Chapter 11 #2
As soon as she disappeared out of sight, six pairs of eyes turned to me.
“You seem to be engaging in a number of acts of heroism recently,” Jenny said, a teasing tone to her voice. “Is something going on between you and Emily?”
I blinked.
Shit. Was it that obvious I liked her?
Also…did Jenny actually think Emily liked me?
That was… That was ridiculous.
“There’s nothing going on,” I said, shifting my gaze to Roz. “Somebody volunteered me for Emily to shadow and I’ve just helped her out a couple of times since then. It’s nothing.”
I didn’t sound convincing, even to myself. It may have been one-sided, but my feelings were definitely not nothing.
Roz smirked. “It sounds like you’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty.”
I glared at her. “I was just trying to ensure the film was a success, for the good of the farm.”
Roz held up her hands. “Okay, okay.”
I’d made it very clear that I wasn’t interested in dating, but my friends were all so happily loved up that they struggled to understand that I actually liked being by myself, that I liked the peacefulness and the freedom of being single.
If I wanted to spend an hour wood chopping, followed by a hot shower, a dinner of cereal and then read a book in bed until my eyes were heavy, I could.
And on the odd occasion I got a little lonely, I’d message the group and there’d always be at least one person up for a walk or a coffee.
“Even if I wanted a relationship, Emily wouldn’t be an option.
She’s only here for another week and she’s probably straight.
” I’d Googled Emily earlier today, curiosity about her relationship history getting the better of my misgivings that Googling her was a little creepy.
All I’d discovered was that she had dated a few male actors.
That didn’t rule out her also being interested in women, but it also didn’t give me any reason to think she was.
Jenny frowned. “But—”
I spotted Emily walking toward us. “She’s coming back now, so can we please change the topic?”
When Emily returned, she remained standing. “I should probably get going. We’ve got another early start tomorrow. But thank you so much for letting me crash your dinner.”
“You’re welcome any time,” Hannah replied.
“I’ll drive you home,” I said. While Emily’s Airbnb was close by, I didn’t like the idea of her walking alone in the dark.
When we got to Sapphire Blooms, I jumped out and opened the passenger door for Emily.
She winced as the truck door slammed shut.
“Sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean to close it so hard.”
“I don’t think it was related to the noise. It was just another random pain.”
Emily’s face was lit by the warm glow of a cast-iron lamp. She didn’t look like herself. My chest constricted.
“Why don’t I come in with you to make sure you get up the stairs okay? If I remember correctly, they’re pretty steep.”
Emily waved a hand. “That’s okay, I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
If Emily fell down the stairs, no one would find her until Olivia came to open the shop. “No, I insist. It’s no trouble at all, and I’d feel much better knowing you were safe.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
Emily pushed open the door to Sapphire Blooms and flicked on a light. With all the flowers in storage, the flower shop looked slightly eerie. The floral scents and kaleidoscope of colors were noticeably absent. I stood behind Emily as she slowly made her way up the stairs.
“Can I offer you anything? Tea or coffee?” Emily asked as we walked inside the apartment. She sounded tired, her voice devoid of its usual energy.
Not wanting to overstay my welcome, I opened my mouth to say I should head out when Emily let out a pained yelp, swayed, and then clutched the side of the door frame.
“Shit, are you okay?” I asked, rushing over to her.
“Yeah, sorry. Just a shooting pain that threw me off balance.”
I helped Emily over to the couch. Her face was drawn and pale. Was this getting bad enough to take her to the ER? Blake had suggested Tylenol for her head.
“Do you have any Tylenol?”
Emily nodded and attempted to stand on wobbly feet. My heart lurched.
“Hey! I can go get it. Where is it?”
Emily collapsed back onto the couch. “Thank you. It’s in the cabinet in the bathroom. Down the hall and to the left.”
I strode to the bathroom, found the Tylenol, and then ventured into the kitchen, opening cupboards until I located a collection of floral mugs. I filled a sunflower one with water.
Emily took the pills, clenching her jaw as she bent across to place the mug on the coffee table.
She met my gaze then managed a small smile. “Apart from the whole head injury, tonight was fun.”
“I enjoyed it too.”
If I leaned in a few inches, I could kiss her right now.
Don’t be ridiculous.
“Why don’t I sleep on the couch?” I blurted, then flushed. “So you’re not alone, I mean.”
Emily held my gaze, unblinking, then shook her head. “No, that’s too much. You’d be so uncomfortable. I’ll be okay. I’m already feeling a bit better.”
But what if you lose consciousness and can’t call for help? Or fall over and injure yourself in a dizzy spell and can’t reach the phone?
“I’m totally fine sleeping on the couch. I go camping all the time in summer, so I’m used to sleeping anywhere. And Blake did say someone should stay with you.”
And I won’t sleep at all at home, worrying about you.
“Are you sure? You’ve already done so much.”
I nodded. “Of course.”
Emily stared at me for a moment and then smiled. “Thank you. Well, I’ll sleep on the couch so you can have the bed.”
“Definitely not,” I said sternly. “You have a head injury. You are sleeping on a proper bed with a proper pillow.”
Emily held up her hands. “Okay, fine!” She lowered her arms. “But thank you. I really appreciate all your help this week.”
We gazed at each other, my heart picking up pace.
“It’s no problem at all.”
Emily cleared her throat. “I’ll find you some clothes and bed linens.”
As she disappeared into the hallway, I pulled out my phone and set an alarm to check on her through the night.