7. Emma
Emma
Gravel crunched beneath Emma’s tires as she pulled up to the Pualena farmers market. White-topped tents stretched out along the sea cliffs, sheltering a milling crowd of market-goers. It looked like the entire town of Pualena (and then some) had turned up to enjoy the sunny winter weather.
Emma stepped out of the car and took a deep breath of the wind that blew in off of the ocean. The air was crisp and cool, laced with seawater and the faint scent of ironwood trees.
She loved the white noise of waves crashing against the rocks below the cliffs. She even loved the gentle tremble of the black lava rock beneath her feet; it made her feel alive and present, which was a feeling she had fought hard to reclaim.
Juniper’s stall was her first stop. The heavily pregnant girl stood behind her jewel-toned array of homegrown drinks, a bright smile on her face as she talked story with her regular customers.
When that group cleared away, Emma stepped up to the front.
“Aloha, Auntie Em,” Juniper greeted her. “What’s your medicine?”
“I came to see if you needed a break.”
Jun shook her head. “I’m good.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yep! I have the whole afternoon to laze around and rest. Can I get you a drink?”
Emma looked over that week’s blends and said, “I’ll try the mamaki ginger.”
“You’ve got it.” Juniper filled one of the sturdy plastic cups that customers returned for her to wash and reuse.
The girl was such an excellent salesperson that she usually took the opportunity to make a second sale, offering them one of her packaged tea blends or the herbal salves that she had made the month before.
“Well, I guess I’ll do some shopping. You’ll let me know if you need a break?”
“I’m fine, auntie. I can handle a few hours of work.”
“And Cody’s coming to get you after?”
“He is. And he doesn’t let me lift a finger. So go on, enjoy the day.”
“Okay.” Emma moved reluctantly away from her niece.
She was worlds more comfortable in Pualena than she had been when they first arrived, but crowds still made her uneasy. It was easier when she had a job to do, like helping Juniper serve up her iced drinks. Wandering aimlessly through a throng of people wasn’t her idea of a good time.
She made a beeline for her favorite fruit stand, intending to get in and out quickly. Then she saw a familiar face, and an electric jolt of adrenaline shot through her arms. Her heart sped, and she felt her face flush in spite of the cool breeze coming in off of the water.
“Emma!” Keith grinned and moved towards her. The crowd parted before him, making way for his easygoing confidence. His blue eyes sparkled as he came to stand in front of her.
“Hi.” She smiled up at him, willing her heart to return to normal speed.
It was unreasonable that he should have such an effect on her when they saw each other on a regular basis for garden work or hikes…
but whatever it was that buzzed in the air between them, it only seemed to be getting stronger as they spent more and more time together.
“Where’s Kai?” he asked, glancing around at waist level.
“He’s up at the ranch with Tara’s kids today.”
“Cool. Hey, did you–”
“Hello, you!” A woman with long blond hair and a Hollywood smile strode through the crowd, homing in on Keith without so much as a glance at Emma. “Long time no see!”
“Good morning, Jessica,” he greeted her in a neutral tone.
“I miss your classes!” She stepped close and put a hand on his arm. “I learned so much. I just loved getting my hands in the earth. Really connecting with nature, you know? I’d love to get some more time in.”
“The farm’s always open to volunteers.”
“Oh yeah?” Her hand slid up his arm, fingertips disappearing beneath the cap sleeve of his t-shirt.
“Yep.” He turned and pointed, slipping out of her grip as he did so. “Monica is manning the stand today. You can talk to her about the volunteer schedule if you’re interested.”
“Right.” Jessica’s smile turned stiff as disappointment flashed through her eyes.
“Good to see you,” Keith said politely. Then he turned away, placing himself between her and Emma.
She stared at his back for a moment before she turned and walked away.
“Friend of yours?” Emma said dryly.
The corner of his mouth quirked upward. “Not really. She took the basic permaculture course, same as you.”
“She was flirting with you.”
He gave her a cheeky grin. “Does that bother you?”
Emma opened her mouth to reply, but no sound came out. She just moved her jaw up and down like a landed fish, unsure of what to say.
“Sorry,” he said, half laughing.
She narrowed her eyes and said, “You don’t look sorry.”
“I’ll be honest.” Keith leaned toward her and pitched his voice low, for her ears alone. “I’m as attracted to you as ever. I haven’t even looked at another woman since the day I met you.”
Emma stared at him, unable to look away from his bright blue eyes, and her jaw went slack.
He straightened up again. “But that’s my problem. If you’re not ready, if you’re not interested, well… I would rather have you in my life as a friend than never see you again.”
“Ask again,” Emma said suddenly.
“What?” His eyes held hers as the unseen force between them came to a crescendo.
Emma couldn’t ignore it anymore. And in that moment, she didn’t even want to.
“Ask me out again.”
A slow grin spread over his face. “Emma?”
“Yes?”
“Would you go steady with me?”
She burst out laughing, and the tension of the moment evaporated.
“I think we’re a ways past the first date, don’t you?” His tone was easy, his posture relaxed, but there was an intensity in his eyes that riveted her.
“I guess we are,” she conceded.
He took her hand in his and brought it up to his lips, lightly kissing her knuckles.
“But you could still ask,” she challenged him. He grinned again.
“Will you let me take you out to dinner?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” He dropped her hand and moved away, walking backwards. “I’ll pick you up at four!”
“For dinner?” she shot back, incredulous.
“Yep! Bring a bathing suit!”
“For dinner?” she shouted again.
“Trust me!” he gave her a wink and disappeared into the crowd.
Emma turned and walked back to her car, floating through the crowd without noticing anyone around her. She didn’t need anything from the market that day, not really.
Her shopping basket was empty, but her heart was full.