Torn By Two- Book One

A Passion Like This- Chapter Twelve

 

Can I just stay here,
Spend the rest of my days here?
Can't I just stay here,
Spend the rest of my days here?

Locked Out-  Bruno Mars

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Chapter Twelve
 

The early morning phone call startled a sleeping Emma. She reached blindly over and grasped it just before it fell. Squinting one eye open, she didn't recognise the number, and still half asleep her barely conscious mind could not help that tiny surge of hope ...Adam...

"Good morning beautiful girl. Sleep well?" It was Bennett. Emma grinned a face splitting smile. This was a pleasant surprise. Adam evaporated into thin air.

"Well I was still sleeping actually," Emma's voice was husky from sleep.

"It's nine am. You're not working at Rock's today?"

"No, not today. I have a shift on Wednesday and Thursday and then I'm at The Harbour Room ,"

She could almost hear his smile. "Great, let's have lunch together then,"

Emma could not wipe the smile off her face. "That sounds nice. Where would you like to have lunch?"

"Well, i'm very busy today and was wondering if you would like to join me for lunch at my office. There is a little café downstairs that serves a variety of food. Let's say midday? I'll have Andy pick you up." His voice was hopeful, and Emma suddenly felt sixteen again. The giddiness was overwhelming.

"Sure, sounds great. I'll see you then, but you don't have to make Andy drive me over to you, I can take the bus,"

"Nonsense. He'll be there,"

Emma practically bounced out of bed, hugging herself with glee. In three hours she would be with him, and she was beyond ecstatic.

She walked out to the kitchen to make herself a cup of coffee, and found Jake sitting on the sofa, watching television. When did Jake arrive? He looked up when he saw her, his face serious.

"Hi, Jake. Haven't seen you around for a while, I had no idea you were here," Emma walked past him on the way to the kitchen.

"I've been away at college, you know how it is," He stood up and followed her, taking a seat on the barstool. "Water's still hot, I just made a tea,"

Emma smiled and reached for a mug in the cupboard. "Cool,"

He was silent and observing as she set about making her coffee. Emma felt strange. She had no idea why he was hanging around her.

"Are you alone?" He asked after quite some time, glancing over at her room.

Emma's eyes widened. "Ah yes," She paused. "Why?"

He scratched at his brown buzz cut hair and then scratched at the stubble on his chin and his brown eyes worried.

"Abby called me last night. She told me that Bennett Dean had asked to come inside and wait for you and then she just got a weird vibe. She said it sounded as though you were arguing, but in really hushed voices. She asked me to come over because she was scared,"

Oh, poor Abby! Emma stared into her coffee and watched the steam rise from her mug. "It was just a misunderstanding, that's all. We argued a little, but it's all good. I'm sorry if I upset you. Where is she now?" Emma wanted to find her and clear the air. She did not want her friend worrying over her when things had been sorted.