Chapter 24 Emily
I glance at the clock on the wall, trying to keep my focus on Anita's presentation. It’s almost five, and my mind is already half out the door, eager to get home and prepare for my date with Andrew.
Anita, the head of marketing, is in full swing, going over the revamped social media strategy for the Army Base Riviera launch.
She’s animated, her hands moving as she talks about engagement rates, targeted ads, and influencer partnerships. It’s exciting to see how everything’s coming together.
The renovations are almost complete, and the project feels like it’s finally falling into place.
“The new social media layout has been a hit,” Anita says, flipping to the next slide on the screen.
“We’ve seen a 30% increase in engagement, and the influencers we’ve partnered with are pushing the brand exactly how we hoped. We’re all set for the pre-launch campaign next week.”
I nod, trying to hide my impatience. “That’s great, Anita. Let’s make sure we have everything locked down by Monday so we can focus on the final touches for the launch. We’re almost there.”
Anita beams, clearly proud of her team’s efforts. “Absolutely, Emily. I’ll send you a detailed update by the end of the day.”
“Perfect.” I stand, gathering the papers on the conference table. “Thanks for all the hard work. I’ll see you on Monday.”
Anita gathers her things, and as she heads out the door, she pauses and gives me a knowing smile. “Have a great evening, Emily.”
My face heats up. Am I that obvious? “Thanks.”
The door shuts behind her and I quickly organize my desk so I can head out. My phone buzzes, and I see Andrew's mom’s name flash on the screen. My stomach tightens a bit, and I almost consider letting it go to voicemail.
Taking a breath, I swipe to answer. “Hello, Mrs. Bennett,” I say, trying to sound as cheerful as possible .
“Hello Emily, I’m so glad I caught you. How are you, dear?” she says, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.
“I’m good, thank you. How are you?” I reply.
“I’m doing well, thank you. Listen, I was thinking it’s been ages since we’ve had a proper chat. I’d love it if we could do a girls’ lunch next week. Just the two of us. How does that sound?”
I hesitate, unsure of what to say. As much as I appreciate Barbara’s friendliness, it worries me. What will happen when Andrew and I part ways?
What if this thing with Andrew develops into something more? Something permanent.
The thought brings on a wave of dizziness. I can’t think like that now. I can’t afford to fall for him.
You already have.
I push away that frightening thought.
“Emily?” Barbara asks in a soft voice, bringing me back to the present.
I inhale deeply and smile, then realize that she can’t see my face. “That sounds lovely,” I say. “When were you thinking?”
“How about next Wednesday? I’ll pick a nice place. It’ll be my treat,” Barbara says.
“Okay, Wednesday works. I’ll see you then.”
“Oh, wonderful! I’m so excited, Emily. Have a great weekend, dear.”
“You too, Barbara. Bye.”
I really need to get going if I’m to have enough time to get ready for the date with my husband. It feels nice saying that. My husband.
***
I stand in front of my mirror applying the last touches of mascara. It’s been a while since I felt this way—nervous, excited, and eager all at once .
Tonight feels different. Andrew and I have been spending time together, sure, but this is a real date. I want to look perfect.
I take a step back and assess my reflection. My dress is a deep shade of blue, hugging my body in all the right places. It’s elegant but understated, something I hope he’ll like.
I’ve spent way more time on my makeup than usual—soft smoky eyes, a touch of blush, and a nude lip. My hair is styled in loose waves, cascading over my shoulders.
I smooth down the front of my dress, my heart beating a little faster as a knock comes on my bedroom door.
“You look beautiful,” Andrew says the moment I open the door, his eyes taking me in with an appreciative gleam.
A rush of pleasure swamps me, warming my cheeks. “Thank you,” I manage to say, my voice a little breathless. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”
He’s wearing a dark suit, tailored perfectly to his lean, muscular frame. The white shirt underneath is crisp, and there’s a hint of cologne that fills the space between us.
For a moment, I forget to breathe. He looks incredible. The suit jacket molds to his broad shoulders, and the dark fabric makes his blue eyes stand out even more.
He smiles, that slow, easy smile that always makes my heart skip. “Ready?”
I nod, grabbing my clutch. “Let’s go.”
We talk about our day as we drive to the restaurant.
“No more work talk,” Andrew says when he parks the car.
“I agree,” I say intrigued at what his plans are for the evening.
The restaurant is beautiful, all soft lighting, plush chairs, and elegant décor. The host leads us to a table by the window, and Andrew pulls out my chair for me, a gesture that’s both gentlemanly and a little old-fashioned. I love it.
Once we’ve ordered a bottle of wine, the conversation flows easily. Over time, it grows more personal .
