You look great–you know we’d tell you if we thought differently.”

Emma nodded. “Okay, okay. Fine.” She blew out a breath, trying to ward off all of the swirling what-ifs and overthinking. Easier said than done.

“Why don't you go with Brian over to Kerri's to pick up the catering for the event. It'll give you something to do so that you're not thinking about this so much. And we'll take care of the rest over here. We're almost completely set up anyway, but we'll manage the chairs and stuff,” Zora offered. Giving Emma something to do was her way of helping her adjust focus to something within her control.

Granny waved Emma away. “We got this, baby. Don't worry about it.”

“If you’re sure…”

Brian approached, a warm smile on his face. Clearly, he’s been briefed. “You're comin’, Em?”

Zora’s hand pressed gently against Emma’s back between her shoulder blades. She was two seconds from getting a two-handed shove. “Yep, let's go.”

For the rest of the afternoon, Emma’s energy was channeled into busy work–decorations, food set-up, directing foot traffic in the store, ringing customers, and greeting evening guests. Granny and Brian kept her loaded with madeleines and lattes, though she assumed at some point that Brian switched her over to decaf, because she wasn’t bouncing off of the walls. She’d strung up tea lights leading toward their small stage, the food tables adorned with bright cardstock prints from Joy’s gallery and colorful bouquets from the farmer’s market.

“Hey, you made it!” Relief melted some of Emma’s remaining anxiety as she took in Sadie’s look for the evening. Sadie wore a halter that exposed a great deal of her back with one thin strip of material dividing her shoulder blades, her full tattoo sleeve on display. She’d selected black ripped jeans and heeled boots that put her several inches above Emma’s eye level. “How are you?”

“I'm good. How are you? You look beautiful,” Sadie admired her slowly, her gaze traveling up Emma’s body with such intensity that Emma could almost feel it moving along the surface of her skin.

“Thank you,” Emma smiled bashfully. “I love this look on you. It's really sexy,” Emma tried not to stare. “Really, really sexy,” she murmured as she stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Sadie's neck as she kissed her on the cheek. She was tempted to give Sadie a real kiss–she looked so good–but not everyone was into PDA, and she didn’t want to chance that Sadie would feel a way. Emma could care less who was around–the woman before her made her mouth water.

“Thank you. I could say the same, you know.” Sadie gave her a squeeze, her hand running the length of Emma’s arm sending tingles up her spine. Emma’s lips curved at the sensation. “Wow, it looks like it's completely full in here,” Sadie craned her neck to look around.

A large space had been cleared in the center of the store and many of the mobile bookcases and displays had been moved to make more room. Almost every seat was taken, and some of the younger attendees sat cross-legged on cushions on the floor. Granny sat in her usual chair surrounded by regular patrons of the bookstore.

“Yeah, we have a lot of community support. When Zora took over the bookstore, she made efforts to connect with the local charter schools and with the writing community. She's been really, really committed to advocating for child literacy and supporting kids interested in writing, connecting them with resources to learn ways they can seek publication. So the community shows up for her.” Emma gazed proudly at her best friend, who directed some people over to the snacks before checking in with the emcee for the evening.

“This is impressive,” Sadie said as they snaked through the crowd. “It’s standing room only in here!”

Emma nodded. “Yeah, but we saved you a seat.” She gestured for Sadie to follow her over to the seating area.

“You did?”

“Mm-hmm. You're next to the person who's everybody's favorite.” A vacant chair beside Granny had a handwritten sign that read “RESERVED” in red block letters.

“Ms. Marion, it's so good to see you,” Sadie beamed, kissing her cheek as she stood and grasped Sadie’s hands.

“Well, hello there, dear. How are you? I love this top that you're wearing. I might have to steal it from you,” Granny winked.

Sadie chuckled. “It's yours if you'd like it. I think it would look better on you.”

“Well, come on over here. I saved you a seat right next to me.” Sadie hesitated, looking to see if there was an additional seat for Emma, which made her smile.

“Oh, I'm working, but I'll come and join y'all in a bit.” Sadie nodded as she sat, Granny leaning on the armrest of her chair to chat with her as Emma went to the cashier's counter to manage purchases.

Several local authors were doing readings from recent releases and one of their local poets planned to perform a piece from one of their collections. Different creatives got up one-by-one and shared their projects with prearranged mood music to enhance the vibes–Zora's boyfriend, Reid, included.

Emma smiled. The last time he had gotten up on stage, he was attempting to win Zora's heart. Zora stood off to the side. As store owner, she always liked to be at a vantage point where she could see if anybody had needs that she could assist with.

Her hands were clasped in front of her as she watched her man, his eyes never leaving hers, as he spoke about love and recognizing it for the first time.

Emma drew her attention away for a moment to ring up a customer purchase and when she turned back, Reid pulled a box from his pocket, promising the rest of his life to the woman that he loved, if only she would have him. Zora's jaw dropped, her hands flying to her mouth. As he kneeled, gesturing for her to come forward, Zora's teary eyes darted to Emma and to Granny before returning to Reid, her glowing face full of love and joy. Emma felt her heart ready to burst, she was so happy.

“I wonder if Granny knew?” Emma whispered to herself. She knew that they were serious. Obviously, they just moved in together. But, he hadn't made any mention to her that he was going to propose. He probably assumed I wouldn't be able to keep a secret. Z’s taught him well. The two of them fit together so well, Emma chided herself for not seeing this coming.

Zora stepped closer, standing just before the stage as she watched Reid set down the microphone and open the box, a ring sparkling within. Zora’s arms wrapped around herself as Reid said words that only the two of them could hear, her body shaking as she laughed and cried. Emma held her breath as she and everyone in the crowd watched in anticipation.

The moment that Zora's head nodded and Reid stepped down from the stage, Emma whooped and cheered. “That's my girl!! Go best friend, that's my best friend!” She yelled as she threw her arms in the air and shimmied with glee. Everyone in the crowd gushed and clapped, many stepping closer to the couple to get eyes on the new hardware on Zora’s left hand.

Emma turned to look at Granny who patted the corners of her eyes with a napkin.

She's probably thinking that she's much closer to getting her grandbabies now. I moved out at the perfect time. Emma sighed contentedly as her eyes traveled to Sadie, who looked panicked. She looked up and saw Emma looking at her.

Emma’s heart stopped. “Are you okay?” She mouthed.

Sadie lips turned slightly and she nodded as she rose to her feet. She whispered something to Granny Marion whose face turned from happy tears to strickened. Sadie kissed Granny's cheek and headed towards the counter where Emma stood. “Hey, I'm so sorry, but I have to leave.”

“Are you sure? Is everything okay?” Emma pressed, her brows furrowed with concern.

“Yeah, I just… I can't be here right now,” Sadie averted her eyes and glanced toward the door.

“Uh, okay,” Emma said slowly, her heart thumping with nervousness. What is happening? “Wanna talk later?”

“Yeah, sure. I'll call you,” Sadie offered as she made a beeline for the door without looking back. No congratulatory words for Zora and Reid. No explanation.

Emma watched her leave, her heart dropping with every step. We can’t deal with this right now. She took a few deep breaths and shook her hands before turning to and making a beeline for Zora and Reid, who were surrounded by patrons. Granny held Zora’s hand, but she tracked Emma’s movements with worry and questions etched into her face.

Emma shook her head, indicating that she was fine, pushing down her emotions, wanting to focus on the fact that Zora now had a whole fiancé. As she reached her best friend and her fiancé, she put on her brightest smile and threw her arms around the two of them. “Y’all know we have to go somewhere to toast to your engagement, right?”