Page 61 of You & Me: Part One

“Oh baby, it just means not to ever do anything you might look back on when your older and wish you hadn’t done it.”

“Do you have any of those mommy?”

“I didn’t think I did, baby girl, but I might be changing my mind. Let’s get you up and go see who’s still here.”

When we get back out to the game it’s over and the Seahawks have lost 31 to 34. Mickey seems upset and I’m sure has lost a bet or two today. He sees Ireland though and he can’t help the smile that takes over his face.

“How was your nap, I? Come see me. I need a kiss to cheer me up.”

“Why you sad, Uncle Mick?”

“The Seahawks lost and that means your mommy was right. I’m always sad when your mommy is right and I’m wrong. Now give me that kiss.”

I just roll my eyes at him. She runs over to where he’s standing and he picks her up and turns his face so his cheek is exposed for her to kiss. She wraps her arms around his neck and gives him a soft little peck like she always does.

Holding her tight but aiming his gaze at me he says, “See, I feel better already. Thanks for cheering me up. I’m so glad you’re here to take care of me and not all the way down in California.”

I look at him and mouth, “Me too.”

The crowd seems to have dispersed and only Emmett Martinez and Jonathan are left. Emmett is single and pretty hot, I must admit, but with Jonathan in the room nobody compares. When you take that handsome face, adorable dimples and warm eyes, not even Emmett can hold a candle to Jonathon. I can tell he’s struggling with how to handle wanting more but being friend-zoned. God, I am so stupid. I can’t believe I am friend-zoning this beautiful man. Forget that. He’s a beautiful person and for some reason I feel the need to keep hurting him over and over, and in the process hurting myself. Hopefully, I’m making the right decision because I already feel regret seeping in.

“Well, I’m gonna go guys. See you at work, Martinez. Thanks for having me over, Mick. It was good to see you again, Ireland. Take good care of that Uncle of yours, he needs all the help he can get.”

“Bye, Jonafon, see you later.”

“Later Dude, thanks for coming over. The door is always open so come over anytime and stay safe out there.”

“You too, Mick.”

He puts his hands in his front pockets and on a little shrug he says, “Later, Emily.”

“Bye, Jonathan.”

He walks out the door and I feel cold. Just having him in the room warms me up in a way that I only get around him. Even when things are awkward . . . I would rather be awkward with him in the room than to not have him near. Shit! I messed up . . . again! I am so freaking stupid!

“I’m gonna head out too. Emily let’s get that ride-a-long planned. You can come out whenever you want. I work the opposite side of the week than Mick, so you don’t have to worry about big brother annoying you all night. Just let me know and we’ll make it happen.”

“I can’t wait. How about next Saturday?”

“I’ll be there so if it works for you it works for me. I work seven to seven thirty. You can meet me there about fifteen minutes before roll call so we can get you a vest and sign the paperwork.”

“I just need to be sure that night works for my mom so that Ireland can sleep over at her place, but it sounds like a plan. Let’s just plan on me seeing you there at six forty-five.”

Mickey’s big bother instincts take over.

“Em, I don’t know why you want to do this so bad, but if you insist on going you do everything Emmett tells you to and Emmett . . . you let anything happen to my baby sister, and I’ll rip your balls off and shove them down your throat.”

Completely unfazed by Mick he says, “Understood, Mick. See you next Saturday, Emily.”

I know the moment he gives me the smile that goes along with his see you next Saturday line that he just made a big mistake.

“Oh and Emmett . . . keep your fucking hands to yourself.”

Poor Emmett.

“Got it, Mick. You don’t have anything to worry about. See you guys later.”

Once we’re alone I finally head to the kitchen to get Ireland her juice. Once she has her sippy cup and Mickey’s iPad she heads back to the family room, plops herself on the couch and starts watching a movie. Mick and I start cleaning up and once we’re out of Ireland’s earshot, I have to reel my big brother in.

---