“So, how were you in school?” Andrew asks, swirling his wine glass, his eyes fixed on mine. “Were you the popular girl, or the bookworm?”
I laugh, thinking back. “A little of both, actually. I was friendly, but I didn’t like being the center of attention. What about you?”
“I was studious,” Andrew says with a cute grin. “Daniel was the one who got all the attention. But I liked it that way. It gave me space.”
There’s a moment of silence, an uncomfortable pause before I ask. “Did you and Daniel get along?” They are so different. It’s hard to believe that they come from the same set of parents.
“For the most part. He’s the typical younger brother—annoying at times but sweet when it matters.” I tilt my head. “What about you, growing up as an only child? Did you ever wish you had a sibling?” Andrew asks me.
I take a moment to think about how honest I want to be. The wine and the atmosphere has loosened my inhibitions and I decide to be honest.
“I wanted a sibling so badly when I was younger. I remember asking my mom, and she finally told me the truth. She was unable to have more kids after me.” I shrug. “I moved on after that, as kids do.”
“I guess it’s never enough,” Andrew says with a laugh. “I wanted a sister and I guess my mother longed for a daughter judging by the way she’s taken to you.”
“Speaking of which, she called me before I left the office and we agreed to have lunch next week.”
Andrew’s face lights up, then a frown follows in quick succession. “I hope it’s not a bother. She can come on too strong sometimes.”
Guilt bubbles up inside my chest when I remember how hesitant I had been. “It’s no trouble at all.”
Relief etches itself on his features. “Just let me know when she’s too much. I’ll tell her to back off.”
I laugh and wave a dismissal hand in the air. “I’ll be okay. She’s a wonderful woman and I look forward to getting to know her better. ”
He smiles as if I’ve just offered him the world.
“Do you want a family in the future?” I ask after a moment.
The question slips out before I can stop myself, and I quickly add, “I don’t mean with me, but when you actually get married for real.”
“Honestly?” Andrew says. “I never thought I did. I was always focused on my career, on getting things done, and kids just didn’t seem to fit into that plan. But now I think I might want to. Someday.”
My heart flutters at his words, and I try to keep my tone casual. “I think you’d make a great dad.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Yeah?”
“Yeah,” I say, smiling. “Judging by how you treat Bruno and Bear. You’re patient.”
“Well, I’m working on that patience part,” he says with a laugh.
An image forms in my mind. “I can just picture you teaching your kids how to ride a bike or helping them with their homework.”
Andrew chuckles. “Well, that’s a nice thought. What about you? Do you see yourself with a family in the future?”
“I’d like to,” I say, nodding. “I’ve always wanted a family of my own. But it has to be with the right person. Someone who really gets me.”
Andrew’s gaze is intense when he says, “Yeah. I get that.”
The server arrives at our table, breaking the moment, and she places two plates in front of us.
The aromas of our meals fill the air. Andrew’s seared salmon with a light, lemony sauce and roasted vegetables, and my perfectly cooked filet mignon.
“Bon appétit,” the server says, smiling at us before stepping away.
We dig into our meals, and for a few minutes, the conversation quiets as we savor the food. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I took the first bite, and everything melted in my mouth .
“So,” Andrew says after a while. “Thanks to you, I’ve made an appointment with a therapist that Jack recommended.”
I blink in surprise. “Really?” I grin, unable to believe that the Andrew who was so adamant that he was fine, has finally accepted that he has a problem. “That’s great.”
“We’ll see how it goes,” he says.
As we eat, the conversation flows easily, moving from lighter topics to more personal ones. Andrew makes me laugh with stories of the antics that Daniel got up to when they were kids.
I’m struck by how carefree he looks, how relaxed. It’s a side of him I don’t see often, and it makes me wish for more moments like this.
On the way home, I can’t stop replaying snippets of our dinner conversation, the way Andrew’s eyes softened when he talked about his family, the way he laughed at my silly stories. It felt so natural, so right.
Inside, I kick off my heels, feeling the plush carpet under my feet. I turn to Andrew, a smile on my lips, but before I can say a word, he steps closer, catching me off guard.
He cups my face gently in his hands and leans down, kissing me.
My heart races, and I kiss him back, letting myself get lost in the moment. But just when I think he’s about to deepen the kiss, he pulls away, his eyes searching mine.
“Good night, Emily,” he says, his voice low. Then he turns and heads upstairs, leaving me standing there, bewildered.
I’m still for a moment, trying to process what just happened . Good night? That’s it? After the night we’ve had? After that kiss?
I head upstairs, trying to shake off the disappointment.
Maybe he was just tired. Maybe I’m reading too much into everything.
I crawl into bed, pulling the covers up to my chin, and stare at the ceiling, replaying the night over and over. I thought we were moving toward something more, but now I don’t know what to think.