Torn By Two- Book One

A Passion Like This- Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Emma felt bad when she returned home from her rendezvous with Bennett to find Abby home, alone on the couch eating ice cream and watching television. It was almost five thirty and Emma had gone shopping for a dress to wear for tonight and was only just getting home to begin preparing. The sight of Abby alone made Emma feel like a bad friend. Even though this time she had texted her to tell her she was going to spend last night with Bennett, it didn't change the way she was feeling.

"Hey," She said, softly, cautiously as she closed the front door.

Abby peered over the lounge and looked back at Emma. She gave her half a smile when she saw her and her bags.

"Hey, stranger. Going out again?"

Emma walked over to her and sat on the floral armchair. "Yeah, I am. I was invited to dinner by Bennett's father, Arthur,"

Abby nodded as she licked her spoon clean. "Wow, things are really heating up between you and Mr Moneybags huh?"

Mr Moneybags? Emma could have almost swore she heard a tinge of jealousy in her voice.

"If you're insinuating I'm with him for his money, you know that's not it. You know me better than that, Abby."

That much was true. Abby had been one of her only friends that she had made through her disastrous years at high school, when she was at her lowest point. Abby had stood by her, even out of high school, and to this day, Emma still had no idea why. She had been a wreck.

"I know, I know. Maybe I'm just jealous that you've found someone and he's taking up all your time. We use to hang out a lot more than we have in the past few days." She smiled and shook her head. "But I'm happy to see you're moving on from Adam, with Bennett Dean no less, so I can't complain."

It helped Emma feel better knowing that Abby was okay with the amount of time she was spending with Bennett the last few days. It warmed her when Abby even helped Emma with her hair and make up, helping to make sure that Emma looked dazzling for her night of meeting the parents. Even though his invitation had come as a complete surprise. It was way too soon to be meeting family, and she was still trying to hide this from her parents.

"You look fabulous, give me a twirl," Abby said, as she sat at the end of Emma's bed, her work done.

Emma felt like a model in her designer floor length black maxi dinner dress. It was strapless and Abby lent her a exquisite diamond choker necklace. It was subtle and simple, but it made the outfit come together nicely. Her blonde hair was curled and tied up in an up do, which left strands of curl falling by the sides of her face. Her lipstick was a deep pink and a little eyeshadow and eyeliner was all the make up she put on, very minimal.

"You look like a Barbie Doll," Abby giggled.

"Oh thanks," Emma laughed along with her. Looking in the mirror, she did feel special. Getting dressed up for him was something she was beginning to enjoy. It was times like this that she was beginning to feel thankful for her parents wealth. Even though she had paid for these accessories and the dress herself, she knew that if it wasn't for them coming out here and chasing this opportunity, she would never have met Bennett. Her feelings for him were something she wanted to never forget. He was helping Adam slip away into oblivion and If he really was not coming back, that is where he belonged.

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Andy and Bennett had been waiting and ready to go by six forty five. Bennett was dressed casually for dinner, substituting his suit and tie for black pants and a light blue collared shirt. His hair was slicked back in perfection, not a strand out of place again, and he was freshly showered and shaven. Emma felt a little overdressed, but she wanted to make a lasting impression, and she figured the first one is what counts.

The Dean Mansion was situated in Lloyd Harbour on Beach Drive. It was vast in it's appearance, with it's nose up in the air as soon as Emma had gotten out of Bennett's Mercedes. The interior of the house was understated elegance, with deep mahogany furniture, light cream coloured walls and curtains. It had an old world charm feel to it, warm and inviting. The house simply went on and on, exuding wealth beyond means.

Emma had been greeted fondly by Mrs Olivia Dean, and also by Arthur Dean. When dinner had been served by the maids it had been a three course meal and was delicious. They had made small talk all through out dinner and the conversation had flowed effortlessly. Emma had discovered more about the beginning of Dean Industries, and how his Arthur had built it from the ground up when he had purchased a small pizzeria in Soho and made it a small success. He had then bought one failed business to the next, and had made them boom. It sounded to Emma as though he had the Midas touch. 

Olivia was beaming the whole time, obviously pleased and extremely accommodating. Unsure of whether or not Bennett had spoken to his parents prior to the dinner, Emma had been gratefully surprised and thankful that she had not been asked about her working situation by either Arthur or Olivia.

A nagging thought that had been humming away in the back of her mind for the last two days since being with Bennett was now at the forefront. Seeing all this wealth coming from the Dean family and even her own father and all of their hard work, had made things much clearer. It was time to get her life on track. Tomorrow she was going to stay home, and begin researching colleges and universities. It was time to get herself up and moving. From now on Rock's Deli and The Harbour Room were not going to be the only jobs she would ever work. She was going to study and make something of herself. With Bennett around, or even without him around, it didn't matter. Whether Adam came back, or he never showed up, the time had arrived. It was all a part of moving forward.

When Bennett took her hand, excused themselves from the dinner table, he led her outside to the back. Emma wondered what he was doing and where they were going.

 The view that awaited Emma upon exiting onto the back porch was astounding, and she gasped out loud, holding onto her champagne flute with one hand and Bennett's arm with the other.

"It's beautiful," She breathed, as her eyes took in Long Island Sound just metres from where she stood. The back garden overlooking the most glorious sight there was to behold in New York. It was idyllic and the moon cast a glow over the water that was enchanting. It was as though she was in another world, a far cry from the busy, bustling streets of the Upper West Side. Who would even think that all of that commotion was only half an hour away..

They continued on, and Bennett took her past the wrought iron table and chairs which were situated in front of a rockery wall on the porch. They stepped down onto the grass, where Bennett helped  Emma to remove her shoes as they were sinking into the dirt, and right to the edge of the yard. Looking down, she saw the white sand at the bottom and the waves lapping at the shore. To the right of her was a small ramp that led to the water. Emma was awestruck. How lavish and luxurious

Bennett stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. The summer night had brought in a beautiful breeze and the salt water smell was so fresh and pure. Emma's heart blossomed with warmth, warmth for this man, her surroundings. A feeling she had lost once  was now reawakened and slowly unfurling.

"It's so lovely, Bennett, it's just beautiful,"

He nuzzled her neck with his nose and kissed her. "Almost as beautiful as you," He whispered.

Emma closed her eyes, leaned into his hold and smiled. His arms felt so responsive, so safe. She felt herself slowly letting herself feel the way she always wished she could feel. Cared for. Cherished. It was not Adam, and for years there had been no one else worth it, but now, here in the comfort of Bennett's arms it was all beginning to be okay. Adam was slowly fading away, taking with him the pieces of her broken heart. Bennett could be, just might be the one who was going to put the pieces back together. It felt as though he had already begun.

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