Page 52 of Unveiled Wishes

I turned back in my seat and slid down, my fingers resting on the bridge of my nose as I tried to hold it in.

“I don’t like this,” he said, panic settling in. “I don’t like this at all. Thank God our rooms aren’t near each other. I am not old enough for this conversation.” He took one hand off the wheel and pointed at me. “Fix this.”

“I am not becoming celibate to appease you.” I couldn’t hold my laughter back, and I had to hold my stomach again before I could catch my breath.

“Oh God, you’re making it worse. Whose side are you on?” he asked me, still pointing and waving his finger around.

“Me neither. I don’t foresee celibacy in my future,” Em added from the back seat.

“Do they still make chastity belts?” How directed at her.

“Eric, just stop. You’re driving yourself crazy for no reason. I am an adult, and I can make my own sexual decisions. You’re an adult, acting like a teenager. Get it together.”

“How am I supposed to do that when those sexual decisions are with my best friend?” He side-eyed me, and that must have made it worse, because he quickly turned back towards the road. How’s face contorted as if he had smelled something foul, with his nose crinkling and his lips pushing back.

“I don’t know,” she said as he pulled up to the departure gate at the airport. “That’s your problem. You said you approved, but you’re not acting like it.”

I stepped out of the car and held the back passenger door open for her. “Go easy on him. He’ll be fine, eventually,” I whispered to her.

She pecked my lips. “He’s acting like a fool, and it’s disrespectful to you. He should be grateful that I am happy.”

“I heard you,” How said, coming around the back of the car. Popping the trunk, he handed me the suitcase that she’d brought. We’d emptied her stuff into my room, and I’d packed a duffle that was now in her suitcase for this trip.

How hugged Emily tight. “You’re right. I’ll be better by the time you get back.”

“If it’s a big deal, we can come back after the new year, but I wanted to celebrate in my new home.” She frowned, and her eyes were a little glassy.

“Nah, when you’re done, just head back. I’ll deal.” He tightened his arm around her. “I am glad you’re going to be close now.”

“Me, too.”

He pulled back from her as the meter maid yelled at him to move the car. He yelled back that he would only be a minute, so they needed to calm the fuck down. How reached over and pulled me into his chest. “I’m glad it’s you.”

“You know I’ll let nothing happen to her.”

“I know, because you’ve taken care of me all of these years.” He pulled back and smacked me on the arm. “Tell me when you’re heading back, and I’ll pick you up.” With a wave, he got back in the car, leaving us on the sidewalk staring after him.

***

Emily

I unlocked the front door of my apartment and took a deep breath. The rich scent of pinecones filled the entryway. I’d hired a decorating company to put up the Christmas trees and garland, but I hadn’t really been in the mood to celebrate.

It was good to be back, and that was when I realized that my perspective had changed. This was just a place I owned. I’d visit it once in a while, but my life was no longer here. Looking around, I couldn’t help but smile. My home was with Tyler.

He caught the look on my face as he wheeled the suitcase in. He didn’t ask if anything was wrong, preferring to wait until I said something.

“I was just thinking that my home is with you.” I hadn’t asked where we would live, but I’d make it work as long as I had Tyler, and I knew Eric would be close by.

“Always, Em.” He surveyed the surroundings. “This is really nice.”

I snickered. “The trust fund bought this place my last year in law school. I could have gone back and lived with my parents, but I thought it would be too awkward. That’s their home, even though they’re never there.” I removed my winter coat and hung it in the coat closet.

“It suits you,” he said, handing me his coat and taking his boots off.

We were standing in the foyer, but a few steps further in, the apartment opened up into the living room with the kitchen at the very back, in the corner. I’d been told the place was perfect for social gatherings, but I’d never hosted. There was another hallway that led to the bedrooms.

“I liked the layout, and some actress had just finished her movie and wanted to get rid of the place. I got it for a steal.” Wrapping my arms around his waist, I laid my head on his chest. His arms wrapped around my back, pulling me close.

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