Chapter 12
Emma
The doorbell rings, the loud chime echoing through the empty house. I hesitate to answer the door after what happened with Noah the day before. Is HR bringing me my termination papers? My personal belongings from my desk? Maybe Noah came to yell at me some more. It’s probably just a solicitor, no one knows where I live now. Opening the door I’m surprised to be greeted by a familiar face.
“Marcus what are you doing here?”
“Hey, Em. I just wanted to check on you. Can I come in?” He peeks over my shoulder, surveying the interior of my house.
“Yeah, sure..." I trail off, embarrassed. "Sorry I don’t have a place for us to sit. I haven’t gotten around to buying any furniture yet.”
Marcus steps around me and enters the living room. “My God, Emma it’s quite literally freezing in here." Marcus scolds, concern etching his brow. "There’s no way it’s safe for you to be living here, especially in your condition. I expected it to be cold since you said your heat was broken, but this? Does this house even have any insulation?”
He makes himself at home (as much as one can with no furniture) and sits on the wood floors with his back against the wall.
“Ummm, I’m sure it has some sort of insulation... but it is an old house. Anyway, I'm managing just fine.” I join Marcus on the floor, mirroring his position with my legs stretched out.
Marcus takes a moment before speaking again. “I wanted to make sure you were okay," he finally says, his eyes darting back and forth between mine. "You’re not thinking of quitting are you?”
“No! Absolutely not," I insist. "I need this job now more than ever. I just needed a day to think and rest. I promise that’s all.” I offer him a half-hearted smile, trying to reassure both of us.
“I’m sorry Noah freaked out on you like that. It was really unfair," Marcus says, focusing on his lap with shame. "I wouldn’t blame you if you were planning to quit. But please, just give him a chance and some time to come around. I know my brother has a temper, but he’s not a complete monster.”
“There are no second chances Marcus," frustration rises in me. "The way he reacted... there’s just no forgiving that. He practically called me a gold digger!” I hastily wipe at the tears clinging to the edge of my vision.
Marcus shifts closer and puts his arm around my shoulder. He leans his head against mine, offering me comfort. His cologne is similar to Noah’s, and the reminder makes my chest ache.
“Want me to beat him up?” he jokes. The absurdity of it causes me to giggle.
“How did you turn out so normal, Marcus?” I smile, laying my head on his shoulder.
“Eh. You just haven’t known me long enough. Yet.” Marcus removes his arm and stands, extending a hand to me. I grasp it and he gently pulls me to my feet.
“Look," he says, his tone becoming serious again. "I can’t leave you here like this. Especially in your condition. Pack your stuff and come stay at my place tonight. I’ll drive you to work in the morning, and then we can find someone to come check out your HVAC system.”
I hesitate, looking into his eyes which are filled with sincerity. After several moments of weighing my options, I ultimately decide to take him up on his offer.
“Okay," I nod, "just this one night though. Thank you,” I whisper before heading to my room to pack an overnight bag with a few essentials.
As I rummage through my closet, I can hear Marcus moving around, likely checking out the rest of the house. I quickly pull together a few clothes and some toiletries before Marcus has the chance to snoop too much.
“Hey, Em?” Marcus calls out, his voice breaking through my thoughts. “Do you have any food in here? I’m starving.”
I chuckle softly. “You know, despite my best efforts at adulting, I just have a few packets of instant ramen and some cereal.”
“I could go for some cereal.”
“Ha, well, help yourself,” I say, finally stepping back into the living room where Marcus is leaning against the wall, inspecting a framed picture I hung crookedly.
“Who’s this?” he asks, turning the frame slightly to straighten it. The picture is a selfie I took of Lucas and I at a basketball game about six months ago. It’s the only picture I have with him, and I’ll always cherish it.
“An old friend of mine. Let me grab you a bowl for your cereal,” I reply, eager to change the subject.
“Just promise me one thing: no ramen for dinner. If I’m saving you from a cold house, I’m not letting you die from lack of nutrition.”
I can’t help but laugh more loudly this time, slinging my bag onto my shoulder. “Deal. Although, cereal isn’t that much better.”
“Touché. Let’s grab something more nutritious on the way. Are you ready?”
“Yeah, let me just turn off all the lights.”