Chapter 32
Chapter Thirty-Two
Emily waved goodbye to Todd, then packed her things into her bag. After four weeks of working twice a week with Todd as her tutor, she was feeling much better about her studies. He’d helped her make sense of some of her subjects, but he’d also given her handy study tips for how to commit things to memory more easily. She was using flash cards and rhythm techniques. And she found it really helped her to remember better, especially for her anatomy class.
He still flirted with her every time they got together, but she didn’t let it bother her. He knew she had a boyfriend. And she saw Aaron two or three times per week. She’d never been this happy before. She finally believed in herself to do something hard and had chosen a career she could be proud of. And she had Aaron—the man of her dreams.
She strode through the university, waving at students here or there who she recognised. She couldn’t wipe the smile from her face. She was going out with Aaron tonight. He’d promised to take her to Sunshine for the weekend, and she couldn’t wait. Her bag was already packed and waiting at the apartment. Madi wasn’t there—she’d gone home to see her family—so there was no one to rib her about her boyfriend coming over. She really liked calling him that. Boyfriend.
When she got back to the apartment, she found Aaron already there waiting for her.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realise you’d be here so early,” she said, giving him a warm kiss. She unlocked the door to let him in. “I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”
“No, I only got here about five minutes ago.”
“I’m so excited. A weekend in Sunshine. I can’t wait to go. I’m packed, but I’d really like to grab a shower first. Do you mind?”
“Go for it. I’ll watch some TV.”
She showered and changed. Her hair was still wet when she carried her bags out to the lounge room to join him.
“Would you like a drink or something to eat before we leave?”
“No, thanks. Can you sit? I think we should talk.”
Her stomach sank. What did he want to talk about? Surely he wouldn’t break up with her. Only a few weeks ago, he’d suggested they get married.
He patted the couch next to him. She sat, bracing herself, pulse racing. “What is it?”
“About a month ago, I suggested we should get married. To help you out. You remember?”
She nodded. “Of course. How could I forget?”
“Oh, okay.” He inhaled a quick breath. “Only, you haven’t mentioned it. So I wondered…”
“Well, I guess I wasn’t sure how serious you were.”
“You were stressed…”
“I’m doing better,” she interjected.
He hesitated. “That’s good. I’m glad you’re feeling better about everything.”
“I don’t want to get married because of convenience. And right now, I need to focus on my studies.” Her face flushed with heat. “I’m sorry—that sounded callous. I don’t mean it that way. What I meant to say is, when I get married, I want it to be because we both desperately want to be together. Not because I’m worried about making the rent. Does that make sense?”
His green eyes were piercing as he studied her. “Right. That makes sense, yes.”
“You’re not upset?”
“No, of course not.”
“Because you know how I feel about you.”
“I think I do…”
“I love you,” she said softly.
He smiled. “I love you too.”
“So where did we land on that whole marriage issue…?”
He laughed. “We’ll put a pin in it for now.”
She nodded. “Good. Now, let’s get going before the traffic builds up. Friday afternoons are horrific.”