Page 10 of Marrying Emma

Marty shoved down his frustration. Was it so difficult for her to accept help? The moment the thought entered his mind, his heart softened toward Emma. Of course, it was. He knew that firsthand.

He also knew that if it hadn’t been for a physical therapist who’d pushed him during sessions, and his pastor who had refused to leave Marty alone during his initial recovery, Marty never would’ve seen how important help could be.

But if he kept pushing Emma, would he break through the wall she’d put up around herself? Or would it only cause her to retreat further?

He wished he knew. One thing was certain, though: he couldn’t walk away from her now.

With his decision made, Marty focused on the morning classes until the gym closed for lunch. After retrieving his helmet, he found Emma at the counter gathering her things. “I was going to run and grab some tacos. I should be back in ten minutes or less. If you don’t mind waiting, we can eat lunch, and you can tell me about the car.”

Emma’s gaze landed on his helmet and then focused on his face. “I may need more than ten minutes. I was going to walk and get lunch.”

The only place within walking distance was the gas station, and even Marty didn’t buy much there. He grimaced. “Hey, I’m all for chewy burritos or burned corn dogs. But seriously, wouldn’t you rather have a taco?”

“I’m not riding—”

He stopped her there with a raise of his hand. “I know. You’re not riding on my bike. I wouldn’t insult you by asking when I’ve only got one helmet.” He lifted it up. “But I can bring tacos back.”

It was clear she wanted to object, but the idea of something good to eat compared to the dismal choices she had were obviously winning out. She finally dug her wallet out and handed him some money. “That would be great, thank you.”

Caleb came around the corner then, and Marty asked if he wanted to join them for tacos. Caleb shook his head, regret on his face. “I wish, that sounds good. I’ve got an appointment, though. Next week?”

“Sounds good, man.” Marty waved as his friend left the building. After Emma gave Marty her order, he put the helmet on and strode to the door. “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” he called over his shoulder.

True to his word, he rapped on the door twelve minutes later. Emma let him in as she eyed the food bag appreciatively. Marty chuckled and handed it to her. “You skip breakfast or something?”

“Yes. And forgot my lunch. I was not looking forward to food from the gas station. Thank you again.” She carried it to a long picnic table they had set up in an adjoining room. It was an area that the kids could eat a snack or get a drink and rest without worrying about crumbs and sticky Gatorade getting all over the gym mats. Those crumbs seemed to find their way everywhere.

Marty tossed three dollars in the jar on the counter and got two bottles of water out of the cooler before joining her. He sat across from Emma and set a bottle in front of her while she unpacked the bag.

“We should talk to Caleb about having granola bars or something in addition to the drinks. Then at least, on days like today, you could grab one for breakfast.” Marty accepted his three tacos and eagerly unwrapped the first one.

She nodded as she took her first bite. “Mmmm.” Her groan of appreciation had Marty smiling. “Although after today, I think I’ll keep something like that in my bag, just in case.”

“That’s a good idea. Plus, if you exercise during open gym, you may want to eat one for energy afterward.” Marty almost laughed when she shot him a withering look. “What? The shorts weren’t part of your workout plan?”

Emma set her taco down and cradled her head in her hands with a grunt. Some of her hair fell to the table next to her food. Marty nearly leaned across the table to sweep it away but stopped himself.

“You’re like a bulldog who doesn’t drop something once he’s picked it up.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” He grinned at her before taking another bite with a flourish. “Am I wrong?”

“Yes and no. I considered it. I changed into this and, truthfully, was going to change back into jeans when my mom let me know about the car. So here I am.”

Marty made a point of not commenting on the fact that she should wear shorts more often. Instead, he honed in on the rest of what she’d said. “Tell me about the car.”

They talked easily as they ate lunch. While Marty would need to examine the car himself, he had a pretty good idea it was a dead battery. If that were the case, he could get the car up and running for Emma and her mom this evening. He told her as much.

Emma looked like she was going to object, but there was a hint of hope in her eyes. “I hate for you to take time out of your evening like that.”

“Well, this is going to interrupt my plans to eat a Hot Pocket while watching re-runs of NCIS.” He tried to keep a straight face. “But if it doesn’t take too long, I may have time for one episode before it gets too late.”

She shook her head, but a smile pulled at the corners of her mouth. “Do you ever stop joking?”

“Sometimes. But life’s too short to take things too seriously. I’ll follow you back to your place when your mom picks you up?”

“If you’re sure you don’t mind.” She pushed some hair behind one ear and focused her pretty green eyes on him. “Thank you, Marty.”

“You’re welcome, Emma.”

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